snow snow snow ...

It's been a snowy winter here! But it sure didn't hinder the kids from playing out there. And look at that mound of snow!

Coronation Dance and Zoe

Zoe poses for a few pictures! Like the hat?!

Then there was the Coronation Dance. Keale and her friends got all dressed up and went! They looked as pretty as a picture. We couldn't take enough pictures.

Destin Florida and the Spelling Bee

We decided to drive home
Florida, so we stopped over
in the Destin area. They
had some really nicely
decorated Palm and Christmas Trees. It was a little cold however.

Back to school in January. And Ellis won the Progress South Elementary Spelling Bee. I think I was more nervous than he was. What an accomplishment! We are very proud of him. He competed later in the District spelling bee (didn't win but great experience) and also had the chance to try out for the Post Dispatch spelling bee (he didn't make it).

Florida with mom and dad

The beach was great as usual! The kids really enjoyed playing football. And mom, dad and I enjoyed taking in the sun!

We went on the harbor cruise and drooled at the mansions there. Amazing houses! Sam, the kids and grandpa even got in a little fishing. I think they mostly caught baby turtles but also a few small fish.

More Christmas photos

Christmas Gathering

We had a family gathering before Christmas at our house with the Finch and Walker clans coming together. The kids really enjoyed frosting cut out cookies (and I think eating them was a hi-light, too). Emma and Anneke especially enjoyed the creativity and were very fond of eating them too. Aunt Linda was very fond of eating the cookies too! Aunt Mary "Sam" made homemade pizzas for us - Yummy! We had an excellent visit! And a wonderful Christmas.

Halloween Haunts

Keale's friends (left to right) Gypsy Sammi, Motorcycle Babe Melanie, Raggedy Ann Grace, Keale the Beebop Diner Girl, and (our cousin) Dirt Bike Girl Chantel. The second photo we added Detective Matt, Cheesehead Gage, and Super Charger Fan Ellis. Lots of fun!