Thanksgiving 2011

We had lots of fun celebrating Thanksgiving at Grandma's house!

The kids decorated Grandma's tree and house for Christmas.

We also took a few pictures for Grandma's Christmas card.  I think Grandma should send out the "goofy grand-kids" picture. 

Cousins

Goofy Cousins

Phoenix 2011

Finally getting a few pictures up from our trip to Arizona.
We went to celebrate Great Grandma Betty's birthday 
All our cousins were there too. It was a lot of fun even though it was soooo hot.
Thank goodness for all the pools!

The Stage Clan

Happy Birthday Great Grandma Betty!

Alex's dormroom at ASU

Hanging out on the balcony

Shopping in Old Scottsdale

Daddy and Kids

Feeding the fish Cheerios

In the hotel room....

Our Florida Cousins

Swimming

Swimming with our cousins

William

Claudia

Shoelaces

Claudia,

You came downstairs to the kitchen this past Friday wearing William's black dress shoes.

You:  "Look.  I tied these.".

Me:  Really?  (noticing that they were actually tied correctly) How did you do that?

You:  Like this... and you showed me how you tied your shoes.

Me:  Where did you learn how to do that?

You:  I've been watching Dad tie my shoes.

Me:  Hmmmm

Then we cheered loudly and danced around the kitchen. I shouted the good news to William. He wasn't as impressed as I was... I detected a bit of jealousy.

Congratulations my little shoe-tier!

Halloween 2011

Heading downtown for Trick-or-treating with a ninja and witch

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin Patch

Waiting for neighborhood Trick-or-Treating to start

Grandma and the kids

Mom made Daddy wear the Green M&M

Fun at the Patch...

Claudia's Birthday

Claudia, on left, painting her bedroom "Razzle Dazzle" pink

I want a pumpkin pie and a cherry crisp for my first party.

Playing with Dad at Bella Boo's

Dress up at Bella Boo's

 I want a ice cream pie for my real birthday.

Sleepy Claudia... Too much party!

Yeah!  My baby doll!

Opening my gifts

Birthday #3 and a cake!

First Day of School

Happy first Day of School 2011-2012

New Backpacks

Don't I look cute with my flower?

Always smiling....

"But... I wanted to sit at the red table!"

"My desk is soooo cool."

Block Party 2011

Yesterday we had our first block party.  Mom and Dad had the opportunity to meet neighbors we have never seen before (sounds weird, I know) and you kids made lots of new friends!

I was elected as a "Blockhead" in charge of childrens' games (I really wanted to be in charge of the beer garden, but it didn't happen).  I planned the games, shopped for favors and then made Dad in charge of executing the games.  I think Dad enjoyed himself.

Here's a few photos from the big event.

Miss Claudia

Mr. William

Face Painting with
Casey

Water Play in the Neighbor's Sprinklers

Caludia and Casey Eating Lunch

Walnut Street

Mom's Brookdale House

Hi William and Claudia,

Recently we found out that Grandma and Grandpa's house in Palatine is for sale.

Mommy really wanted to show you the house I grew up in.  We lived there from 1971 to 1988.

We waited until a open house was scheduled, picked up Grandma and headed north.

Here's a few pictures from the house.... more to come.

Living Room

Living Room

Kitchen

Kitchen

Dining Room

Family Room

Den

My Bedroom. I found some of my "drawings" still in the cabinet.

Mud Room / Laundry off of Kitchen

Back Yard/Deck

Back of House

Basement. Grandpa had a HUGE bar back here!