More fun school excitement!

Ashley and Alan's classes had holiday celebrations on the last day before the break. Ashley's class made gingerbread houses. Ok well they were only sort of gingerbread houses. They were actually made out of graham crackers and hot glue, but the kids had a great time decorating them. Rowan loved getting to go to the school and join in the fun. I am sure she thinks school is just a bunch of singing and parties!

Breakfast of Champions!

Alan's pre-k class was full of snacks too!

Celebrations begin - Scooter Time!

My parents came in for an early Christmas celebrations. The kids each received a scooter and helmet from Nana and Papa. It was hilarious to watch them get all suited up to go out and play. We have had a string of rainy days, so they were excited just to get outside.

Rowan looked like a little mushroom with the big hardshell helmet on. It was really cute!

Kodi enjoyed getting out for a bit as well.

Ashley was a pro! She had been on scooters at friend's houses before, so she knew what she was doing.

Alan figured it out in a matter of minutes. He was so excited when he saw the box to his McQueen scooter. The helmet was not as exciting though. Once he finally let us put it on him he had a great time.

Rowan took longer to get used to the scooter. She would just straddle the scooter and run with it. It was really funny. We kept explaining to her how to ride and Ashley would show her. She would try for a minute and then explain to us why it was impossible. She is so little that she could not get her foot around the back wheels. She has the hang of it now, but it made for a funny afternoon.

Christmas in the Park

Ashley sang with the schools show choir at Christmas in the Park. After they were done performing, we got in line to see Santa. It was touch and go on whether or not Rowan was going to be able to muster the courage to talk to him. We kept telling her that if she wants a Dora bike then she has to tell Santa that she wants it. Alan was a bit tentative, but handled the fear well. There was no getting a smile out of him though!

After their Christmas requests were given to Santa and we were heading to the car, Rowan looked up and said " Hey, where's my Dora bike?" I guess she thought that if she asked she would immediately receive the bike. Waiting is not her strong suit. So, the next day she made a Christmas countdown chain with Nana. Every night she tears off a link and it gets one night closer to Christmas. I am just waiting for the day when she rips all the links off and announces that it is present time.

Gingerbread House and Tree Decorating

Thanksgiving Fun and Excitement

Thanksgiving was full of fun and excitement around here. Alan's class had a Thanksgiving Feast and program for the parents on the same day as the school's family lunch day. The kids sang a few songs for us and gave their parents the crafts that they had been working on. It was really cute. Afterwards, we all met Ashley and had lunch with her. It was a lot of turkey on one day, but we all enjoyed it.

Meet Kodi!

This is our newest family member .... Kodi!!!!

He is a sweet 10 week old Chocolate lab. Ashley is so excited that she can hardly stand it. David had been combing the Internet looking for a chocolate lab for days. The Saturday before Thanksgiving he found a woman with one lab left. We packed up the car and went to Columbus to meet her and the puppy. it was love at first site for the oldest Popriks. The younger ones are taking more time to come around., but they enjoyed playing in his kennel.

Alan finally started to come around. Now the poor dog can't even take a nap without having his tail pulled or having a radio set next to him to learn his ABC's. Occasionally he will just fall asleep where he can. Kodi is fitting in well!

Veterans Day Celebrations and Mall Carnivals

The 4th grade did a Veteran's Day presentation. They sang patriotic songs and showed pictures of relatives that had served in the Armed Forces. You can tell from the pictures that the kids were obviously thrilled

The carnival was at the mall a few weeks ago. Ashley got to take a friend to run around with while we took the little ones on some rides. The had the best time! Well not Rowan, but Ashley and Alan did. Rowan was scared of most of the rides but loved the fun houses and going through those. Alan and Ashley had no fear of the rides and went on everything they could.

Checking out the view on the Ferris Wheel

Girl Scout Campout

On November 6th, I went on my first camping adventure in 15 years. I went with Ashley's Girl Scout troop to spend the night at Camp Howdy. There is nothing better to reintroduce yourself to the great outdoors like an overnight with a group of 9 year old girls. I was exhausted. Man they have some energy. Those girls were pyros! Their favorite activity was starting the campfire and keeping it going. They really refined their savaging skills looking for twigs and kindling. I am not sure if we should have handed them the large box of matches, but it seemed to keep them entertained for hours.

The goofy girls eating breakfast that was made over the campfire. Ashley was exceptionally silly on this morning. I think it was from the lack of sleep.

The day was full of fun activities.

The girls learning how to take down the tent.

Pumpkins and Trick or Treating

Ashley and Rowan gutted a pumpkin the night before Halloween. It ended up being a 2 sided pumpkin- one side had Cinderella and the other side has Lightning McQueen.

That night we decided to let the little kids joined us for our movie night. We watched the newest Tinkerbell movie and had tons of popcorn. They loved it!

On Halloween day, David spent most of his time getting the front of the house decorated. The kids and I did some last minute shopping and got ready for Trick-or-treating. Ashley was a Renaissance princess, Rowan was Cinderella and Alan was a Chef. Ashley went trick or treating with a friend while the little ones went around with me. We had been worried about how the kids would act while trick or treating, but we shouldn't have. They both were pros within a few houses. The knew to go up to the house, say trick or treat and thank you, then come back to me on the sidewalk. We ended up going to so many streets that I wondered if Rowan would make it home. She did have a minor candy induced meltdown when we got home, but fell asleep quickly. Alan stayed up late and helped David pass out candy and Ashley had a friend spend the night. All- in all it was a successful holiday. OH and I got to eat lots of candy. :)