Drake - 12 months

I can't believe my baby turned 1 this month.  The year has gone by so fast and he is quickly becoming a little boy.  Drake didn't settle into a routine like our other two did.  It made Sylvia's preschool schedule and running errands easier but also meant that he was a little grumpier at times.  He seems to love noise and chaos as he's always happy when we're out and about or staying up late at a friends house.  We always get compliments on how easy and laid back he is when we pick him from the nursery at church.  We love him dearly and can't wait to see what he'll be like as he grows up.

 

1st dance recital

Sylvia's dance teacher put together a small recital for some of her students.  Not all of the girls in our class could come but we made it along with two others.  The girls worked hard all semester to learn this.  Sylvia also learned the words to the song and I hear her singing it around the house.

Brown Day

We finished up November with Brown Day at preschool.

Outside in the Fall

We tried to spend as much time as possible outside before the snow came.  It's sometimes hard to get all three kids out at once but it sure is fun when we do.

Sylvia's 5th Birthday

Our families joined us on Sylvia's birthday to celebrate.  She asked for a carrot cake.

Sylvia wanted everybody to do her party activities so we pinned the owls on the tree again and went on a nature hunt for animals.  She asked about doing the crafts but we passed on that one..

 

Sylvia was very excited about her "new" My Little Ponies.  The one thing she really wanted for her birthday was a bath scrubby with an animal on it so she was pleased to get two.

Enjoying some birthday cake and ice cream at the picnic table grandpa let us borrow.

Sylvia's Preschool Birthday

Sylvia's special day at preschool was the day before her birthday.  She got to blow out candles on the birthday cake and have her class to sing to her during calendar time.

 

She also got a birthday crown from Mrs. Berends and was the line leader for the day.

 

I got to spend the day with Sylvia and see all the things she enjoys at preschool.  The drama center was full of wrapping paper and boxes to wrap.

Sylvia loves doing projects at preschool with Mrs. Berends and Mrs. Nelson at the art and fine motor tables.

There are always lots of toys and friends to spend time with.

Sylvia choose trix on sticks for her birthday treat.

 

The birthday girl at recess.

 

Sylvia brought her new scooter for share time. 

 

Eric joined the class for a few songs at the end of the day.

Camp Sylvia

We celebrated Sylvia's 5th birthday with a group of her friends at "Camp Sylvia" complete with bug juice, gummy worms, gorp and s'mores.

 

Party gifts included flashlights and compasses.

 

We started the afternoon with stickers and stencils at the table.

The campers all pinned an owl on the tree.

We went on a nature hunt for (beanie baby) animals.

The fishin' hole was Sylvia's favorite.

Everyone made a pine cone bird feeder and leaf decorations.

 

Sylvia chose to have s'mores instead of a birthday cake.  Everybody roasted a marshmallow around the fire pit before heading inside to the picnic tables.

 

Everyone seemed to enjoying camp snacks and drinking out of canteens.

 

Dan managed to get 5 candles in a giant marshmallow for Sylvia to blow out.

 

The last thing to do was open presents.  The kids got closer and closer as the presents were opened.

 

We're so thankful for this group of friends that helped make Sylvia's 5th birthday so special.

Granny

We enjoyed another visit from Granny at Thanksgiving.  Dan's cousin Kecia was able to join her this time.  We're so thankful for all the time we get to spend with family.

Besties

We've had the chance to spend time with close friends each November when Yuani comes back to Iowa for Thanksgiving.  This year he brought along his new wife, Karen.  Our families enjoyed dinner and a game of Settlers after the kids went to bed.  I love spending time with friends...especially when I've known them since high school.

Drake's Dedication

Our extended family joined us in November as we dedicated Drake William Broffitt to the Lord during a service at Parkview.  We're so thankful for a wonderful family and church to help us raise our children.  It's a challenging task but one that God has entrusted to us.

Thanksgiving Feast

Sylvia's preschool class celebrated Thanksgiving with a feast.  They ate turkey, cranberry jello, mashed potatoes, rolls, carrots, a turkey cookie (made during centers) and a piece of cake (from their HyVee field trip).  I volunteered in the kitchen and got to attend the feast with my little turkey.

 

Fall Wee Dance

Sylvia participated in dance again this fall with Miss Aubrey at Parkview.  She loves it and it has been wonderful to see her grow in so many ways because of it.  A few of the girls were able to dance at a recital with some of Aubrey's other students.  You can check it out in the last video.

HyVee Field Trip

Sylvia's preschool class took a field trip to HyVee.  They were learning about food and preparing for their Thanksgiving Feast.  They got samples of apple, pizza, cheese & meat, cookies and hot cocoa while they were there.  Touching the lobster was a highlight as well as watching a cake be decorate and a flower arrangement made.  I drove the bus and got to tag along on the field trip.