Thanksgiving 2010

As with all Thanksgivings we have much to be grateful for this year. In addition to our many blessings, Steven gets regular holiday time off and we have family within a short traveling distance. It's so wonderful.

We headed to Kansas City on Wednesday evening and didn't have to return until Sunday night. Four days with their cousins was a dream for the Ballard kiddos. We ate, played tons of games, ate some more, played at parks, ran tons outside with our "adopted" dog, then came back and ate even more. We also had the chance to drive through an amazing park with more Christmas lights and exhibits then I've seen in my entire life time. It was truly beautiful and the kids went crazy for it. On Saturday we dropped by the theatre and watched Disney's "Tangled", which was adorable and is now my favorite Disney show. It was a long weekend filled with family, food, and fun. What more could you ask for!

Marlatt Sock Hop '10

This was a fundraiser the elementary school did last Friday evening. It was a lot of fun too. The gym was decked out in 50's style and they had music, dancing, and hula hoop contests for two hours straight. Throughout the rest of the school you could find games and lots of food and treats. I should add that the Ballard children won almost every game of limbo. Alright, so they have a slight advantage in lacking height. It was a fun night that ended with sweaty kids asking for their beds. That's when you know you've been to a quality activity.

Haley J

Don't ask me why I haven't learned my lesson!

What am I going to do with this girl? :)

Cupcake

Pudding

Make Up

Make Up Smeared

Not Nine!

Yes. It's true. Our eldest turned nine years old yesterday. It's hard to believe we've been parents for that long, and yet, we can't remember life without her. She has been a complete joy since the day we were blessed with her and to have her as our daughter is a gift we will be forever grateful for. She wanted a party this year so we paid a local gymnastics place $90 to host Ryley and ten of her favorite people. Honestly, it was the best $90 we've spent in a long time. Here are a few things about Ryley at age nine. She continues to LOVE animals, wants to be a veterinarian, and would love nothing more in life than a dog. She loves reading and is currently engulfed in "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince". She loves playing with Pet Shops, her favorite color is red, and pineapple will forever be her favorite pizza topping. Ryley is growing into an amazing young girl and is the best "big" sister three little ones could ask for. She has set an example of love and kindness for them that her Dad and I will always be grateful for. Happy 9th Birthday Ryley. We love you kiddo!

Halloween 2010

With Grandma visiting the Halloween holiday became a week long celebration of fun events. In Tennessee the schools didn't celebrate Halloween, so you can imagine the shock and excitement that Ryley and Kadyn expressed when their current school announced a Halloween party for everyone. Ryley and her fellow classmates were assigned a report to prepare and offer the same day as the parties. This worked out perfectly since each child was to dress up as the individual they chose to do their report on. Ryley picked Sacajawea and did a fabulous job preparing for and presenting her findings. Both girls had great parties that followed and with Grandma here we were able to switch back and forth, dividing and conquering the day perfectly. We spent the remainder of our week at various parks, feeding ducks, and shopping.

Friday evening came and the kiddos got dressed up for our church trunk or treat. This year we had a flower, 2 witches, and mario. They had food, treats, tons of games, and more candy to fill our kids buckets then even they know what to do with. Steven was scheduled to be out of town so this year we opted out of dressing up. At the last minute however he decided to cancel the interview, and while we didn't have a chance to pull together our costume, we were more than happy to just have Dad with us celebrating Halloween 2010. (We had a really great idea though, so tune in next year to see our best costume yet.) It was a great week surrounded by people we love, and really, it doesn't get better than that!

Counting and trading is half the fun.

Anna and Kadyn

Mitchell and Ryley

Being a younger sibling is the best. You get everything twice!

White To Orange

Thatcher earned his orange belt in Taekwondo last week. He worked really hard, in class and at home, as he prepared for the various moves they would be testing on. Seven other kids tested as well and when his moment came he stood and hit each move with exactness. It was really fun to watch. They awarded their belts immediately after and as an additional gift rewarded each child with a matching head band that had chinese letters imprinted on the front. It's pretty neat looking actually. Thatcher intently watched while four children before him walked to the front, had their white belts changed for orange, then walk to another instructor who tied the head band on. Each child took his or her turn and returned to their seat without saying a word. Thatcher's name got called and this is what followed,

(Thatch walks to front)

Instructor: "Congratulations Thatcher. You did well. Here's your orange belt." (Instructor begins putting on belt)

Thatcher: (at first in a mumble) "I don't want that."

Instructor: (A little confused) "What? No. You worked really hard for this. You deserve your new belt." (continues putting belt on)

Thatcher: "But I don't want it".

Instructor: (Done putting belt on) "But why Thatcher. You did great."

Thatcher: "That thing right there" (points to instructor holding headbands) "I don't want that on my head. Do I have to have that on my head?"

(Instructor and parents begin to laugh)

Instructor: "No Thatcher. You don't have to put that on your head. You can just take it home with you, alright."

Thatcher: (Very happy now) "Alright!"

Oh. That's our boy. Even the coolest chinese head band and the kid does not want it on his head. Ironically, I think he heard the parents giggle (out of cuteness) at the first few kids who received their head bands. I know my boy, and if there's one thing he doesn't like it's when individuals giggle at cute things he does. I believe he made his decision based on that, and yet, got the biggest reaction of all with his own. He quickly ran back to his spot and all was soon forgotten as we headed home with him chattering all the way about his hard work and new orange belt. Good job Thatch!

Kansas City's Kaleidoscope

Steven had an interview in Kansas City this past Monday so we packed the family up and headed off once again for a long weekend with the cousins, which resulted in another great visit. On Friday evening Steven and I headed out with Wendy and Brian to enjoy our first taste of The Cheesecake Factory. It was absolutely delicious.

Saturday was spent at the park in a very competitive game of family kick ball. We all had a fantastic time, although the following day my body was telling me otherwise. I guess I haven't played that competitive in a very long time! I can't believe how many muscles can be sore in one body all at the same time.

Sunday we enjoyed a day of rest and visiting with one another. When Monday arrived the kids and I dropped Steven off for his interview and crossed the street to Crown Center in downtown KC. It was amazing. We had a great day there and spent the entire six hours busily enjoying the mall and Kaleidoscope area. It was filled with art and craft projects of every kind for the kids to make and enjoy. We also had fun touring the Hallmark facility. We got to make bows, learn how they emboss cards, and go on a stamp scavenger hunt that was rewarded with free singing cards for each child. It really was a fantastic adventure.