Grandpa Jim and Grandma Shirley

Grandpa Jim and Grandma Shirley
Originally uploaded by allenandcindy

A suprise 80th birthday party was planned for Grandpa Jim. On a recent sunday, as he attended Church in Maquoketa with Grandma Shirley, this tractor and wagon showed up in the parking lot, with all his kids and more than a few of his grandkids. When he came out of church, he was escorted into the seat of honor for a ride around town and back to his house, where the rest of the crew waited. Everyone was wearing John Deere garb, and the party was fun for all. Jims sisters and brothers also came.
If you don't know the story of how Jim came into our family, we can go into that later, but let's just say that is takes a huge leap of faith for a lifelong bachelor to marry a widow with 11 kids, 9 of which were boys. Some were older and independent, but immediately he would have Shirley and 6 kids in his house. We probably don't say thank you to Jim enough for all he has done. Without his 'huge leap of faith', I can't imagine were we would be today.

Margaret turns 3!!

Margarets Birthday Cake
Originally uploaded by allenandcindy

Margaret is growing up quick. She is already 3 and currently kid-in-charge when Carly and Matt are at school. She is at home either dressing up in play clothes with Carly, or wrestling and playing trains with Matt.

Sumertime fun

Twister
Originally uploaded by allenandcindy

This summer included many twister games and puzzles. We even did a 2000 piece puzzle. It took a couple weeks and Dad did alot at night, but we all finished it togethor. Matt and Carly had vacation Bible school at church and totally enjoyed the process. That will be a new yearly tradition. We also had numerous plays performed by Carly, Matt, and Margaret. In addition to that, we watched Jack begin walking, then running, then wrestling with his siblings. We went miniature golfing, but I don't remember who won. Had a few friends down for play dates, and flew a few kites. It was a fun, busy summer.

Christmas in July

Christmas in July
Originally uploaded by allenandcindy

Every summer, the kids have Christmas in July. So this year, July 25th, they read christmas stories, watched christmas shows, listened to christmas carols, and decorated Christmas cookies.