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Artist At Work 2010
James got a pack of construction paper with some bottle money he had saved, and the first project he did was re-create the picture on the front of the package. James showed a lot of patience and work as he got the exact colors and drew the figures. Neither Mary nor myself are very good artist’s but I know both his Grandma and Grandpa Kleiber (could draw a very good popeye) were excellent in drawing so maybe talent skips a generation.
Mom and Dad thought enough of his effort that we framed the picture for him. Now he has an artist easel and he is making the most out of it. Do we have an artist in the making?
Christmas Eve 2010
James had a busy day Christmas Eve, he opened his first gift from Aunt Criss and Uncle Ken in the morning, then headed out for a brief roadtrip. The first stop was Aunt Peg’s house where we exchanged gifts. Aunt Peg’s visitor parking area was full so we had to park where we weren’t supposed to. James got $$$ from Aunt Peg and wanted markers so we stopped and let him have a little spending spree. After that we went to the China buffet for lunch, James was pretty good there, then we headed to Grandma’s (who parking lot also was full). Grandma also gave James $$$ to spend but he will have to wait till after Christmas for his second spending spree.
After Halloween Sale 2010
There was after Halloween sales everywhere, in some cases Halloween decorations were 90% off. Mary takes advantage of this each year and gets Dad’s birthday gifts a little early, (last year we got the skeleton peanut vendor after Halloween from Walmarts). Hopefully not too many people realize the savings so that we can continue to save each year. Only problem is you have to wait a year to use the stuff but we think it’s worth the wait. Besides, there is no way we could afford to pay the retail price on this stuff, it adds up quickly.
Trick or Treat 2010
This year James got to wear two costumes, the first for school was the skeleton for the school parade and the main costume was Woody from Toy Story 3 which he used to go Trick or Treating. We were concerned that James might lose the hat for the Woody costume at the school parade and also james was more fond of the Woodie costume.
Dad took James trick or treating while Mom handed out candy. Aunt Peg who usually hands out candy was not available this year because she was recovering from the leg injury she got this past summer. James did a great haul this year and the weather was perfect for trick or treating.
Hoover Elementary Halloween Parade 2010
James had a big day Friday, the 29th of Oct, when he got to dress up in his Halloween costume to go to school. James was pretty excited the night before and did not sleep well, in the morning he was yawning and was somewhat sluggish while watching Curious George. This is actually not what he will be wearing on Halloween (he will be Woody from Toy Story but we were very concerned the high winds might blow away Woody’s cowboy hat at the parade). The parade took place around the school and it appeared everyone was very well dressed. James looked surprised and somewhat in awe at the festivities, this was the first parade he has ever been in (he has seen several) and was a little shy, but he soon got into the swing of things, waving to his adoring public. Later in the day they had a Halloween party for just the students and James came home with many Halloween decorations he made in class.
Most of the decorations for Halloween are up, but not a lot outside yet (we had pretty heavy winds so none of the inflatables are up yet, they will go up Halloween morning if the weather permits). Weather is forecasting rain on Halloween so we have made preparations for other activities if Jame’s trick or treating is shortened.
Gearing Up For Halloween & Parade 2010
October is a big deal for the family as the Halloween decorations come out and get set up, this year we planted a pumpkin patch in the back and it outgrew the garden, however it is paying dividends and we have gotten a couple pumpkins already out of our own back yard. Last year Mary went out and bought my birthday gifts the day after Halloween and she got great deals on a bunch of cool decorations so this year we are reaping the benefits of her fore sight. She plans on doing the same this year. James has been a much bigger help this year, participating more in the decorating and giving his input on where he wants things. The ghost that floats across the window is entirely James idea, and he seems to be more “gentle” with the props where as in years past we would find them taken apart due to his curiosity.
Anyhow we got a good jump on the Halloween season and uploaded some pictures and videos that you might enjoy seeing. New this year is a fogger that blows bubbles full of fog. When the bubble bursts, it lets out fog and really looks cool.
Happy Birthday James and Peg 2010
It was truly a toy story 3 birthday celebration for James, his day began by playing his video game early while Mom and Dad secretly decorated the kitchen. Dad and James went to pick up Aunt Peg and Mom went to pick up Grandma and we met at Applebees for lunch. James and Aunt Peg went to Toys R Us where James spent all the money he got from relatives on Toy Story games including another Toy Story Wii game (thanks to all who made this possible). While James was at Toys R Us, Mom put the finishing touches on the kitchen decorations and when James came in he was greeted with a table full of toys, cards, candy and more cash. After sharing some cake with the neighbors, James played with just about everything and toward the end of the night he was so tired he could hardly keep his eyes open but kept playing till he fell asleep (His cousin Mark would be proud). We think James enjoyed this birthday more than any others because it was so diversified. Aunt Peg who also celebrated her birthday received several gifts as well including having Happy Birthday sung to her by her sister Criss.
Thanks again to all who made this possible.
James Starts Second Grade 2010
School days are here again ! James arose a few minutes before 7 AM and got ready for school. Mommy supervised as he dressed in a new pair of shoes, a new shirt, and new shorts and socks. Last year, James and Mommy watched Curious George together while waiting for the bus. This morning, he was too excited to watch.
At approximately quarter after seven, the bus pulled up and Mommy walked with him to meet the bus for the first time. James, of course, carried his new Toy Story 3 backpack. Barb is the new school bus driver. Pearl is the attendant. James and Pearl are well-acquainted since Pearl was the attendant on the bus that he rode last year. A little boy from our block will be riding the bus with James for the first time this year. Unfortunately, the child attends a different school than James.
James is once again attending Hoover Elementary in Lincoln Park. Mr. Elia will be James’ teacher for the second year in a row. As always, Dad documents James’ milestones with photographs. Share James’ excitement and nervousness by looking at Dad’s photo gallery.
Mom’s Birthday
Mary had a very interesting and different birthday. She has lost much weight and all her souvenir shirts from past Mackinaw visits no longer fit her, so while we were there we tried to replace most of them. You can see the new souvenir shirts displayed by Mary that she got for her birthday.
When her birthday actually came, James helped decorate the house with balloons (not one did he blow up). We took Mary to her favorite outlet mall in Birch Run, then took a quick trip to Bronners Christmas store in Frankenmuth. It began to rain so we headed back and Mary had one of her favorite meals of all time, barbecued ribs and chicken from the Boneyard restaurant.
Thanks to all who sent cards, gifts, and well wishes.
Bronners Visit 2010
We decided it would be a nice break to go to Bronners and start our day off from there. Moms birthday is today and we wanted her to have a good time with good eats. We also wanted to replace some of her shirts at the outlet mall which is very close to Bronners so why not Bronners on a birthday.
Everyone got something and there were lots of Christmas items that we had never seen before. We really like the new icicle lights (not sure if they are new but they are to us) where the light seems to drop down the icicle as if its melting. Mom added some bulbs to her candy tree and James picked up a couple items as well. It was such a nice day its hard to believe summer will soon be over.
