Last photo - December 31, 2010

Last photo of the kids together for 2010.

Welcome Lea-Bell and Z-Sugar - December 26, 2010

One of the things the kids wanted for christmas were dwarf hamsters.

Even though they freak me out (they have those demon eyes - uck!) we went ahead and got them for the kids.

Lizzy isn't too sure about them either.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

These are some of my favorite pictures taken from each month of this year.

We had a lot of fun times.

I'm hoping for an even better year for everyone out there in 2011. 

Sledding at Ft. Ben - Dec.20th, 2010

Today we thought it would be fun to go sledding with all the snow we've had. So off we went to Ft. Ben.

We bought a new sled that goes really fast and the kids seemed to like it a lot. I tried it and due to me having no behind, I felt every bump. I don't think I'll try it again. Fortunately the kids inherited Jeff's behind and come down the hill many times on that sled! (LOL)

Jeff seemed to have a lot of fun too.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 - December 18th, 2010

Jared was at a party and a sleepover today and Sydney really wanted to see the new Harry Potter movie so we took her tonight and it was pretty good. Glad we don't have to wait very long to see part 2.

“Laissez les bons temps rouler!" Mrs. D.

On the 10th of December we lost a wonderful lady that meant a lot to us. She was a huge inspiration for me to be a better baker and to learn more about Mardi Gras (lol). She taught me how to correctly write the term  “Laissez les bons temps rouler!" which translated means "Let the good times roll". We will miss you Mrs. D. but we know you are in a better place.  

Barbara J. Donley Of Indianapolis, passed from this life on Dec. 10, 2010. Born March 25, 1933, she was the daughter of Stanley K. and Lucille (Gumm) Buntain. She was a graduate of Arsenal Technical High School and DePauw University, and earned her Master's Degree from Butler University. She had been a teacher at Heritage Christian School. She married the love of her life, Robert C. Donley, on Sept. 17, 1954, at Robert's Park United Methodist Church in Indianapolis. Barbara will be greatly missed by all her family and friends. Survivors include her husband of 56 years, Robert Donley; children, Laura Taylor-Mitchell, Curtis Donley (wife Raellen), and Julia Street (husband John); grandchildren, Michael Taylor, Tyler Donley, Matthew Mitchell, and Emilyn Donley; four great-grandchildren; brother William Buntain; and two nieces. A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday in the social room in Tamarack Villa at Westminster Village North in Indianapolis. Memorial contributions may be made to Westminster Village Foundation.

Sydney's Winter Party - December 17, 2010

Sydney had her winter party today. The kids got to wear their P.J.'s to school and take a blanket and pillow. They watched a movie, made a craft and had breakfast. Fun!

Jared's Winter Class Party - December 17th, 2010

This Winter Party consisted of a wonderful service learning project. The kids created soup jars during the party that will feed 324 people!

They also got to have a ton of food for breakfast. The most popular food item - BACON! It was such a hot commodity that it was stolen off of plates and eaten before the kids knew it was gone!

They also got to play a game and watch a movie! I wanna go back to school?

Kids trying to break off icicles - Monday, December 6th, 2010

First Snow of the Season - December 1, 2010

Wahoo, YAY! I like the snow which is probably an unpopular thought but I do.

Starting to feel a lot like Christmas!

Sydney's Fall School Picture - Nov. 5th, 2010

Jared's Fall School Picture - Nov. 5th, 2010

Happy Halloween - October 31st, 2010

Meet Michael Myers and Ruby the Pirate!

Jared wanted to be something scary this year so he could scare people and Syd wanted to be kind of scary but still look pretty. I think they accomplished their goal.

Jeffery got into it and wore a mask.

Makin' Jack-o-Lanterns - Oct. 30, 2010

Today was the first chance we had to carve our pumpkins and everyone did a good job!

Jared's last All Star game - Oct. 30th, 2010

Jared's never afraid to take on the big guys!

Today we played early in the morning and it was below freezing. The boys had a hard time getting going, some of them never did so we lost the game 6-0 and that put us out of the tournament. We were sad to have lost the game but it means that we have nights and the weekend to ourselves for a week!

Syd working the Chains - Oct. 30th, 2010

Syd has found something she likes to do at football while Jared is playing.

She runs chains!

Usually Jeff is around to help her, but she likes having something to do.

Look on the right side of the picture and you'll see Jeff and Syd, with Syd holding the marker! Jared is #44 on the left side of the picture on the offensive line.

Sydney's Fall Party - Oct. 29, 2010

Sydney had her Fall Party at school this morning. They got to play Fall Twister and Indian Sticks

eat breakfast

and make a craft.

Is this supposed to be a Woodpecker? - October 28th, 2010

We bought some suet that was supposed to attract Woodpeckers and we saw a Downey but I don't think this qualifies, LOL!

Graveyard - October 28th, 2010

So every year before Halloween arrives we make a graveyard out of brownie, chocolate covered graham crackers, candy worms, black liquorice, etc, etc. Here is this years masterpiece.  

However, not all of the goodies made it to the graveyard. Some of it made it into peoples belly or attached to them somehow. 

Marque's Baseball Game - October 17th, 2010

This morning we went to watch Jared and Syd's cousin play in a baseball game. He did an awesome job, making 2 runs(?) I may be wrong on the terminology.

Playoff game - Black vs. Gold - Oct. 16th, 2010

Today the Gold team played the black team for a spot in the championship game. We Won! Wahoo. Gold and Blue will play for the championship tomorrow.

Jared made some awesome tackles to help win the game and cause the other team not to score.

Jared's Football Game - Gold v Ravens - Oct. 9th, 2010

Jared played the Ravens this afternoon and we won! Yay. Awesome birthday present for our Jared! Here is a picture of one of Jared's awesome tackles.

Sydney Cheering - Oct. 9th, 2010

Syd had her turn to cheer this morning and as usual was energetic and loud and did an awesome job!

Piney Acres Gem Mine - Oct. 3rd, 2010

The farm also had a sluice where you could sort through the rough that you bought at the store.

Piney Acres Graveyard - Oct. 3rd, 2010

While we were at the farm we noticed that they had a graveyard and they had a Wayne tombstone. The kids decided to go and 'die' next to it.

Piney Acres - Stuck in a corn maze - Oct. 3rd, 2010

So we go to Piney Acres and go through the corn maze. Jeff, Syd and I go through together and Jared and his buddy Kyle go through together. We have Jeff the map maker with us so ofcourse we get through just fine, but the boys freak out a little and we have to make our way back to them. So while waiting I took some pictures of the corn. It's about as interesting as it looks.

   

Pictures of the kids and the corn maze.

Syd takes Lizzy and Cookie for a walk - September 30th, 2010

Isn't she a cutie!

Sunset at Cheer Practice - Sept. 30, 2010

We got to sit at the top of the hill at cheer and it gave a pretty good view of the sunset and surrounding area. Pretty.

Jared - The All Star

Jared tried out for the All Star football team and he made the team! Go Jared!

Jared's Football Game - Orange v Gold - September 25, 2010

Jared's team played the Orange team today and they won their game. Go Gold!



Jared being tackled carrying the ball.



Jared getting a Kick-off recovery.