Dallas Awana Grand Prix 2017

The race car. Would you have guessed it is painted orange.  He painted it himself. Kids and spray paint do not mix... Dallas designed his car then he and Robert headed to a friends house to use proper wood tools (that we don't own). Robert has learned from past seasons (Emily) that our vast selection of car tools do not make an easy wood card build. 

 Here he is waiting for his turn. Each Awana T and T kid races against each other and has the chance to do that in each of the four lanes on the ramp. Thankfully they have a software program running the show, and there is popcorn to eat while we watch.

 Dallas placed third place in SPEED!

So proud

Dallas is NINE

It's official. I am squarely in the big kid category. I held a 6 month old for a couple hours yesterday and it was so strange. I liked it, and six months is a fun age, very interactive. But my kids are in a very different stage. It is easier and harder in many ways. 

Dallas is nine. We celebrate all week! He requested a haircut, thank goodness.  I am not a confident stylist. I was glad he was willing to go back to a salon. Robert talked up how cool SportsClips would be. He received the first timer treatment, hot towel and massage, and liked it!

 I am grateful his hair has a bit of a shape again!

 Opening gifts is fun. He has really enjoyed this paper airplane book from Grandpa and Grandma

 Gift from Noelle, I can't recall what this is though?

 Dude Perfect Nerf football from Emily

 The Grove Cafe pancake breakfast date with Dad. He did not finish.

 Per usual, he requested his favorite dinner. Jimmy Johns.  Looks like they knew it was his favorite way to celebrate as well.  He wanted to eat sandwiches at home while watching tv.  Love this kid!

 Thank goodness we have had mild temps. I did not ever want to host a troop of boys in my living room with the tree up again. I tried to rent a couple of gyms in town and the timing did not work out. It ended up being 55 degrees so we went to the park!!!!!  Robert had arranged our good friend to go chalk the court, it was so special, I am glad he thought of it. 

 I am especially proud/thankful for these friends Dallas has surrounded himself with. These are all good kids, and are so fun (and crazy)

The Perfect Gift - Christ Community Church 2017

This event is so fun.  We have been asked to make taffy the last several years. 

It is a big commitment to be at the church for 9-10 hours and really not experience much of the magic with our kids. It is all worth it, we chatted with many interesting people this year. I love how this even serves our community. 

Robert has done a mini-event of bucket drumming the past two years. He amazes me at his zero stress, throw a few people at a project and make it work, and have it be fun.  He arranged everything for this 2 days before go time!

Noelle was an angel this year for the pagent/musical. The volunteer that heads t
his up chooses from two or three programs she rotates. This year Noelle wanted a small speaking part. She ended up being Gabriel and recited Luke 2: 10-12
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Dallas was a reluctant King. He did not want to be there, but as the good parents we are we leveraged basketball for participation. He was a very handsome wise man and eventually had fun hanging with the other two kings. 

The kids performed at the Perfect Gift. Emily has aged out. They invite preschoolers through 5th grade. We were all a bit sad about that.  It is another one of those pivotal year things, she is not a kid, but not a teenager.  She is also at the age where she can help and volunteer which she said is fun in a different way.

This is Noelle in the "tea room" at the Perfect Gift. The kids get to put on dress up clothes and sit and eat cookies and tea/punch.

Robert pulling taffy.  I am glad he obliges me.

They performed again on Sunday, a couple of songs from the musical and rang bells as well.  It is fun to see everyone in their Christmas best.

I will leave you wondering if we "got" the picture.... in our Sunday best