Elle and Drew started making bookmarks and the next day when school was canceled for a school day...
They opened up their own bookmark shop!
Well, I posted this adorable shop on Facebook and friends and family started taking orders! We went with it and decided to donate all proceeds to W.I.R.E.S. to help with the Australia! This kept us busy and excited all day.
Mailing the orders out...
Uncle Tom and Aunt Cathy surprised the kids with Save Australia t-shirts!
I was checking on the kids before we headed for bed...This is what we found in the top bunk. SO special but yes, we did move Drew back to his bed.
Basketball season is underway! This year Luke is on the Spartan team with Coach Megan. Luke has had an AMAZING season averaging 14 points a game. Luke's competitiveness has really amped up.
Way to leave it all on the court, Luke! We are so proud of you!
Ellie is on the Cheetah's with Coach Kristen! Ellie is rocking at point guard and dribbles with both hands around her opponent. She is also getting her shot down! Last game she scored 6 points!
Way to push yourself, Elle! We are so proud of you!
Ben met up with Megs for lunch now that she is at the Royal Oak Institute! Here is Megan at her Director's desk!!
We enjoyed a few months at Goldfish Swim thanks to Papa and Gma Cooley! Drew moved 3 levels!
This big guy on my lap, graduated from the entire Goldfish program and is now invited to be on the Goldfish Swim team!
Superbowl 2020 party with the Pattons and the Cosbys! These were the 2 most decent pics from the night. :)
Luke shared his knowledge on CIRCUITS at the McGregor Science Fair.
Drew with his "perfect 10" while at NC3. I took this pic from their Facebook page.
Our 3 favorite Valentines, getting ready for Valentine's Day!
This was up at Drew's school about what his friends said about him. So cute!
At our church during this time of year, they host a friendly competition called Pineapple Mayhem. The kids can earn "money" for memorizing certain verses, fun facts, books of the Bible etc. This weekend was crazy hair day!
While crazy hair day was happening at home, I was having a crazy fun time with my banchie girls in Florida! We all met up for the weekend at the Villages in Florida where Kate's aunt has a place. It was so fun and the sunshine was on point.
My Moscow Mule and new earrings from Kate matched!
They all ride gold carts around the Villages...Here we are holding on for dear life! Those carts can go!
Literally holding on for dear life...
The weekend was a blast and when I got home this sweet poster welcomed me.
Drew's 5 year well visit! Here are his stats:
42 lbs. 50th percentile
50th percentile...Our little tyke is growing!
The kiddos made a fort and were reading it in so sweetly that we let them keep the fort and sleep in it for the night!
Mr. Fix-It Man
We had swim classes, both bball games, Ben took Elle and Luke to church because they had memorized all of the books of the Bible, and I took Drew to a bday party when I got the call...5:30 at night. Ben called me from church asking if we should go to Grand Rapids to visit Uncle B and Aunt Mol and to meet new baby Rosie who was born that Tuesday. Well....YES! Let's go!
We all met up back at home and arrived around 10. We stayed until mid-morning and it was just the best to have a chance to get over there to meet sweet Rosie and see the crew.
Look at those sweet faces!
Inspired by Dude Perfect...We had our own challenges happening around the house...
On MLK day, Ben had a big STEM event at Oakland Schools for all elementary kids in Oakland County. Ben brought Luke and Elle with him and they had so much fun! They got up on the mic to introduce themselves to the group. :)
Elle was also a rock star at Goldfish making it to the LAST level before graduation. It was so special because Luke and Elle were in the SAME class a few times before Luke graduated.
Daddy/Daughter Dance 2020! This is a night that Ben and Elle talk about the entire year!
LoVe.
You are beautiful, Elle.
Ellie made this sign at SAC and surprised Ben with it...
With her girls...
With her teacher Mrs. McConnachie!
And they ended the night with the tradition of milkshakes at Ram's Horn.
Then rise and shine for their 2nd swim practice for that weekend. Again, same class!
Elle, little nugget, but holding her own in the last class!
After swim we were off to our basketball games!
That night Bing and Amanda came over for the Garth Brooks concert at Ford Field. Garth for life!
That day we celebrated Gma Uitti!! Happy birthday, Gma! We love you so much!
Then off to Oakland University because of our P.R.I.D.E. leader Elle!!
Rochester could pick 4 students in the District, FOUR! Ellie was pre-selected in a small group of students that were nominated at her school. Then her WHOLE school voted from that small group of students...teachers, admin., fellow students, all voted and ELLE WAS THE WINNER!! Ellie, we pray that you know how special, how loved, how mighty, and how fierce you are!!!
Elle got us all free tickets to the game and at halftime she was acknowledged for her outstanding character! Here she is with Grizz just about to walk out...
Uncle Chad, Ryan, Harlow, Gpa and Gma U. cheering her on!
It was also McGregor day at the arena, the last home game of the season, and senior night. We went into double overtime and won at the buzzer. So, I'd say it was a decent time.
Almost time...
Can you find Luke cheering in the stands?
And she's off...
Mr. Beers, Gibby's Dad and a family friend, announces at all the OU bball games. It was special to have him announce Elle and read a blurb about why she is the Outstanding leader in character at McGregor!
Congratulations, Elle. You have the world at your fingertips. Keep rocking the world around you!!!
I LOVE YOU!
Wear the Bear shirt!
Luke's FACE!!
Harlow's in the house!
Our McG friends at the game!
With some of our FAVORITE teachers! Luke's teacher 3rd and 4th grade teachers Ms. Cunningham and Ms. Pas and Elle's 1st grade teacher Ms. Davis! Also, with buddies Gracie and Ellie P.
A day Ben and I have tucked in our hearts for many years to come.
Then, later that week...Look what I found in my fridge after a late night of work?! Could my heart be more full. These words from our 4th grade son. I will keep this in my mom trophy box forever.
A late night followed up with back-to-back snow days, YES PLEASE! Ben even had a snow day! We put as many clothes on as possible and hiked through the park. I have to hold my breath and even look away sometimes but they say resilient kids in nature leads to resilient kids in life. So here's to resiliency.
