Abby Fiona Schrader

The puppy days are over! Or maybe not, the kids just caught her licking the icing container.

"I'll teach my dog 100 words. I think I'll start next year." - Michael Frith

WHAT?!?

I had to walk on icy sidewalks this morning! I kid you not, ICE!!!! Even my car was covered in ice. The ice wasn't even caused by anything falling from the sky. It was all caused by everyone's sprinklers going off.

Day Off???

I thought today was supposed to be a vacation day, but I got put to work by the boys. We went on quite an adventure looking for the perfect Webkinz. Ethan found one at the first store we went to. It took Will and Noah to the SIXTH store to find a suitable one. The real kicker is that they found the perfect one at a local beach shop that also carried the one Ethan got so it should have only be a 15 minute trip!

We did get to see the eagle flying around its nest. You can almost always see him sitting in there when you go by, but today he was stretching his wings and flew circles around us. For once we were happy for a red light!

We have seen a bit too much police action lately. Tonight while I was walking Abby, there was some serious action happening at a house that we had just past. We walked past a house and within a minute of passing, there were 5 police cars, an ambulance, and a fire truck there! I have no idea what happened. I just started walking quickly home! It is not the nicest street, but I have never felt unsafe on it. I just walked the last mile home as fast as I could!

Rocket Launch

After 4 days of delay and countless stopped countdowns, the Delta (Mike would want to be sure I mentioned that) rocket finally made it to space last night. It was crazy loud. Normally, rockets aren't as loud, but this one shook our entire house! Of course the nerds went out and took pictures of it.

The swelling in Noah's eye went down considerably today. Now it looks like he is wearing blue and purple eye shadow!

What the Morning Brings

Rise and "shine"!

Tree Huggers Beware!

Today was a teacher duty day so students did not have school. The staff kids run all around and play together. Well, Noah was getting chased by a 4th grade girl and ran smack into a tree. What you see below is the result!

6:30 Update: The swelling has increased significantly since the above photo was taken.

Morning Fun

How much can fit on one couch? Well, at least six kids and one 110 lb dog!
Do they look tired? Well they should! They decided to get up at 5:30 this morning and play in the dark! Who does that??? This is after staying up late last night. 7:00 bedtime tonight. (PS- I think Hanzie was happy to be camouflaged since he isn't actually allowed to be on the couch.)

Chris' Favorite Couple

Tonight while I was out on my bike ride I ran into Chris' favorite couple. These sandhill cranes keep Chris entertained whenever he sees them. This "couple" has been living around our house for the last 18 months or so. They are absolutely enormous and make the loudest, strangest call imaginable. Their wingspan is between 6 and 7 feet. Between their size and odd call the boys are sure they are some sort of dinosaur!

Beach Blunder!

I guess I shouldn't have let the kids play with this guy at the beach today.

New Year's Day

Yesterday was a bit chilly and windy here in Florida. We went to the city fields to ride bikes, Ripsticks, scooters, etc.
Sophia was flying high above the fields!

Ethan

Noah

Will

Emma taking a shot.

The kids gearing up to play. The excitement didn't last long and they started dropping like flies.

Self portrait time!

Last night we had perfect weather for the spa! Abby has trust issues with the boys and couldn't decide if she wanted to stay inside, jump into the pool, or hang out by the spa. Once I got in, she hung out with us.

The boys toasting everyone and everything for the New Year.

The boys in the spa. Ethan and Will had big plans to go jump in the pool. They stepped onto the first step and it all ended there! It was way too cold!