Piker/Welch Zoo Day

The kids and I had the honor of a sleep over at Mrs. Anna and Julia's house recently. We ate popcorn, watched Emma's dance recital video, then split up - kids video in one room and girly video in the other. (Mr. Jerrod and Mr. Matt were out doing other things) the kids had a blast playing and watching TV. Only a couple of squabbles but that's to be expected among siblings. :)

After the kids went to bed and Mr. Jerrod came home, the grown ups watch some Prison Break TV. LOVE IT!

Then we all went to bed. After some room/bed rearranging mid-night we got back to sleep and slept all night.

In the morning we got up, ate donuts, and got ready to head to the zoo!

Roaring like lions

Pretty in pink

What's not to love?!

Being Flamingos

Feeding the fish

Goofy girl

We had a lot of fun together at the zoo. Afterwards we had a picnic at a nearby playground. The kids played while the mommies chatted. . . . . Best part of the whole weekend (besides Prison Break) was when Julia was talking and said "sissy did something" without even thinking about it. (She was referring to Emma) . . . We love our Pikers!

Emma's trip to MO

This summer Emma had the pleasure of traveling to MO to spend the week with (great) Aunt Judy and Uncle Frank. Mommy grew up with Aunt Judy and Cousin Kenny and Cousin Amie in Jeff City (Jefferson City, MO). Well Cousin Amie has a daughter who's 6 like Emma and Aunt Judy decided to keep both girls for a week this summer. They had a blast!

During this one week the girls:

Visited the state capital building where they took a tour and had fun

Ate ice cream at Central Dairy and Dairy Queen

Visited Uncle Cletus

Went to the Tooth Fairy movie

Went to Bible class

Went to the cool swimming pool with Ken and Judy - twice

Rode a train to Sedalia for Mexican food with Ken, Judy, Frank, and cousin/aunt Cassie

Had a scavenger hunt at the park

Had a Fancy Nancy Party with other girls from church, Judy, and cousin Lyshia

Painted pottery

Decorated matching hats/ t-shirts

Visited the Runge Nature Center

Cousin power

Fancy Nancy Tea party

DQ Ice Cream Treat

At the park

Pool with Ken

Ken and Marti . . a few years earlier

On the Train

Cousins and Friends

Amie and Marti - Also good friends as cousins

When they came home they were sorely let down by the lack of planned activities after this fun filled week. They got to share a bed, which means giggles and talking till late. They had books, movies, Barbies, dress-up, and coloring books to fill any spare moments. They got to wear make-up and trade clothes. All in all it was a great week for them both. . . thought I know Aunt Judy and Uncle Frank were worn out by the end! :) I feel so blessed to have such a wonderful family that I can share with my kids.

New school year

The school year is officially underway for all of us here at casa welch.

Emma:

Emma started 1st grade at a local public school here in town. She went to K there as well. We love Indian Hills. They have great teachers and she and I have made many good friends. She enjoys her new teacher this year and is thriving in class. So far she's done a good job keeping her talking in check. (we had a real problem with this all last year - go figure in this family). She's doing a lot better on her read skills. She adores art of any kind.

Garrett:

Garrett is in his last year with Mommy at school. He is doing so much better than last year. He's matured a lot over the summer. He's still a 4 year old active boy, but doing much better with school rules. :) He is kinda big man on campus this year. In fact he has 4 little girls (ages 3-4) who follow him around and try to always sit by him. Sadly, he is oblivious to this. someday he will care. I approve of all 4 so i am allowing it to continue at this point. :) He is trying to sound out words in books at home. Hopefully he is ready and willing and will start reading soon. He is beginning to really enjoy art just about as much as Emma.

Marti:

So far, this year is heading into a good year at school. Garrett's more in control of himself so that helps the morning pass quickly and with less stress.

In other news:

Emma is now the toothless wonder. She is missing her 2 front teeth. I tell people it's because she goes to public school and you should see the other kid but she always breaks in and corrects me.

Emma has been moved into the 8-12 year old tap/jazz and ballet classes. Her teacher seems to think she has potential. Emma loves to be with the older class and is finally not the tallest kid in the room!

Garrett has decided he is going to be a tow truck driver when he grows up. He is obsessed with them right now.

I love reading my kindle so much, emma drew a picture at church of her and garrett playing ball outside. Where was mommy in this picture? She was sitting off to the side, under an umbrella, reading her kindle. . . . out of the mouths of babes. :)

Garrett and Emma both love arts and crafts of any kind. They love to draw, color, cut, glue, tape . . . . and the list goes on. They both have an awesome imagination when it comes to making stuff and playing with it.