Gus & Woody

Today, John picked up his new bird dogs in northern Indiana.  They have settled into the back porch for now. As soon as the weather gets better, it is back to the kennel.  They are awfully cute.  All you grandkids better come and see them while they are still small.



This is Gus



This is Woody

 

The boys settle in for their first night at their new home



Mary Poppins

Last weekend, Sophie and I attended the Broadway hit, "Mary Poppins".  We have been anxiously anticipating this event for quite a while, and it did not disappoint us.  Sophie took the pictures when she wasn't stopping on the way to pose for one.  She loved the theater.  The music and dancing was outstanding.  I think Soph was a little confused about the differences between the play and the movie, but she adapted to the changes and sang along with many of the songs.  Can't wait till all the granddaughters can attend events like this with me.



Sophie in front of the Ohio Theater



self-portrait

Intrigued by the glamor of the theater

Mary Poppins flew several times in the play

Soph wanted to include everything

too bad we could not take picures during the play

What is a play without refreshments?

What lady doesn't want her picture taken in the park with a statue?

Prom 2011 is Over!!!!!

OK....It has been a crazy week getting ready for the prom. My assistant and I nearly killed several teenagers as we decorated, but all survived and it turned out to be a great success.  Everyone loved having the grand march in the middle school, and the gym turned out pretty good. Nearly everyone stayed & danced until midnight and then went to the middle school for after prom where there was lots of carnival food (cotton candy, popcorn, funnel cakes, snow cones, pizza) and lots of carnival games. We gave away some great prizes, but I cannot remember who won any of them. I got to crawl into bed about 4:30am and I am sure it will take me a week to recover.  Next step:  clean up!!!

Before the dance



Kali with her cousin and dates.



The Last Shower

Holy Week has it's "Last Supper". The Knisley's just celebrated our "Last Shower" for Stefanie.  The Knisley girls put on their kitchen aprons and threw a great party as usual. Katie is right--just 3 easy steps. Plan the shower, take a shower and have the shower.  Everyone had a great time and now we sit back and wait for the next addition to the Knisley family.  We missed Heather on this one, but look forward to seeing her soon after baby Knisley is born.



Cake by none other than Erin (aka "Cake Kitchen")

 

Stef and one of her friends, Julie.



And the most popular game of the day:  "Pin the Sperm on the Uterus"



The Sikora's come home

We were blessed last week to have Heather, Jeremy, Annie and Millie home for several days.  We celebrated birthdays with Jeremy, Annie and Millie.  What a crazy time it was.  There were 40 people here on Sunday for Millie's party and I swear half of them were under the age of 5.  We tried to get a group photo since we rarely are all together, but I have to say: "Cassidy, where were you"?  Seriously, I needed the 'cloud' to find a decent photo of everyone, and I don't even know what the 'cloud' is.  Everytime we see it on TV, John and I look at each other and ask what could it be?  Anyway, we are so thankful to have had everyone here as we have more memories in our bank now. 

Disney on Ice 2011

 The annual Disney on Ice was a great event, unless you are looking for "Jessie".  T made a horrible mistake and got tickets to Princesses on Ice.  After a frantic day of making up a "Jessie" costume because there were none to buy, Sophie attended the event with Pa and T only to find out that Jessie did not show up at the princess show. Shame on T.  It was a great day anyway and Sophie was the best and only Jessie there. 

Hayley did a great job of making an authentic costume at the last minute.  Thanks to Kelsey who came up with a Jessie costume of her daughters, but since Hayley spent so much time on the home-made one, we opted for that! Sophie was excited that no one would look just like her.  I think the red sparkle boots will be a favorite accessory as long as they fit Sophie's feet!

Christmas at Pa & T's

Christmas has come and gone and left precious memories. We all enjoyed good food, good fellowship and good fun! Here are a few pictures from Christmas day.

 This was Hayley & Richard's favorite present to Laynie.  I guess Laynie can play in the box.


Nate uses all of his "hot air" to blow up a ball pit for Em.  Thanks to Uncle Matt & Aunt Stef.



The girls enjoyed this new toy.

 Does anyone recognize Sophie's hand-me-downs on Laynie? 

 Sophie helps Pa open presents as she did with us all.

 Grandpa & Linda enjoyed the confusion.

Matt slept all day with a headache.

Big enough for everyone!

I have a great video of Heidi skating with Sophie's new skates but the video would not load.  I will have to share it through some other medium.

Happy New Year everyone!!!!!!