Preschool Fun

This week for preschool it was at my house and we learned about helpers in our community. I called the local fire station and also the police department to see if we could somehow have someone come over and talk to the kids about what they do and how they are helpers in our community. I really wasn't sure that either of them would be able to do it but to my great surprise the deputy sheriff come right to my house. He came in and showed the kids all the tools on his tool belt. The kids watched in awe after each and every item came out for them to look at and inspect. Next they got to check out his truck and he let each of them sit in the drivers seat. They also got to push the button to turn on the siren. Here is a picture of Eli in the drivers seat. Look at that big grin on his face! He loved it!

Here the deputy sheriff is showing them even more fun things in his truck.

Next they all came back inside and were given their own junior deputy sheriff badges.

They were then sworn in and promised to tell the truth and obey the law.

Then it was off to the fire station. The fire chief was there to greet the kids with suckers and so you will notice that all the kids in almost every picture have a stick out of their mouth. Any way, after being introduced the kids were taken to the back and shown where all the fire fighters gear is kept. A lady put on her suit, mask and air pack so that they could see what it all looks like. Then it was off to see the fire trucks.

They even got to sit inside!

Mckenna liked going along and was very interested in the fire hoses.

The kids asked if they could sit in this little thing, (I have no idea what it is called). Any way, when they were told they could they were so excited. Each of them got a turn in the back and also up front.

Here is Eli in the drivers seat.

It was a really great day! I was so lucky to have both the fire and police department be so obliging and give these kids something that I hope they will remember for a very long time. I already know Eli will because he keeps telling me that when he grows up he wants to be a police officer. He wanted to ware his badge all day yesterday and then this morning he wanted it on his pj's. What a great experience!

When Grandma & Grandpa come to visit...

Sandra forgets to take pictures until the last day!!!! I am so bad at taking pictures which are important! We had so much fun having my Mom and Dad here with us over Christmas. The kids loved it and Eli would ask every day if Grandma and Grandpa were going to stay, eat, play or sleep at our house. Then when the answer was yes he would get so excited! Yet as the days passed by I missed picture opportunities of Eli and Grandma playing puzzles together, and Grandpa playing airplanes with him. I missed Grandma dressing up dolls with Mckenna and Grandpa making silly faces at her to make her smile. I did get a few the day they were leaving so I am happy about that. However, Eli wouldn't take any pictures with them, so the only ones I have are of Mckenna and her Grandparents.

Mckenna just woke up and so she got to sit with Grandpa.

Grandma and Mckenna playing peek-a-boo with Grandma's blocks.

Watching their Grandparents leave made Eli really sad and me too, but we were really happy that they were able to come and visit.

Christmas Fun!

We had a great Christmas and we all were very spoiled! What was really great was having my parents here with us to share in the fun. The kids had a great day and it was really hard not to show all of you every picture I took. So here are a few of us opening gifts.

Eli and Mckenna waking up and seeing the Christmas tree and all the presents.

Mom and Dad got a puzzle from Joanna's family.

I got a Kitchen Aid thanks to all the family on Keith's side!!!

Keith got some really great stuff but he needed a new pair of pants that he got from both his Grandma Wharton and his Mom.

If only I had recorded Eli yelling out, "LEGO'S!" when he opened his gift from Heather.

Mckenna got some shoes from Grandma Metcalfe...

and from Heather.

She also got a dress from Grandma Metcalfe that she had to put on right away. So over her pj's it went along with her shoes.

Mom got scriptures from my Dad.


It's just not Christmas unless Dad gets socks!

Mom and Dad got new slippers from Heather.

I got a scarf from Heather and a nice picture frame from Joanna.

Keith looks great in his new shirt!


Mckenna with her new doll and stroller.
Eli loving his new car from his friend Savana!

We got so much more from all of our family that I didn't get pictures of in here. When we went over to Grandpa Allen's we didn't take our camera and the kids made out like bandits there with books, clothes and more Lego's. Then when Grandma Judy came by did I get my camera out...no! So once again they got so much form her as well with handmade clothes, dolls, race tracks and a pop up tent just for them. I do have pictures of the kids in the tent but that will have to be for another day. Thanks to everyone for all the great gifts! We love you and hope you had a great Christmas and a Happy New Year!