Jasper's 5th Birthday party

Ten kids ages 4-8 met us at Big Al's in Vancouver, WA for Jasper's 5th Birthday party. Big Al's was awesome! We had the last 2 lanes and a private party room adjacent to the lanes. I don't think we had time for each kid to even bowl 4 frames before the pizza was served. Most of the kids were from Busy Bee Daycare where Jasper used go before the "incident". The only 2 kids who were not from BB were Bruce's 2 daughters. Kids that age have no problem blending in. It's quite amazing. The parents were drinking beer which is usually absent at most of these parties, so that was different. Kind of made up for fact that we didn't have our Christmas party this year. Of course I kept forgetting to take pictures, but I got a few. After the kids chowed on cupcakes, we hit the arcade which lasted way too long. I'll post the photos later.

Thanksgiving in Louisiana

Michell and I in the bayou behind her house and having a fine time in Louisiana for Thanksgiving!

Christmas in Atlanta 08

Happy Birthday Grandma from the Atlanta Grosenicks! Clockwise from the left ... Shelby, Kip, Spencer and Santa's little helper (complete with antlers and coat) Oreo!

Jasper's New Daycare: Daily Schedule

Creative Minds Learning Center:

7:00am: Morning Greetings!
7:30am: Light Breakfast
8:00am: Circle Time
8:30am: Art Program
9:00am: High Reach Curriculum
9:30am: Enrichment Activity
M: Science
Tu: Cooking
W: Dance/Music
Th: Foreign Language Skills
F: Highlights Magazine
10:00am: Fresh & Healthy Snack
10:30am: Independent Choices
11:00am: Outside Recess
12:00pm: Fresh & Health Lunch
12:30pm: Rest Time
2:30pm: Story Time
3:00pm: Fresh & Healthy Snack
4:00pm: Outside Recess
5:00pm: Independent Choices
6:00pm: Goodbyes!

Jasper & I are on vacation this week! We've got lots of thing planned, but we'll see how much we actually get done. Today we're going to the Asian market, Fubonn. I'm hoping to get to Multnomah Falls, and the outlet stores in that area as well today. Other things on the list include: OMSI, toy store, painting Jasper's rocking chair, baking PB cookies, and a play date with Quinn & Lilly on Wednesday. Whew... I'm tired already :)

We went to Costco on Sunday and finally got a membership. We actually got out of there under a $100! It was absolute chaos!!!! My patience was very thin, so I had to come home and take a nap afterwards. BTW, we just recently sent the thank you to Janice for the gift card.

The trip to Indiana is planned. Jasper & Darlene leave next Tuesday and return the following Tuesday. Then Jasper starts his at his new school, Creative Minds on 12/10. Here's the website: www.creativemindslearningcenter.com and click on the Woodstock School button. I'm very nervous for him because this is more of a structured environment.

Darlene & I have the Thanksgiving menu in order. The usual will be on the table: Turkey (got it free at Fred Meyer), mashed potatoes, buttered carrots, Stove Top stuffing, crescent rolls, and of course green bean casserole.

Moving Up in the World

It was great seeing Kendall, Darlene, and Jasper this past weekend here in Eugene. They were here to hear Conrad deliver one of his great sermons. The high point for me, however, was when Jasper called me "Grandma Judith". How lucky am I to be called a Grandma, bypassing the having kids part. Not that you 3 kids are not great to have a relatives. BUT I never thought I would ever be called Grandma. So your dear old auntie now has another nom de plume after having retired the professor tag.

I'm slowly beginning to turn my thoughts to my September trip to the Grand Canyon (North Rim) Sedona, Jerome, and Payson. Will let you know how that goes when I get back in mid-Sept.

Love to all of you,

Grandma Judith

Chelsea's New Car

Chelsea and Aaron going for a spin in her new car.