Monday, November 23, 2009

To the Core

As always, the Surratt Pack has been busy! Last week, we had our first teacher/parent conferences at the new school. Riley was described by her teacher as "extremely sweet and respectful", "above average", having "great penmanship", "loved by everyone in the class", and a "giggle bunny". Over all, it was a great meeting:-) Kyle's was also glowing. His teachers adore him and find him to be super sweet and listen very well (we are not sure why that doesn't occur at home!) He is ready to move up to the next class and should do just as well with the bigger kids.

In the past couple weeks we have stayed busy. Eric cooked his annual massive batch of chili for a bunch of our friends and we had a fun afternoon/evening at the house catching up with old friends. Tracy helped plan and coordinate "Kids Give Back II" which was held this past weekend. The kids made Angels to put on their xmas trees (b/c they have been angels all year helping others) and also made a ton of wreaths to deliver to Ashland Convalescent Center.

Over all the weather has been so-so, but we have spend many days on the playground soaking up the last bit of decent weather. Riley is also still enjoying dance class and Kyle Romp-n-roll and both playgroup. Enjoy the pix and Happy Thanksgiving (early!)!!

Riley, Kyle, and Lexa at the Childrens Museum hunting for bones
Kyle dressed as a clown at the museum's stage
The Museum is all decked out for the holiday already including this cool sleigh
Baby Ben, Ri, and Ruthie playing in the leaves after delivering the wreaths

Riley playing in the leaves
Riley and Laura waiting to deliver the wreaths (didn't they come out great!?)
Riley all ready for the holidays!
Kyle putting his new Cars underwear on his head.... I stopped asking 'why' a long time ago!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Autumn leaves

Our baby girl is FIVE!! It has been the fastest and best 5 years of our lives because of the joy she (and Kyle!) bring every day! I tend to drone on about the activities the kids have been up to however in celebration of our little girls 5th year, it is important to mention what an amazing person Riley is turning into. Aside from being smart and adorable, she is compassionate and caring and way too insightful for her age! We are so lucky to have such an outstanding little girl and are looking forward to the coming years to see what an amazing young lady she turns into!

And back to the last couple weeks... Halloween monopolized out lives for a week! We had the neighborhood halloween parade, a halloween party with the moms club, dance class, and Grace and then topped the week off with a visit to Ashland Convalescent Center for one last Halloween parade. And then of course was the big night! The kids had a blast - there is no stopping the girls and Kyle did his best to keep up!

Riley has had 2 more fun birthday parties for friends and also had her last couple tball games. It was a fun ride, but she plans to take a couple seasons off to explore her love of gymnastics, tennis, and dance;-) Choices have to be made, but hopefully she'll play again later in life!

Riley also had her 5 year check up. We get to have another appointment with the peds eye doctor in a few weeks... between Tracy and Eric, it is inevitable that the kids will wear glasses at some point! Other than that, all is great. She is 43 inches tall and 44 pounds. This puts her well above 50% on both parts.

Kyle is as sweet as ever! He hangs tough with the big kids, but is beyond excited to have a new buddy his age who just moved in across the street! Kyle fought some sort of stomach bug for a few days and then ended up with a nasty ear infection in the middle of the week... but nothing that would keep him down! Kyle also started a Romp-n-roll class and much to Tracy's surprise, can follow directions very well (when it is not Tracy giving the direction!!).

And most importantly, Happy Birthday Bebe!! Today is Bebe's 73 birthday! We love you!
Enjoy the pix:

Calebs birthday party (Nike shirt) - Ri is on the right
Caleb was one of the 1st kids who befriended Ri at her new school and they adore each other.
The Yankees! The Yankees! Coach Charlie and his assistants, Brad Best and Eric (daddy) were the best!Riley FINALLY started running for real by the end of the season!
Up at bat and all pink!
Riley at Laurens bday party
Lauren is the other friend Riley had instantly at the new school and they too adore each other!
Kyle (frog) sorting through his loot. We told them they could pick 1 item to eat and they were cool with that... strange... never thought that would work!
Ri (bride) and her loot!
Riley & Kyle with the Red Robin on Riley's 5th birthday!
The bride and wonder woman!
Riley, Emma, Lexa, Kyle, and Ruthie
The Frog in the bounce house
The bride in the bounce house
It's not easy being green.