Ruby turns 7!

Ruby turned SEVEN in December!  

We always say, "Go to bed 6...

...wake up 7!"

Ruby's birthday fell on the same as the Children's Christmas program at church.  Ruby played Mary this year.  

Jace was a cow ;)

Papa Gary and Grandma Ruth with their six grandchildren.

Ruby requested the Iowa River Power Company for her birthday celebration with family.

She loves her cousin Sydney!

We then headed to the Coralridge Ice Arena to celebrate with her friends!

She also got to paint the Birthday Boulder at school!

It was a bit rainy ;)

And a birthday selfie with her principal!

Ruby participated in basketball, dance, and swimming lessons so far this school year.  She loves to read, write, and do arts and crafts.  Ruby is a wonderful big sister and we can't wait to see what this year brings!  We love you Ruby girl and are so proud of you!

Thanksgiving

Ruby and Annie both got to attend Jace's preschool FEAST for Thanksgiving!

Our Thanksgiving break started out interestingly as we stopped for a treat at a gas station on the way to Sibley.  Paul had to work Thanksgiving so it was just me and the kids.  We sat down to have an ice cream treat when this nice man sat down at the booth next to us and started chatting with us.  He said he had something to show us and if it was ok with me, the kids could take it home.  I was really hoping he didn't have a puppy in his car!  Turns out, he wanted to give us this step stool and garden basket.  How sweet of him.  We found out his name was Merrill.  What a sweet way to begin the Thanksgiving holiday.  There truly are wonderful people in this world.  (There is so much more to this story, so if you're interested, you'll just have to ask me sometime!)  ;)

The kids made turkeys!

We headed to the church for the annual DeJong Thanksgiving.  The kids had so much fun!

Then we had game night with Grandpa Bill and Grandma LaDonn!  Hadley spent a lot of time with us over the weekend!  The kids love to play with her!

Spoons is the new favorite game at our house now!  Jace had so much fun, he asked if we could buy the game!  ;)

Grandma always gives the girls a manicure!

After living in Sibley for 18+ years, I had never climbed the Ocheyedan Mound.  Actually, my parents had never done this either!  For those who don't know, the Ocheydan Mound is a grassy hill with rocks at the top.  You are allowed to move the rocks to spell or create anything you'd like!  We decided to burn off some energy and climb the Mound!  First time for everything!

We made a heart and an I.  For LOVE IOWA!

Annie and cousin, Palmer ;)

 And then we attended the first annual Holiday lighted parade in Sibley!  

Such a wonderful holiday spent with family!  And we are so thankful for a daddy who works so hard for us and all the patients that needed him over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Other Fall Happenings

We had a great and fast fall!  Here are pictures from some of our fall days!

Jace and his cousin Asher played soccer together!

Jace had four or five goals this season!  Guys, this is a big deal!  ;)

Ruby also played soccer.  Her Wednesdays this fall were busy as she went straight from dance class (contemporary and hip hop) to soccer!  

One last campout with Papa Gary and Grandma Ruth.

A trip to Sass Family Farms

Annie was the only one to find a silver coin!  She was quite proud!

Jace became a card shark!

Hikes out at Squire Point.

Workout Wednesdays at Ruby's school!

Happy 36th Birthday to Paul!

Enjoying every last trip to the Park!

Gave this kid $2 to play a couple games at the arcade.  And he won the jackpot = 100 tickets!  

Trip to Bloomsbury Farm!

Favorite character day at Van Allen.  Ruby as "Ruby" from Ruby and the Booker Boy series.

Crazy playdate with Sydney!

And playdates with Asher too!

Marco's Pizza teamed up with Van Allen for a very cool fundraiser!  Each student received a pizza box to color and decorate in Art class.  Then you could order pizza and receive the pizza in your student's personal box.  What a great reason to order pizza!  

Jace's special share day at preschool.  Somebody else had to get right in on the action.  Good thing Jace is such a good big brother and graciously shared the spotlight.

Ruby took an art class from Brush and Barrel. 

Trips to Colony Pumpkin Patch!

Annie in music class ;)

Ruby's fun fair at school!

Race for the Schools!

Annie "ran" the half mile!

Jace and Ruby also ran the half mile and then turned around a few minutes later and ran the mile too!

Crazy hair day at preschool

First Iowa Basketball game of the season!

I think the kids are more in it for the ice cream!

Jace's field trip to Colony Pumpkin Patch.  Annie and I got to join them!

Crazy hair day at Van Allen

 Chloe got baptized and Papa Gary assisted and did the children's blessing. 

Future BFFs

My parents came for the weekend.

We took them to the 12th floor of the children's hospital.