Catch-up (big time)

I am very frequently reminded that I haven't posted anything on this blog since Thanksgiving.  There is no excuse, but I will still try to make a couple ;)  Since the end of November we...

*put our house on the market

*showed and sold our house

*bought/cleaned/moved into a new one

*had Christmas

*Teagan had multiple basketball games and tournaments

*I have had my toughest kiddos at work ever, I mean ever

*Brad helped chair a committee to get a new gym built here in town

*Did I mention we bought a house?!?!  More on that in the next post

So, here are a couple catch-up pictures to for December.

 Teagan played the role of Mrs. Claus in her class musical.  She is not happy I am posting this picture, but what else are moms for but to embarrass their kids?

 Hehe - I love this one!

 The weekend we found out we were going to be able to sell the house we had a trip planned to Minnesota with friends, which was a blast!!  Of course, it was Tate's weekend to have "Mr. Bear", so our awesome babysitters helped us our with the task.  They started at my parent's house with some McDonalds and cookies with Grandma.

 Hank the Elf made he presence known all holiday season and he didn't let up just because we were gone.  Silly elf got into Tate's underwear and Teagan's hair accessories.

 So not many college students are willing to come stay over night and parent other people's kids, but this girl is and we all LOVE her for it!  She has been a part of both kids' lives since they were born and are very blessed to have her.

 Teagan continues with piano and dance lessons each week and played in a REC basketball league as well as an AAU league that just finished.

Tate is getting started with his music career too.  No lessons yet, but he is determined to teach himself the drums.  He has been a trooper watching Teagan's games and doing his thing.  He really likes preschool this year and is looking forward to being at school all day next year for Kindergarten.

I have way more pictures to share, but they are on my phone and I haven't figure out a good way to transfer them.  When I do I will have more to share.

Punkin Patchin

 Our annual trip to the apple orchard/pumpkin patch took place last weekend.  As always, we had a great time!  Its so much fun to go somewhere each year and have the kids growing up with the tradition.

 Senior picture post - what a ham ball!!

 The jumping pillow is always a hit and lucky enough the dads can get on too :)  Check out Tate's air time!

 These were new this year and I totally think we should be one.  The kids were hilarious on these (and the dads too)

 Teagan and Kate went down the potato sack slide an uncountable amount of time.  Each time they tried a different method to try and go faster.  They are their father's daughters.

 The apple slingshot.  It starts with the kids doing it and ends with the dads and grandpa.  It takes some serious strategy people!

Check out that form.  He is on his way to slingshot greatness!  If anyone is in the Ames area and you have a chance you should definitely visit Center Grove Orchard.  Good times will be had by all!

Football Fun Day!!

We were fortunate enough to be able to take in an Iowa football game last week and it even ended in a Hawkeye victory :)

 On our way to the game we met up with some tailgating friends.  I know...just about the cutest things ever, right?

 Enjoying the pregame view.  Sorry, I got caught up in the game and didn't take any pictures of the actual game.

 The kids' hero.  Austin was hurt for this game and luckily we had a bye week after, so hopefully we can get back to watching him on the field.  You know, the Saturdays where we have to pause every offensive play and see exactly where Austin is :)

An added bonus is Kiley!!!  My kids are totally in love with her and always have been.

It was an amazing family day together and we are blessed to have the chance to experience it!

Our Junior Achiever

 No, I am not tooting our own horn about Ms. T, but she literally was an outstanding achiever tonight.  She participated in a Hall of Fame event for Junior Achievement in Cedar Rapids.  It was was black tie event (her first) and there were about 600 people in attendance.  She was awesome!!  Her job was to escort one of the nominees (more on him later) into the ballroom and then up to the stage for his presentation and then back to his seat.

Here she is practicing with another girl who helped with the presentation.  And with Emcee Beth Malicki from KCRG Channel 9.  She was so great with the kids!

Teagan and Blake, another Williamsburg student who participated tonight.  Williamsburg represented well :)  Blake read the invocation and did a great job.   

 The girls taking advantage of a photo op with Beth.

This is blurry, but hey, they were on the move!!  Teagan got to escort Jon Kinzenbaw, who is from Williamsburg and was being inducted.  It was special that a local student got to take part in it with him, but also that my mom has worked for him for almost 30 years.  Like I said, there were almost 600 people there and Teagan rocked it.  She walked him right where they needed to be and did this momma proud :)

 While Jon was speaking she waited up on stage for him.  My little girl is so big!

And here we are!  We didn't plan our body placement well - notice Brad's shoulder and up spot in the back.  Sorry honey!  Anyway, the important people are front and center!  Jon is really an amazing man and has given so much to our community.  He continues to lead not only as an entrepreneur, but as a role model to many people.  Thanks to Junior Achievement for the opportunity and a great night.

Our Soccer Star

 Tate started soccer this year and loves it.  I have to admit that we know very little about soccer, but all that matters is that he loves it and we are all learning.

Only a couple weeks left before we move onto basketball - gotta say we are loving being outside on some of these gorgeous days :)

A little of everything

Just a few catch-up pictures of things going on (or that I haven't posted about)

 This week is Homecoming for school.  Teagan and her friend Carlee on twins day.  And Tate on professional day - is it a shock what he wants to be when he grows up? :)

 I get so caught up blogging about the kiddos and what we have going on that I forget about my other half.  While we are all really busy running here and there, we always seem to find time to do things together as a family and make memories together.

 Some of my time over the summer has been spent at my parent's new house.  They are officially moved in and are finishing up the cleaning out of the old place.  I have inherited some of my old stuff and have to now find a place in my house, but here are some of the old games we dug out one day.  Anybody remember any of these?

And of course adult time!  Brad and I spent an amazing weekend in Chicago with some awesome friends.  We started with a Cubs game on a rooftop - highly recommend it- and then the Iowa game at Soldier Field on Saturday.  Even though it was a close game the Hawkeyes came away with a "W", so it made for much happier husbands and end to the trip.  We are taking a bit of a break from games in Iowa City this year, but still hope to get in at least one more game.  We have some other plans for weekends, which I will keep you posted on :)

Back to School

Its back to school for the Schaefer kiddos.  I would have blogged about this way soon but someone (husband's name omitted) took the memory card hostage for awhile :)

Teagan started 3rd grade and Tate started senior preschool.

 Teagan's first day happened about a 3 days before Tate's and he really struggled with it.  For a kid who is always told to act big he couldn't quite understand why he wasn't starting school with the big kids.  We are all good now and rolling with the routine.

He finally got his day to shine and was so excited.  He goes every morning Mon-Thurs and then heads to Susie's house after.  He is officially the oldest kid there and is playing a new role.

 The kids can walk to school together this year since they are in both at Mary Welsh.  It gives Tate a chance to be the big kid and Teagan to be the big sister.

Tate with Ms. Laura.  So far we hear only rave reviews and he loves everyday!!