Cookie Decorating!

Nathan is the "Keeper of Traditions" in our house! Each year, we do the same things on the same dates, such as looking at Christmas lights, decorating cookies for Santa, and eating chili before Christmas Eve church service. Em and Nathan both enjoy all of it! If you look back over our blogs you can see how much they've changed. You'll also realize I probably don't have many more years of this left. :-(

6th Grade Choir

Nathan is in the choir at school. Here he is at the Christmas Concert. He is second from the left on the first row.

Bells

Our church has a Youth Bells choir and Em joined this year. They played "Carol of the Bells" for the Christmas Cantata. It was beautiful! (Em is right next to the director in the middle of the pic.)

"Practicing" for Recital

I stayed for Em's dance class during Parent Watch Week. Em and her friend Alex were goofing off before class started.

Thanksgiving Fun 2008

We went to Oklahoma City for Thanksgiving this year. Nathan enjoyed hanging out with family and playing backyard football.

Fall!

One of the great things about living in Greenville is the difference in climate. It is noticeably cooler and we actually got to see fall leaves!

Celebrating Halloween 2008

We seem to be raising a Democrat; the scariest thing Nathan could image being for Halloween was "W"! We went trick or treating with the other Butchers and Corey, Nathan and Todd enjoyed each others' company. Ben paused long enough for me to take a picture, but Bradley was a blur and I couldn't catch up. Maybe next year!

Another Birthday

Our nephew and cousin, Brad celebrated his 9th birthday this October. We are getting to enjoy more of these family things since the move! Brad is excited about money and Ben enjoys watching his big brother.

Kite Flying

The 6th Grade Center has a Kite Flying day for Drug Free Greenville. Robert, Steve Ann, and I went to "help" Nathan fly his kite. As you can see, we all had a great time, especially Nathan!

Birthday Boy

Our nephew, Ben, turned 6 in September. He had a family party during halftime of the Cowboys game. Nathan and Em enjoyed getting to share the cupcakes.

Granddad Time

Corey took these of Nathan and Robert playing catch in the backyard, even though you can't see the football. There are lots of advantages to living in the same town as family.

Public Speaking

We joined Wesley United Methodist Church (where Corey and I got married) after we moved to Greenville. We are quickly getting involved in lots of areas. On Children's Sunday, Nathan read part of the litany during the main service.

School Can Be Wild!

We had a baby ti-liger visit our school! She was adorable and made the most precious baby kitten noises. The are definite advantages to being in the office!

Dancing Shoes

Emily is taking dance classes again this year and is on pointe. I took these pics the day we bought her first pointe shoes. Em said she had been waiting 12 years for this day. We were both very excited!

Cheesecake!

The kids and I went to the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and I took this adorable picture of the two of them! Nathan took cheesecake home, ate it, and put the box in the trash. Drago decided it looked really good. He had whipped cream all over his face and ears. It was so cute!! :-)

Surprise Party!

Emily's Majestics squad surprised her with a going away party. Lt. Colonel Molly and Social Officer Kaylin took her to dinner and then back to Molly's house where the other girls were waiting. As you can see, she was very surprised! What an incredible group of girls. We will miss them and the rest of the Majestic family.

Fun Times

Emily and I are enjoying an Express game! Em has powdered sugar on her fingers from a funnel cake. We went to the game with our good friends, the Vrbas. The excitement may have been too much for Zach!

5th Grade Graduation

We no longer have an elementary age kid! Nathan graduated from 5th grade this May. Here he is with his good friend, Ross.

The New Majestic

Emily made the McNeil Majestics dance team for the next 3 years! Here she is in her uniform. Unfortunately we will be moving later this summer. I'm sure she will try out for the next dance team!

Nathan's 11th Birthday

Nathan celebrated his birthday by going to a Round Rock Express game with two of his friends. We waited by the "tunnel" for the players to come through and sign autographs.

Easter 2008

You're never too old for an Easter basket! Happy Easter!

Spring Break 2008

We went to Enchanted Rock State Park for Spring Break this year. Em's friend went with us. The second picture shows how Emily felt after climbing to the top!

Christmas Morning 2007

New toys for everyone!

Christmas 2007

Nothing like brand-new pajamas for Christmas morning. It's a family tradition to get new pjs after church on Christmas Eve so you look good in the Christmas morning pictures!