Basketball - I Hate It!!!

Zayda told me that she wanted to play basketball this year and I being a sports nut was super excited. She is playing at Mount Pleasant Christian Church in a Kindergarten co-ed league. The season has shaped up to be nothing like I had expected. Zayda has cried before games and practices and says that she doesn't understand how to play. We've tried everything from bribery to just run out there and have fun but nothing seems to work. Grandpa has worked with her like crazy and she has been doing much better in practice but she gets nervous for the games. We have talked tirelessly about life lessons and that we don't quit in the middle of something and that you don't have to be the best at everything to have fun doing it. But, right now, she still "hates" basketball and it tears her mommy's heart out. I don't care if she doesn't like it, it is just so hard for me to see her get so upset about playing. Her coaches have been wonderful with her and she gets to dribble the ball down the floor a couple of times in each game. I think this has helped to build her confidence a little. She especially likes her coach "with the curly hair." He lifted her up last time so she could make a basket. Right now, she tells me that her favorite part of playing is when she gets to sit on the bench. LOL

Father / Daughter Dance

Keith and Zayda had a father/daughter dance at school this year. This was the first time that they went with Zayda being at West Grove. They had gone before when Zayda when to school at church but this was the first time with her elementary school. Keith had started a tradition last year after their dance and he took her out for a fancy dessert. This year, after the dance, he took her to the Eagles Nest. She thought this was the fanciest restaurant ever. She thinks it's even more special because Daddy hasn't ever taken Mommy to this fancy place. They had a great time. She was excited about her corsage and from what I hear, they even danced to a couple of songs together.

Disney on Ice

We took the kids this year to see Disney on Ice. This was the first time that we had gone. We all had a blast. We bought the family pack which included tickets, hot dogs and drinks. We all had so much fun. The kids watched the whole show and seemed to just watch in amazement. Everytime the characters went behind the curtain, Garrett said "They tome back out now?" Zayda's favorite part was watching the princesses skate. I knew that when we had been to things like this when I was a kid that they would have all kinds of light things for sale so, I put ours from Disney world in my purse and it was great!! The kids were excited to have it and I think that they liked that theirs was different than everyone elses. Thanks to Grandma who purchased it at the spectromagic parade in Disney World. I would highly recommend this show for anyone who has kids. It truly was magical.

Bowling with Grandpa

Grandpa just recently accepted a government position and we were able to enjoy spending the day with him on his first government holiday that he had off. We spent the afternoon with Grandpa on veterans day. We enjoyed a lunch at Applebee's and then we all went bowling. The kids have never been bowling so we didn't know what to expect. They really enjoyed it. We all especially enjoyed each others company. Zayda has already asked to go bowling again someday.

Garrett's Big Boy Bed

Recently, I went to get Garrett out of his bed after his nap. When I got back to his room, he had one leg hoisted up and over the rail. I asked what he was doing and he said "I get out my bed." He hadn't ever attempted it but I figured since I was standing there, he might as well try it so I could catch him when he fell. Well, not only did he not fall but he swung his leg over and then slid down the side of his rail until his little feet hit the mattress and then he hopped right off like it was his job. You would have thought that he had been doing it for years. So, down went the crib and up went the toddler bed. He calls it his big boy bed and so far, he has yet to get out of it. When he wakes up in the morning, he stays in his bed and yells "Mommy, I get up now?" Then, he toddles on out.

IU homecoming

Every year, we attend IU homecoming to visit friends and family that also attend IU homecoming. This is the only time during the year that we see some of our friends. This year, Garrett has fallen in love with football. We took him to a Center Grove Football game and it has been true love ever since. Right before we left for IU, Garrett got a special present of a new football helmet. He didn't take it off the entire day! While we were there, Keith, Nana and I walked the cousins over to the Stadium to see the band. No offense but the IU band doesn't compare to the Purdue band. When we got over there, there was a miniature football field on one end of the stadium. The kids all enjoyed running around on the field. Zayda performed her gymnastics and Garrett was really excited to tackle mommy. It was a really fun day until we left and Garrett cried because he wanted to go see the football game. Poor guy. We came back to Nana's house and watched the game in the warm house.

(From L -R) Garrett, Brady, Zayda, Nana & Kaden

Zayda and Uncle Nick

Zayda said about this picture "Wow, Look how much tanner I am than Uncle Nick." Sorry Nick!

Fall Family Fun Night

This was our first actual school function that we could attend. West Grove's Fall Family Fun Night was a blast. We had a spaghetti dinner from fazoli's and then it was off to the Eerie Trail. A small haunted house that both of the kids really liked. Garrett was a little timid at first but he didn't might it so much by the end. They had several different games for the kids to play including pumpkin bowling and bobbing for doughnuts. This is Zayda trying to catch her doughnut which was powdered sugar. She had it all over her face by the end. It was a really fun night. I'm sure it's just the start of many school functions we will attend over the years.

Our new addition!

After a long time of looking and waiting, Keith and I found a new addition to the family that we just couldn't resist. Our new addition came to us weighing 3500 lbs and is 25 ft long. She is a diamond in the rough and we can't wait for all of you to join us on her next year. We are proud to introduce you to our new pontoon boat.

Boiler UP!!!

Keith and I decided to take Zayda to visit Uncle J at Purdue and go and see a Purdue football game. Grandma and Grandpa joined us for the fun. We had a great time!!!! We started the day by visiting one of the local bookstores so we could stock up on some new Purdue attire. Then we headed off to the football game. We were greeted by the Purdue Marching Band that Zayda was just amazed by. She got to stand right up next to the World's Largest Drum. I do have to say that the band puts on an amazing show. Then the game started and Zayda really enjoyed watching through the binoculars and I'm not sure how much of the game she really watched but she really enjoyed the cheerleaders and the student crowd. After the game, we followed the band back to the music building and watched their show. After their show, Zayda got to meet the Golden Girl and Silver Twins. She still hasn't stopped talking about that. They were so much fun to watch!!! Then we headed over to meet Uncle J who had to work during the game. We saw his apartment, met his room mates (zayda gave all 3 of them a hard time about not making their beds - then she made them all) and then took Uncle J out to dinner. Well, actually, Uncle J took us to one of the dining halls on campus. Let me just say that it is nothing compared to any dining hall I have ever seen on a college campus. It was great food and any type of food that you could ever imagine. After dinner, Uncle J took us to see some of the fun sites on the Purdue campus. It was a blast, a day that none of us will ever forget. BOILER UP!!!!

KINDERGARTEN!!!!!!!!

Zayda started kindergarten this year and gets to ride the school bus for the first time. Keith and I were really nervous about the day and I do have to admit shedding a tear or two when we would talk about it. Mommy, Daddy, Garrett, Grandma, Nana and Uncle Frog were all there for the big day. I do have to say that no one really cried because she was sooo excited that you just couldn't be sad at all. She jumped right up on that bus and sat down in her seat like she had done it for years. Then she proudly waved to all of us as the bus pulled away. Nana was a little nervous and couldn't help but drive by the school on her way home to make sure that she made it there okay. She is attending West Grove Elementary and is in the a.m. Kindergarten class. Her teacher is Miss Kissane. She knows several kids in her class from pre-school. She hasn't quite mastered doing her homework yet (just ask her Grandma) but hopefully with some practice we'll get it down.

Zayda proudly showing off her new Fancy Nancy backpack.

Zayda was the first one out to the bus stop!!

Driving with Ma Ma

Garrett loves driving. He was super excited to drive Ma Ma's car down the street. He kept saying "drive Ma Ma drive." I sure don't know what this kiddo is destined to do but I wouldn't be surprised if it involved a vehicle of some sort.

Cruisin' with Nana

Garrett has really been wanting to ride in his Nana's car with the top down so on this particular day, Nana picked up the kids and took them to Western night at cousin Kiersten's school. Then for a special treat afterwards, Nana took them to dairy queen for a shake. They were both all smiles.

Garrett's 2nd Birthday

On Garrett's actual birthday, we took the plunge and decided to take him to ChuckE Cheese. He really liked playing the games. He really enjoyed his pizza too. It really was fun to watch him just be a kid. They put a Happy Birthday sticker on him so people kept telling him Happy Birthday. He just smiled the whole time.

Daddy got in on some of the action too.

When we got home, we had a cake for his birthday. He got really shy while we sang Happy Birthday to him. It was so cute.

Then, he go to open a present from Mommy, Daddy and Zayda for his birthday. He got a chain saw! Pretend of course but it makes almost as much noise as the real thing. I don't know what we were thinking when we bought it?!

Garrett loves tractors right now so for the family birthday party, we decided to have a John Deere Tractor themed party. He thought it was pretty neat to see all of the tractor stuff. Instead of typical party hats they had John Deere Tractor hats. Too cute. He wore his hat almost the entire party. My little boy is definately ALL boy. In addition to his tractor addiction, he also loves tools and anything that has wheels. Here he is checking out his new tool bench.

He also got a Harley Davidson bike. His legs are just a little short for the pedals but that hasn't stopped him one bit. He rides...and rides...and rides...and rides.

Don and Susie's Surprise 40th

After many months of planning and should we say breaking and entering, we (Gandolf siblings) were able to pull off the biggest surprise we have ever pulled on our parents. Our parents have been an amazing example of a good marriage. This year they celebrated their 40th anniversary and we wanted to do something special for them for we planned a surprise 40th anniversary party. We held their get together in my neighborhood park shelter. We had all of their closest family and friends involved and no one let the cat out of the bag. Our ploy was that we were going to have a family picture taken at the park (this is why we are all dressed similarly). I told them that there was a birthday party going on down at the shelter so they wouldn't be suspicious of the cars. They bought every bit of it. They were truly surprised. My mom cried for about the first 20 minutes she was so surprised. I think they are a little worried about how much we did without them knowing. I was able to sneak out the parafin wedding hands that have been on every wedding and anniversary cake since the Gandolfs were in existance. (okay I don't know how long for sure but there are a lot of names on that list and now they can add their 40th to it.) I was also able to sneak their actual wedding cake knife out of their house. We took tables and chairs from their basement too. HAHA! We replicated my mom's bouquet and their wedding cake. We were able to borrow a 57 chevy from a friend and we decorated it for them to take downtown for dinner and a stay at the Marriot.

This is them as they were walking down and realizing that this was a surprise party for them. We had our pastor from church Chris Philbeck attend and they go to renew their vows. He gave an amazing ceremony and my parents were truly touched by his words.

My sister and I have been planning this for about 6 months and it was so much fun to finally see all of our hard work come together on such an incredible day.

Garrett and Zayda enjoying the music with some dancing.

My mom's sister Carolyn was her maid of honor 40 years ago and she gave a toast in honor of my parents. (she even wore a sweater that was the same color that she wore in their wedding.)

The best man 40 years ago was Dan Pavey. He was also in attendance and gave a toast as well.

Zayda doesn't miss a beat and she really wasn't going to miss out on a toast from a fancy glass. However, carrying it was a little tricky.

The happy couple!

Cutting the cake.

The whole gang. Thanks to everyone for keeping this day and secret and making it so special. It wouldn't have been the same without you.

Finally, the ploy! The family picture that they originally thought they were coming to have taken. We had to atleast get one family picture!