Where's the Squirrel?

Another reason

2012-01-07T06:06:00.000-08:00

Another reason Stilwell is the perfect school for our little man.

"Mom, it has dryers and wish-wish-wishes, and brushes that spin and..."

This will keep him busy for weeks!

Mrs. Ainsworth is the best.

Merry Christmas. Happy New Year.

2012-01-02T18:28:00.000-08:00

Alex got a roll of ones from Nana.

During our trip to Crown Center with Papa and Gma Pat, Alex also took some really good pictures.

The Mayor's Christmas Tree

Ivan loved playing in the trucks.

Opening presents at Grandma Linda and Grandpa Jerry's house.

Dear Santa,

2011-12-15T18:57:00.000-08:00

Ivan worked on his letter at school with his OT. He told her our family would be going to the North Pole over Christmas Break. We've got the fire truck, ambulance and balloons covered. Anyone know where to find a storm chaser who will come sit under the tree Christmas morning?!

Thankful

2011-11-20T09:55:00.000-08:00

That is our #5 on top of the pile helping with the tackle!

First place for the season and 2nd place in the post season tournament.

Unbelievable!

Ivan participated in his 1st grade music program. He sang, did the motions, added some rocking and flapping, kept his hands to himself and remembered his line.

We were all a little worried that he would bolt when he heard the clapping and cheering, but he just kept smiling.

We have watched the video multiple times. Ivan laughs so hard he cries and says, "Look at Ivan he can't stop rocking!"

Happy Birthday Grandma Lucile!

Having fun on Papa's tractor.

You are a beautiful 93 years!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-01T19:05:00.000-07:00

Brock and Alex

Brock, Alex and Max

Mrs. Carroll's 4th graders.

As always, the boys came up with original ideas for costumes.

Ivan had fun spinning and "sucking" people up in his tornado.

Alex had a blast wearing his "luscious" hair.

...Ivan says he wants to be a car wash next year!

teeth

2011-10-14T08:47:00.000-07:00

Our jack-o-lantern lost his two top teeth yesterday.

The tooth fairy brought him a silver dollar.

He can't wait to get to the dollar store!

Russia Picnic

2011-10-04T19:27:00.000-07:00

James and Alex-both born May 2001 and the only kids from Shuya

(all the other kids are from Ivanovo)

Lucas, Alex, Alex, Anton, Alex and Max

twenty blessings

Lauren (11) and Nick (7)

Alex and Max (twins, 10)

Ana (11 years) and Yuri (14 years)

James (10) and Grace (7)

Lucas (11), Alex (13) and Analyse (8)

twin girls (9) and Sergei (11)

Anton (13) and Lilya (9)

Ivan building a dam for the bikers on the trail to run over!

It was fantastic to see all our ABC Adoption families. It is amazing to see all our healthy, vibrant kids. Each one of them knows the true meaning of perseverance.

The kids haven't seen each other for at least 6 years. They were shy for about 5 minutes and then took off running like they'd been friends forever.

The moms and dads...we couldn't stop talking! We are already planning our next picnic and also a mom's weekend for this fall.

Perfectly Awesome!

Choir

2011-10-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

The Timber Creek 4th and 5th grade choirs had their first performance last week.

Below is a link to video of a couple songs.

www.bluevalleyk12.org/education/staff/staff.php?sectionid=3729

Click on CHOIR.

The user name is timber and the password is creek.

Alex is on the second row toward the middle.

School

2011-08-20T08:33:00.000-07:00

Pretty Prairie Rodeo

2011-07-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

Friday night Pretty Prairie Rodeo

Cami and I enjoying the rodeo.

Alex and Tommy putting ketchup and mustard on Austin the hot dog!

Cole, Tommy, Alex, Austin, Maclain, Christian and Justin

happy boys!

Tommy, Chris and Alex walked a mile or so down the river looking for fish. No need for a pole when the water is only 5 inches deep, they caught this channel cat with their hands.

The kids and the dog came running to see the catfish.

Christian, Alex and Austin celebrating a volleyball tournament win.

My boy's got mad skills!

Football moms trying to stay in the disappearing shade.

Last year the river was full and 3-4 feet deep.

Getting ready for dinner and nightfall. Bonfires, banjos, guitars and flashlight tag.

"At least it was a dry heat..."

All 70 of us had a blast at Zimmerman's this year.

Temperatures got up to 110, but we had lots of cold drinks, a bit of hot river water, a sliver of shade and tons of friends.

After 3 1/2 hours in the car, Austin and Alex jumped out and ran before Chris had it in park!

Finally found Alex about an hour later, soaked in sweat and dust and driving an ATV!

The boys caught frogs, snakes, lizards, turtles and fish.

They ran the gas out of all 9 ATV's, filled them up and ran them dry again!

Stayed up past 1:00 singing, dancing, stargazing and playing flashlight games.

shooting skeet

grandpas

2011-07-11T12:28:00.000-07:00

Grandpa Jay

loyal * teaser * farmer * stubborn * determined * jack-of-all trades * protector * family man

Hope you are catching a crappie with each cast.

we love you

Grandpa Ron

coach * passionate * thoughtful * family man * brownie baker * encourager * determined

Hope you are watching all the grandkids' games.

we love you

ace

2011-07-10T13:23:00.000-07:00

Independence Day

2011-07-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

Table Rock Lake

Thank you to Betty for loaning us her golf cart for the parade.

snacks on the dock

Wayne was having as much fun as the kids.

Honoring our veterans.

flopping and dancing with the fish

Alex caught our dinner!

awesome

The Entertainer

2011-06-23T14:03:00.000-07:00

"Hey, you got a arrow in your butt!" (Shrek)

Spoken as loud as possible while walking through a crowded restaurant.

"...some mystery. Girls want a little romance in their life." (Shrek)

"When I grow up, I gonna be a balloon maker. The guy that puts the air to make the balloons go up. With my mouth, not the machine, that's too loud!"

specs

2011-06-21T14:19:00.000-07:00

Just like Alex

Hoping it will motivate him to keep them on rather than use them as a weapon!

The glasses are specifically for his ptosis (droopy eye) and strabismus (lazy eye). He does have a small amount of far-sighted correction.

As always, we are trying to stay a few steps ahead of him.

I'm also thinking we are in need of some super glue and duct tape.

no more double

2011-06-16T07:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Alex had eye surgery to correct the strabismus.

He has worn glasses, swim goggles, sport goggles and patches since he was 18 months old in the hopes that the muscles would tighten on their own. He hasn't complained once. He loves his glasses and only takes them off to shower and sleep.

So far, his surgery was a success. He isn't seeing double anymore and he is having only small amounts of drainage. Alex said he wished it was Halloween so he could be a zombie! Dr. Grin said he can resume all activities today. He is considering playing in his baseball game tonight...

Speaking of baseball-

Alex got the honor of being the starting pitcher of his team's first kid-pitch game. Our boy struck out 5 batters in two innings. Not bad!

Great Wolf Lodge

2011-06-15T14:04:00.000-07:00

If you aren't supposed to pick your own nose, is it okay to pick someone else's?

MagiQuest... must. beat. the. dragon.

water slides

magic wands

pool basketball

arcade games

all-you-can-eat ribs

Thanks Aunt Susie, Uncle James, Emily and Nate! You are the best!

SEVEN

2011-06-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

Ivan blew out the candles on his volcano cake at the neighborhood pool.

Nana, Grandma, Grandpa, Em, Nate, Uncle James and Aunt Susie all celebrated with Ivan at the pool with pizza and cake.

He started the day opening presents. He got a huge teddy bear for his cave. He quickly named it "Ivan Bear".

Lots of trucks to add to his collection: a tow truck, 2 ambulances and a helicopter.

He got a plasma car and a ladybug that lights up his bedroom with stars on the wall. He named the ladybug "turtle Isaac".

Oops, one picture too many!

Ahhh, that's better!

Alex, Ivan, Nate and Emily went to Jumping Jacks to bounce and slide.

Nothing better than celebrating your birthday with cousins.

Happy birthday sweet bear. I three you to the moon and back...PIE!

TEN

2011-06-02T04:58:00.000-07:00

Alex is ten!

Rylan, Trayden, Brock, Alex, Dominic and Tommy

We went to 68 Sports to play...

King of the mat

dodgeball, kickball, kick field goals and everything else sports and boys!

Party favors were peanuts, Cracker Jacks, Big League Chew, sunflower seeds and baseball cards.

Seems like he got money from almost everyone. He bought an iTouch so he can have his music, text, email and play games. Double digits. Can't believe how fast he is growing up!

Happy Birthday, I three you!

Overland Park Fire Station Open House

2011-05-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

There was an open house at the training facility in Overland Park. It was only for special needs kids and their families. Ivan was so excited we had to make a paper chain to help count the days until he could ride in a fire truck.

He was very apprehensive when we first arrived. He was terrified that the sirens and horns would be loud. He asked every fireman he saw to "please don't blow the horn". They all promised him they wouldn't.

He got to ride in a fire truck and he got to spray a hose. The Shriners were giving rides in their mini trucks. Ivan went on at least 5 rides! The Children's Mercy life flight helicopter landed within a few feet of where we were standing. He wouldn't climb in the helicopter because "it smells like a pulse oximeter"! We watched the fireman repel down a tower and put out gas fires. Alex and I went up (95 feet) in the bucket of a ladder truck. By the time we left, all the firemen knew Ivan's name and were waving goodbye to him. Can't wait for next year.

boys of summer

2011-05-26T19:27:00.000-07:00

White Sox

Alex, Tommy and Max

Glad I don't know what Alex said to get this reaction!

Since he plays so many sports and I'm too cheap to buy pictures each season, I started taking my camera and sneaking shots behind the "official" photographers.

Sometimes they turn out better than others. Sometimes I have to crop the assistant out and then end up with the above!

Chris is having a blast this year. The head coach is more of a manager who works on scheduling and line ups. Chris gets to work with the boys on the fundamentals, hitting and pitching.

The boys are using a machine to pitch for the first 6 games and the last 6 games are kid-pitch.

Alex will be pitching quite a bit. He is excited, but really nervous about hitting a batter.

tooth fairy

2011-04-14T17:13:00.000-07:00

Ivan had his first "wiggly" tooth last week. He couldn't wait for it to fall out. He was really hoping the tooth fairy would bring him a dollar. Aunt Susie took us to the Dollar Store. He picked out a smiley face balloon and gave the clerk his gold coin. Within the hour he rolled down the car window and said goodbye to the balloon.

He also has 5 new teeth coming through; all 4 of his six year molars and one to fill the gap of the carpet tooth.

boys

2011-04-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

YMCA Spring Basketball

The boys had picture day Saturday. Because we have a gazillion team pictures already, I've learned to start taking my own camera and sweet talk the official camera man into letting me take some shots.

The boys won Saturday's game. They made 27 baskets in the first half! We all stopped keeping score in the second half. We are assuming that they scored well over 100 points. Not bad for a bunch of 9 year olds!

The best part was that both teams showed great sportsmanship; no show-boating and no giving up!

Brock, Rylan, Tommy and Alex

Alex, Justin, Tommy, Jake, Coach, Rylan, Brock and John

John, Brock, Rylan, Jake, Tommy and Alex

busy weekend

2011-04-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

*A first and a wonderful surprise*

For several years we've been working (begging, coaxing, encouraging) with him to draw a simple face. He has always struggled and quickly given up.

Saturday morning Ivan grabbed his magna doodle and drew a person with "curly hair".

He said it is a picture of me. Hmmmm.

Special Olympics for Young Athletes

Baseball is his favorite.

Alex is great at encouraging the kids. He wants to be their coach when they are old enough to start competing.

tunnels

Ivan was disappointed; he wanted to roll the hula hoops.

Alex demonstrating the hopping hurdles.

Spring Break

2011-03-24T10:17:00.000-07:00

Spring Break

"I did it, I did it, I did it!"

We videotaped him riding and enjoyed watching his movie, "The Ivan Show" 10 times.

The boys and I headed to Tulsa to play with their favorite cousins. We took them bowling and to the park with Papa and Gramma Pat.

Quotes

Alex spent a lot of time taking Lucy on walks.

"I didn't take Lucy for a walk, she took me. Surprisingly, she took me to the park."

Ivan's new phrase for Spring...
"How you like your eggs?"

"I'm happier than a tornado in a trailer park!"

2010-12-07T18:57:00.000-08:00

Happy 5th Family Day to Ivan Neil!

Once again he asked Santa for balloons.

sliding at the bounce house

flying at the bounce house

getting clean at the bounce house "car wash"

catching some air at the bounce house

Santa

bounce house

Red Robin

balloons

We love you Ivan Neil Lucas

Champions

2010-11-15T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Timberwolves won their post season tournament.

A few of the boys had fun celebrating by sliding in the mud.

Alex is sad football is over for the year. He learned a ton, played hard and made new friends.

Can't wait for next year.

Ghouls and Goblins

2010-11-02T18:17:00.000-07:00

eyeballs

Frosty and an old man

Santa last Halloween, Frosty this year. Our boy loves Christmas!

T Wolves

2010-10-29T04:59:00.000-07:00

Our #5 on a reverse. He likes to carry the ball, but would rather play defense so he can tackle!

Are you ready for some football?

2010-09-15T18:45:00.000-07:00

Blue Valley Southwest Timberwolves

Great Game.

The boys had a great time and won their first game.

Alex played offensive and defensive tackle, corner back, wide reciever and a few other positions.

His favorite so far is tackle.

fishing

2010-07-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

Al caught an 18 inch walleye at Table Rock.

Dad had to get the net.

Chest puffed out and doing the cocky walk!

Helped Dad clean it and ate it for lunch.

Delicious!

football camp at Blue Valley North

2010-07-08T14:47:00.000-07:00

The one that got away...

Of course I didn't get pictures of one of the long passes he did catch.

I got it, I got it...It's mine...Ohhh, dude! So close.

obstacle course

"football rocks, when is the next camp?"

Alex loved camp and can't wait to wear his helmet and pads "so I can hit someone!"

July 4th at Table Rock

2010-07-05T13:41:00.001-07:00

Sleep Lab

2010-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

Waking up...not sure how anyone could sleep with all the wires.

Ivan's sleep study was Tuesday night. Chris spent the night at the hospital with Ivan. We should have results in 3 to 4 weeks. One step closer...

INL

2010-06-09T14:02:00.001-07:00

favorites books
Alex
(Al's arm in the background giving rabbit ears)

trucks

sleeping bags

the lake

birthdays

Dad

Lightning McQueen

***

"Holy Macaroni" , Ivan is six!

COOKIES

2010-05-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

Me want coooookies!

Ivan's school birthday treats

Fun to make, but even more fun to eat:)

ACL

2010-05-23T19:07:00.001-07:00

A few favorites: kickball

Linda, Jerry, Nana, Grandpa Ron, Ivan, Mom and Dad

Al "owned" us all by kicking two grand slams

chasing bubbles

Sunday's Birthday dinner Menu:

shrimp

sausage

tater tots

strawberries

Doritos

donut cake and oreo ice cream

donuts
football
signed up for fall tackle football. Alex came home with shoulder pads and helmet.

intimidation

Saturdays

Royals

Brock

buffalo wings

Nine Lives

2010-05-04T07:28:00.001-07:00

And he has already used up half of them!

Ivan got nine stitches in his ear Sunday night. Alex was golfing and Ivan got too close. I'm not sure who felt worse. To go along with the stitches he has a hematoma on the back of his ear. We are really feeling lucky, it could have been so much worse. We did ask for boys!

Special Olympics Kansas

2010-04-18T18:55:00.001-07:00

long jump

shot put

hurdles

Special Olympics for Young Athletes

Little Feet

Ivan can't wait to get to the track every Saturday.

Coffee Creek

2010-04-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful weekend.

Baseball

Basketball

Special Olympics

Riding Bikes

Trips to the park

Grilling

Frisbee

and of course fishing at the creek. Catching a fish with every cast is the best.

Easter

2010-04-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ivan shouted "Bingo" everytime he opened an egg with coins inside.

Filling buckets

2010-03-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Alex was the "bucket filler" of the day at school. His name and picture were on the announcements. One of his teachers nominated him. A bucket filler is a student who goes out of their way to be kind, helpful and respectful.

Oh, Ivan!

2010-03-28T14:26:00.000-07:00

Oh, Ivan. Field trip to the bowling alley. Ivan bowled a 104! But, he had a lot more fun pushing the balls back and forth in the ball return.

Oh, Ivan. The perfect outfit for a bonfire in 40 degree weather. A turtleneck, boxers (no underwear), snowboots and a light stick so your parents don't lose track of you.

Alex: Mom, there's blood all over the carpet, is Ivan supposed to be in time out?
Yes.
Alex: Mom, I think Ivan just lost a tooth.
Hmmm.
Ivan: I bit the carpet and my tooth and the blood. Ick, blood.

Oh, Ivan. His tooth wasn't loose. He was sitting on the stairs in time out. He was mad or bored or something so he bit the carpet, his tiny tooth got stuck in a loop and he pulled. He never expressed any pain. The tooth fairy did not come. We decided not to reinforce pulling teeth before they are ready to come out!

snow snow snow snow snow snow

2010-01-19T12:41:00.001-08:00

Christmas again

2010-01-19T12:18:00.000-08:00

M&M's and balloons that go up. Smart Santa.

Alex, Katelyn, Ivan and Madison all waiting to open presents.
The boys love going to Aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave's in Michigan.

Drooling

2010-01-19T12:08:00.000-08:00

Alex went to his first Chiefs game. His "second favorite" Christmas present. His first? Donner's sleigh bells that Santa left for him.

It was a big day. (notice KC Wolf)
Alex had was so excited. He asked a million questions and never stopped smiling.

Tailgating with catch, hot chocolate and Subway.

Chiefs: 4-12 for the season. Alex kept assuring us that they did their best!

Christmas

2010-01-19T11:44:00.000-08:00

At the toboggan run.

Shannon and Katelyn in the foreground. Pat in the background. Alex is laughing...really.

Proud Mama

2009-12-18T12:03:00.001-08:00

Compassion

Alex was awarded the Timber Creek Colt Community medal at this month's award ceremony.

The award is given to one student in each grade level who shows the school's virtue of the month. This month, compassion. The kids focus on the virtue by incorporating it into their lessons. One of the assignments was to write their own definition of the virture.

Alex wrote, Compassion is when my little brother fell down the stairs and broke his head. I helped him feel better. He had to stay in the hospital for 3 weeks. I stayed at my Grandma and Grandpa's with their crazy dog. So, my Mom and Dad could take care of my brother.

It is interesting to hear his take on Ivan's surgery.

He had to stand on the stage next to the principal while she read his definition. His cheeks are still red. So proud of my guy.

Dear Santa,

2009-12-14T19:14:00.001-08:00

Al's letter.

While we were decorating the tree, we noticed Alex sitting at the island. He said he was writing his letter to Santa. He hand-delivered it to Santa after some coaxing and encouraging from us. He was afraid Santa would think some of the words were spelled wrong and that it might not be good enough. Santa read the entire letter and told Alex his letter was wonderful.

Alex also asked how Santa got to Kansas City (he was looking for a red light in the sky on the way to Crown Center). Santa replied that he came by sleigh, but Rudolph was sick at the North Pole, with a reindeer version of the swine flu!

Christmas Magic. Alex in unwavering in his belief of Santa this year.

If you double click on the letter, it will enlarge.

Merry Christmas!

Ivan's 4th Family Day

2009-12-13T16:13:00.000-08:00

Four Years!

He has changed every day of those 4 years.
Except for 1 thing... he is still obsessed with Santa and everything Christmas.
So, once again, we went to Crown Center to see Santa on his Family Day.
He told Santa he wants balloons... again.
And, of course, we ate dinner at the Crayola Restaurant, because they have balloons.

Happy Family Day Little Bear.

We love you endlessly.

stories

2009-11-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

Ivan's Story

Mommy, Zoe cryin' and whinin' on the bus.

What made Zoe cry?

Zoe sad.

What made Zoe sad?

I don't know.

What did you do?

I ask Zoe, "Why you sad Zoe?".

What did she say?

Zoe say, "I miss my mommy".

What did you do?

I give Zoe hug.

and...

Zoe still cryin' and whinin' and cryin' and whinin'.

I say Zoe, "Why you still sad and whinin' and cryin'?".

I hug Zoe again.

Hmmmm, actually Zoe no miss her Mommy...I pull Zoe hair.

This is the first time Ivan told me a story.

Hope it isn't a sign of things to come.

Ho, Ho, Ho, Happy Halloween

2009-11-06T13:08:00.000-08:00

homemade costumes

gotta love their imaginations

Alex's classmates didn't believe him when he told them he was going to be a trash can, until they saw the can. Ivan loved the parade. He led all 60 preschool kids down the hallways, waving and saying, "Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas, ummm Happy Halloween".

that's my boy

2009-10-11T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Kansas City Star's House + Home section had a feature on modern fireplaces. Ivan got to be in the picture, we were trying to hide the fact that there weren't any logs in the fireplace.

http://www.kansascity.com/living/home/story/1493720.html

KU Camp

2009-10-11T19:05:00.001-07:00

Cole Aldrich

Sherron Collins
Glad to see he is feeling comfortable with the players...

I'm loving the arm on Sherron's shoulder!

Alex was trash talking, so he was first to try to guard Cole.

"I can take you!"

worn out

2009-10-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Ernie too -

new clothes

2009-09-24T08:55:00.001-07:00

Mom, please wash it again. In NEED to wear it tomorrow.

thank you, thank you Papa and Grrrmama

"pressing hot sticky tar"
in honor of Dig, Dig, Digging

( my new favorite picture of Ivan)

my turn

2009-08-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

finally.

Ivan's first day of preschool at Timber Creek.
In his prayer tonight,
"thank you for the bus, thank you for Timber Creek, thank you for the big bus, thank you for my new school and the bus (insert Ivan's air brakes sound effect), thank you for ummm, hmmm, whatever, thank you for the bus (more sound effects) in Jesus name I pray."

happy

2009-08-17T15:50:00.001-07:00

I love knobby knees and boy legs.

*Mrs. Noble and Alex *
I love that Al is thrilled to be back at school.

I love this kid.
I get to be his mom.
I am one lucky girl.

Al's first day of 2nd grade.
butterflies? Nope, Al said he had alligators chomping in his stomach.

Slo-Mo

2009-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

Slip and Slide.

One of the many reasons why I love the burst mode on my camera.

can I keep him? PLEEEEAAASE!

2009-08-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Yep, you can keep him. Al caught a lizard at the lake, we gave him a new home in an old pop bottle and caught a few crickets for it. Poor schizophrenic lizard, he was Billy Bob, Bobby, Butler, Lizard and several others before he was officially named Wheat Thin. We found out Wheat Thin was female northern fence lizard who needed quite a bit of care. She didn't even last 24 hours at home. We were planning on keeping her until we could release her next time we got to the lake. Not sure why she died so quickly, could have been too cold at night, not enough water or crickets. My guess is that she was really tired of having her pop bottle shaken! So, we were off with shovels to bury her in an empty lot. Oops, Al dropped her tiny body on the way to the burial site, we haven't seen her since!

summer

2009-08-04T12:28:00.001-07:00

"Some kind of help is the kind of help...we all can do without."

*Marlo Thomas*