Landers 5

McKinney Soccer Tournament

2009-08-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

Ok- So sorry I have not posted in a while. So I am trying to turn a new leaf. (and yes, Jennifer- This ones for you!)

Here we are on our trip back to the Dallas area for the 1st soccer tournament for Forest this season. We woke the kids up early to get on the road. This pic is after we got past the huge wreck that blocked both sides of 287 just 10 minutes out of Amarillo.

They look so sweet and her there is no whinning

Parker is resting on our suitcase. We decided not to take the trailer this time and we were regreting it early on.

While Forest sleeps he does not have non-stop insults for everyone. I like it when he sleeps.

And here's Joseph= Totally in control (of course)

And here is me- Notice my new nifty hair cut. - So much easier!!!

Not even halfway to Dallas we have a blow out. At this point I am wondering if God is telling us to turn around.

Joseph, Forest and myself proceed in changing the tire while Parker and Raven are off in the trees to stay away from the car just in case someone hits our car. and Yes we successfully change the tire! yeah!!

and look at the damage to my car!!!

While we were changing the tire, Raven and Parker took pictures of butterflies and spiders.We made it to McKinney without any further issues and we were in time for Forest's Game.

Raven's first basketball game of the season.

2009-01-28T08:40:00.000-08:00

These photos are of Raven's first basketball game of this season. She has really gotten quite good - Be big, Raven- Be Big!!

Now she is carrying it down

Past the block and Berkley's Screen

Keep driving down toward the basket! Nice layup, Raven
And blue's thorw in-

Very nice Rebound, Raven!

Back to our basket!

Your open, Raven- You've got time.

She Shoots!

She Scores!!!

What you must realize is the she has great incentive. Her Nana gives her $5 per basket. I am not sure how much team building that does, but beleive it or not, she does pass the ball. but if she has any chance at all to make the basket, she tries.

2009-01-22T14:57:00.000-08:00

Here is Raven with Savannah. Despite the look on Savannah's face. She really does like Raven. Raven really likes playing little Mama.

This is where Raven was making Savannah cry. All she had to do is look at her.

Here is Parker in his first basketball game of the season. He is#8- The one on the floor scrambling on the floor for the ball.

Parker is the smallest one on his team. There is one kid that is almost as tall as his coach.- Pass the ball, Parker!

Here is Parker and his coach in pre-game warm-up. He is wearing his Manchester United soccer shorts. They kindof look like a cheerleading skirt here. Rest assured we went that evening to buy him new basketball shorts.

Yeah Katina!! In 2008 I increased my sales over 30% from 2007. This is the bonus check I received at our awards luncheon. I am one of 4 who increased their sales and ended up 4th in sales for the company this year. This puts me in the top 11% for sales in Amarillo.- No recession here!!!

2008-12-25T14:29:00.000-08:00

Here is Raven and her friend Blakely. I am guessing that they are on their way to the slopes, since they have on thier ski clothes. (and they don't look exhausted.)

Raven is ready to hit the slopes. Isn't she a cute snow bunnie?

Another photo or Raven and Blakely.

Here is Raven and Ella. I asked Raven to take a lot of pictures while she was gone. I got a few. We will have to work on this. She had a great time and can not wait to go skiing again. We did not get any scenery photos. She will try harder next time.

2008-12-25T13:28:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas

Well- Happy Christmas to everyone. Here is how the kids look all cleaned up ( well as much as we can). We start off Christmas Eve having snacks at Aunt Holly's house.

Here is Joseph and Raven. Joseph is wearing his goofy Grinch tie. If it is not that tie, it is the Christmas tree sweater. We should be thankful it was unusually warm this Christmas.

After Aunt Holly's we move over to Nana and Papa's house. This is where we open our gifts. Look at the pile of gifts. Hard to believe there are only 7 of us.

Please mark the date that we were able to get this photo of Joseph without his knowledge. He normally is making a goofy face.

Papa, Forest and Parker are ready to start opening presents. I think that Raven is just starting to pass out gifts.

Raven is taking a break from the package deliverer.

Parker had to sing us a Christmas Carol before anyone could start opening presents. He chose Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.

Here is Joseph and me. Still waiting to open presents. I guess Parker is still singing.

Being 13, Forest is happy to get new clothes. - Well, the right clothes anyway.

Parker has gotten a new tobogan. This one has a skull and crossbones. Perfect for Parker.

Raven got Parker this cool tobogan on her ski trip. Fun, Huh? It has spikes down the back, and a devil tail.
Wow, Parker got a new HD video camera. Here comes the next Youtube star!!

And Forest got one too. Who will be the next Martin Scorsese (-sp) Maybe the Farrelly Brothers are more acurate.

And Nana got a GIANT cat book.- I mean it is HUGE.

This must be the year to cover your noggen with a tabogan. It looks like Fargo!!

Everyone is busy opening gifts.

Raven had to take a break.

Here is Joseph in his natural state.

Now the fun begins. Now we play.

And Play - until someone gets hurt.

2008-12-25T12:49:00.000-08:00

Papaw is enjoying the silence (his hearing aide broke)

Here is my Aunt Donna, seated on the left, and Gail, seated on the right. Behind them is Allison (Gail's daughter)

The boys are killing time before the gift exchange by killing their Dad.

Lori and her daughter Kayla are getting doing the prep for the Chinese Christmas exchange.

And the first present is opened. (this was Parker's gift of s'mores and hot chocolate. - Did I mention that the Chinese gift exchange is food items. - Yes, I know that sounds weird, but it was actually fun.

More gift exchange. I believe at this point everyone is still talking to each other. This is Lynn and her husband Bob. It is hard to tell in this pic, but Tiffany is hiding her gift behind her back.

Papa Larry is having Kinnley help pick out his gift. We had a good time. it was nice to see the family after such a long absence. I was amazed at how much the kids look like their parents, the girls especially. A few times I had to stop myself from calling them the wrong names.

2008-12-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

Here are the boys. Parker (of course) being the ham. This is our Christmas trip to Mineola, TX the weekend

2008-12-12T21:50:00.000-08:00

Raven has been cast in the Lamplight Theaters production of Peter Pan. She will be a brave.

2008-12-07T14:11:00.000-08:00

Yeah! Paker won the Spelling Bee. He will be represening Belmar in the City Spelling Bee in January.

2008-12-07T14:01:00.000-08:00

Mary and Haylie were here this year during Thanksgiving. It was nice to get to see them this year.

2008-12-01T14:27:00.000-08:00