Christmas Vacation Continues.....

Oh the fun continues and Grandma and Papa's house! Grandma Millie with all the grandkids, the kids showing off the scarves that grandma made them and Carson giving a face that makes him look like Uncle Ralphie!

Santa talks to Joey and Sophia- Check it out!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/7120ca3ab2c9720577af81e42e14b71f
http://portablenorthpole.tv/watch/2d8e464f8eefee12e7cd0a81ef13

Day One Christmas Vacation ( Grizzwald Style)

Well it only took us about 8 1/2 hours to drive to Madison. We thought that we would leave early to miss the storm- but we drove right thru it~! Brad did an awesome job driving in it- so rest assured that your federal tax dollars are hard at work training the Federal Law Enforcement officers how to drive in ice and snow! We got here about midnight and went right to bed. Today we woke up to eggs and sausage. Right away Dad, Brad and I started on the driveway management situation while the kids played outside. Next, Brad and the girls made a snow fort and snowman. We anxiously awaited the arrival of the Pecards. The rest of the day will be food, food, and yes more food! Early to bed for Santa-palooza tomorrow morning. Five kids equals lots of presents and chaos!

Parent's Day in Joey's Preschool class

Brad and I attended Parent's Day in Joey's preschool class. They showed us what they do for circle time. This video is of name recognition and letter sounds. So cute. Turn up the volume so you can hear her. She was so proud!

Disney Princess on Ice

The girls and I went to the Disney Princess Ice show with Sophia's Girl Scout troop. We had a great time! The seats were not as good as when Daddy gets them for us, but we didn't care! A wonderful show! Sophia's favorite Cinderella- Joey's favorite Belle- Mommy's favorite is Belle too. See Joey's video below.

Princess Ice Show

Joey shares her favorite part of Disney Princess on Ice!

Sophia's Moves

Sophia was the ABC student of the month for November in her classroom. At the all school celebration all the ABC students had a hula-hooping contest. Sophia was a finalist. I'm not sure were she got her moves.... but she did really good! Check out the below video of her moves!!

Hula Hooping Fool

Hula Hooping Fool

Naughty or Nice??

Santa" What do you want for Christmas?"

Sophia" I want Polly Pockets"

Joey " I would like Little Pet Shops"

Carson " Popcorn!"

22 Days Left!

Don't they look angelic?? Not hardly! This is the only shot that came halfway decent! Couldn't get Carson off the trike-surprise surprise. And true to sibling rivalry Joey tried pushing him off so she could get on. Awesome. I think my blood pressure was elevated that day. But I'm sure I'll look back at this picture in 10 years and say "awww look how cute they were!" That being said- this is my favorite time of year, especially when small children make it magical. Good news-Sophia still believes in Santa. Which means I get to use the Santa card one more year. They think I have Santa on my speed dial!

Hockey

Well now, I am officially a hockey mom! The girls have started hockey for the winter and are loving it so far! I am looking forward to watching hockey, I guess I will be watching it forever! As soon as Carson is old enough, he will be playing too. We have a really nice outdoor hockey rink in Hinckley. However, they go to the inside rink until there is ice outside. I love how Sophia is trying to look bad a** with her pink hockey stick!!!

Baby Emma

We finally met Baby Emma. What a beautiful baby! The girls really enjoyed holding her. Carson was curious and kept telling me " shhhh sleeping". I think she reminds me of Joey because of her dark hair and dark eyes. She is tiny like Sophia was. I did enjoy snuggling a baby- however when I heard her up at 2:30am, not so much! Connor calls her his baby. So cute! Congrats to my baby sister and her hubby- well done!

Baby Emma Arrives!!!

Emma Ray Pecard finally arrives! She was born on 11/15 ( her mommy's bday!). 7lbs oz, 19 1/2 ". So far she is a good baby and nursing is going well. It amazed me that she was born on Kristie's birthday. So both my sis and I gave birth to our first daughters on our birthdays!  I am so excited to meet her next weekend when we go home for Thanksgiving!  Connor so far likes his baby sister, we'll see in a year when she is gumming all his toys! Welcome Emma- get ready for lots of kisses from Aunti Jillie!

Brad's Catch

Vegas Baby!

Your gonna have to copy the web address below, copy it and paste it in your browser. My computer is being retarted! Finally got to our Vegas pictures! Some didn't make the cut for our "G" rated blog! :)

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=9d5b5c436737e64463803d&skin_id=601

Baking with My Baby Boy

It's no secret that the girls and I love to be in the kitchen cooking and baking. I took an opportunity to bake with Carson while the girls were at a friend's house. We made cut out cookies and had a blast. I don't get much one on one time with my children- it really is fun to have one all to myself!

Tricks or Treats?

Need I say more? A pioneer girl, a princess and batman......

Uncle Danny's BIG Fishy

Now I know this is a blog about The Hopkins', but we are so proud of Uncle Danny's big fish. The details   "This musky was my first (Length = 46" Weight 30lbs) and was caught using a Little Joe with Crappie Minnow on the Wisconsin River, WI while Walleye fishing with 8lb test line on 10/11/2009."

 Way to go Uncle Danny! We aren't gonna eat that are we????

Trip Home

The kids and I took our annual October trip home.  We had a great time. I already miss family and friends! Click on the image below to view montage.

Our trip home

Early Snow

Look what was in our yard on Oct. 10th! SNOW!!!!!!!!!!! Oh no- where did I put snow pants and boots?? Looks like we found them!!

Joey's Preschool Songs

Joey's new songs she has learned in Preschool.

Annual Wine Tasting

Every once in awhile Mommy gets out of the house.... alone! Pictured here are the 3 teachers I teach first grade with. Couldn't ask for better coworkers and friends. We had a great time at Tobies Wine Tasting Event. Drinking lots of wine and joking how funny it would be for all of us to call in sick the next day. Don't worry Mom and Auntie Cookie- I ordered some great rose and Asti for us at Christmas so we don't have to drink dad's dry wines! We missed you Laura! SALUTE!

Hinckley Homecoming

Sophia and her good bud Matthew were chosen as Jr Homecoming attendants. They were excited but not quite sure what it all meant! It was fun to see them on the stage and I thought about what I will be thinking if she is up there again in 11 years. Typical Sophia she was giving Matthew directions the whole time! Good thing they are good friends!

Family Photo

Family Photo Shoot