Bowling

During a rare, rainy Sunday Grayson suggested we all go bowling.

Emily managed to get two strikes and a spare. She also got an unexpected surprise when she stuck her finger in a ball with something wet and squishy in it. She named it booger ball.

Cole and Dad teamed up. Thanks to Dad's great coaching and the creative use of bumper guards, Cole got a few strikes and managed to win one of the rounds.

You can tell by his fine form, that Grayson had everything under control. He didn't need any help. As for me, it was probably safest for everyone if I remained behind the camera.

Water Fun

Help! Cole is being attacked by a crazy water monster.I will save you Cole. Da da da da...Grayson to the rescue!

February Highlights

Grayson was on "storm watch". We may have just gotten a few inches of rain, but for a Southern California kid that is big news.

Emily was in a tight spot when she climbed a tree and couldn't figure out how to get down. Four feet up can seem pretty intimidating when you're the one that's stuck.

Cole made friends with some firemen waiting in the store parking lot. They invited him to sit in the drivers seat and honk the horn, which made Cole and everyone else in the parking lot jump.

Thanks to a certificate Grayson won at school, the boys were introduced to Tastee Freeze. It was a big hit.

Cole really got into that soft serve goodness. I think he's hooked now.

January Highlights

For the sake of catching up, here are some highlights from January.

Grayson completed one of his biggest Lego Projects, the Clone Turbo Tank.

Cole made friends at the park by flashing his charming smile.

Emily tried to disguise herself at the birthday party of one of Cole's preschool friends.

Grayson looked very sporty in his skateboard gear. He isn't so sure about riding the skateboard yet, but he really likes the way he looks in the gear.

Cole, the social butterfly, attended another party. This time at The Little Gym to celebrate the birthday of his good buddy Nicholas.

Taekwondo Testing

On February 16, Grayson took his first Taekwondo belt test.

He did a great job and was awarded the Senior White Belt.

Christmas Morning 2011

He came! He came! He finally came!

Looks like Cole was a very good boy this year.

Emily furiously opens her presents as Grandpa enjoys coffee from his soup bowl sized, "I love Grandpa" mug.

Grayson shows off one of his new Halo figure to Nana, the 10th reindeer.

Those are some cool Converse, Emily. Santa could use a pair of those.

Visiting

We spent the morning visiting Nana and Grandpa and seeing all their Christmas decorations.

Hurry Santa

The kids have readied their gingerbread village for Santa. You can tell this is a very diverse neighborhood. We have the neat freak, the minimalist and the hoarder.

Santa, don't forget your best reindeer Rudolph. You will be needing his help to pull your sleigh.

Preschool Christmas Program

It was the night of Cole's first Christmas program. He and his little classmates have been practicing with their teacher, Mrs. Hodges, for weeks.

They all looked beautiful in their Christmas finery.

There were reindeer, wise men, shepherds and our little angels. Cole sang his little heart out.

After a class prayer, they were rewarded with cookies and juice.
Great job Cole!

16 More Days Till Christmas

Christmas excitement has hit the Hemmelgarn household.

Only 15 more nights until I can answer Cole's nightly question, "Is Santa coming tonight Mama?" with a, "Yes, he is Honey!"

Jeff's Birthday

Jeff's birthday request was to spend the weekend in San Francisco. We spent lots of time visiting some of our favorite spots around Union Square. We even got in a bit of shopping.

The trip wouldn't be complete without a trip to a Noe Valley pub to have a few drinks with his good friend Peter. It was a great chance to bring back happy memories and create a few new ones. Happy birthday Jeff.

Preschool Friends

Cole is really enjoying his first year at preschool. He especially enjoys his time on the playground and getting rides from his good friend Nicholas.

Emily Turns 13

It was the night before Emily's thirteenth birthday and I offered to take her out to dinner to celebrate. She said she would rather eat at home, but requested that dinner be served on the floor. Her brothers happily complied.

She finished off her unconventional birthday celebration with a pumpkin pie.
Happy birthday Emily. May you never loose your quirky charm.

Dino Dash

Grayson encouraged the family to participate in the Dino Dash 2k.
It was a rainy day so we waited for the start of the race in our dry car.
To build up their energy, Cole and Grayson had a pre-race cookie.

Grayson was excited for the race to begin.

Cole took his time and made friends along the way.

Grayson and Daddy were off and running. They finished near the front of the pack.

Our slightly soggy runners returned home with some donuts and their well deserved finisher ribbons.

Teacher's Helper

It was Cole's special day being teacher's helper.


He took care of the calendar like an old pro.


He was so proud of himself as he led the pledge.

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Halloween Preseason

The Halloween preseason is well underway. First the boys showed off their costumes at the Christ Lutheran Treats in the Trunk. Nana and Grandpa were nice enough to take them there while Mom and Dad had a weekend away.
Grayson won first place at the costume contest.

Then there was the Christ Lutheran Preschool parade and trick or treating. The kids made their costumes in class and collected treats around the preschool and church. Cole's classmates made the most charming group of clowns I have ever met.

Grayson paraded around Loma Vista Elementary with his rock star good looks.
Only a few more days till Halloween and we have already had lots of fun.

Children's Church Service

Cole and a few of his preschool friends performed for an enthusiastic group of family and friends at a church service.

Cole may not be ready for American Idol, but he sure is cute!

Cabo

Wow! What an incredible vacation we had in Cabo.

We had lots water play with the kids.

We enjoyed a few drinks at the swim up bar.

On top of it all, no one had to cook. That equals a good time to me.

Unfortunately, Jeff and Dave had to do a bit of work while we were there.
At least the location and dress code at this office seemed pretty relaxed.
We were very fortunate to have a chance to spend such a special time with friends and family.