Collier Party of 5

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Atley's 1st Haircut

Oct 11
Atley's hair was beginning to resemble a mullet, so we decided it was time for a trim. I was nervous about cutting her sweet little curls off, but it was needed. (And the curls have returned!!)

Ready to go!

First cut!

She's so excited to be here!

Serious face :)

Before and After (Just a trim)

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Rader Farms 2016

Oct 10
The kids were out of school on Columbus Day so Nikki (our wonderful neighbor) and I decided to have a fun day out! We took the kids to Rader Farms in Bloomington. Jared and I took the kids there last year and had a blast! This time was no different. Before you get worried about not seeing Nora in any pictures, she was having a blast spending some one on one time with Grandma Karen. I was bummed that she missed this trip, but she didn't even notice :).

This was called the "rat roller". The boys couldn't get enough of this! Zach belongs to Nikki and we ended up with another neighbor boy, Tommy.

Tommy, Ethan, Zach

And they have all fallen!

Liz (Nikki's daughter) and Altey went at a much slower pace than the boys.

Pumping the water to make the duckies go! Or, just splashing in the water, not sure what was happening here :).

My boy!

Throwing a touchdown!

They LOVED the corn bin! They didn't want to come out.

Burying her hands and feet in corn.

Zach, Tommy, Ethan, Liz & Atley- waiting patiently for their turn on the pillow jumper.

They had so much fun!

I thought Atley could do it by herself...but I had to come help her out. That thing is super bouncy!

What a fun day with these kids (and their mama)!!

Monday, October 31, 2016

Flag Football Jamboree

Oct. 9
At the end of the flag football season, the teams all get together to play on the Mt. Zion High School turf field, under the lights. The kids love this fun night! Ethan's team got to play 2 games and then were awarded their trophies. Grandma Karen and Grandpa came up to watch Ethan run in his first touchdown of the season! He was so excited about that (and I was bummed I didn't get it on video- but so happy I got to see it!)

Ethan is the 3rd from right in the black- running to try and pull a flag.

Here he's the 2nd from right going for an interception (or flag pull) :)!

Nora and Liz cheering in the stands

Ethan and his teammates after a fun night!

Showing off his trophy (not sure where he's looking)

Grandma and Grandpa with the kids

So proud of this boy!

All of us on the field!

Homecoming Parade

Oct. 5
The Mt. Zion Braves homecoming parade was such a fun time! Since Ethan was in flag football, he got to walk and pass out candy in the parade. The girls were excited about all the candy being thrown at them!

Waiting with her candy bag

Atley, running from the middle of the street after grabbing some candy.

Ethan, having fun in the parade.

Tap, Ballet & Tumbling

Oct. 5

Nora has been taking 1 class that includes tap, ballet and tumbling. Parents are invited to watch during the last class of each session. She is loving it so much that I signed her up for a second session. Here are some pictures from that class!

Waiting her turn to tap across the floor.

Doing her 'sugars' across the floor

This picture makes me laugh! The various stages of the pencil roll.

Ballet twirl time

At the end of each class they "freeze dance" with scarves. When the music stops, they have to freeze.

Fishing

Oct 2
One Sunday afternoon, we took the kids out to Judy's pond for some fishing. It had been quite a while since we had gone, so the kids were thrilled! Nora and Ethan caught a ton of little blue gill. Judy walked Atley around the whole pond to keep her entertained! It was such a fun evening!

Atley Jane's 2nd Birthday

September 30 was Atley's 2nd birthday! She is such a joy! I love watching her learn things and try new words! She is talking more and more everyday. She weighs about 24 lbs. She sleeps 12+ hours a night (usually). She loves cheese, yogurt, and most fruits and veggies. She doesn't love meat, but will eat some. We call her our little vegetarian (and cheese-etarian). She loves to be around the big kids and adores her big brother! She can peddle a tricycle like a pro, loves picking up acorns and 'walmuts' outside and trying to hula hoop. She pretty much wants to do everything her big sister does! She talks all the time at home, but not always "on command" around people she doesn't know. She has the best facial expressions I've ever seen! And she makes us laugh daily. She loves TV (not that that's a great thing), if it's on, she's captivated. Bubble Guppies and Paw Patrol are her favorites.
Here are some pictures from her birthday!