One year later... Christmas 2010

Nana Humphrey shared the true meaning of Christmas.

How has it been an entire year since I updated this thing?! So I could abandon this blog altogether, but I just read back though it and love having all the memories here, so I am picking up where I left off...Christmas.

What a celebration! This year John was old enough to read the account from Dave's bible (we practiced it as a surprise for daddy). Grace dressed up as an angel and "acted" out various parts as John read. We were so blessed to see all of our families this Christmas. Henry and Jeanine came from Iowa the week before the 25th. Mark and Kim from their new home in Virgina, and Aaron and Danielle from PA came in the weekend after Christmas. Perfect timing since Dave and Grace both ended up with the flu Chirstmas weekend (the only weekend no family was in town).

Christmas 2009

We had a wonderful 3 weeks of Christmas celebrations this year. We got to see all of our brothers and their families, spent time with grandparents, great grandparents and even extended family. I'll post for the next several days to get a sample of pictures from all gatherings. Not Christmas related, but funny. Grace is pictured here wearing what she refers to as her "long Graces." Her brother John wears "long johns" so of course this makes sense!

John holding Uncle Henry and Aunt Jeanine's pet, Aussie. This is the fastest moving turtle I've seen. Lots of fun for the kids.

Goofy Humphrey children and Oreo.

We went to Church with Nana and Papa Streby. This is the same nativity Aimee, her brother, and cousins had their picture taken in front of every Christmas.

Christmas at our house with all the grandparents. Great-grandpa Jones with the kids.

Halloween 2009

John's Kindergarten class had a party Friday. Centerburg kids parade around the block in their costumes. Dave got to see them from the bank. John is the tin man in the back row. Ella (Aimee babysits) is the cheerleader in the front, right. Cowardly Lion and Tin Man ready for Trick or Treating.

So cute from all angles.

Of course the whole family joined in the fun. Dave popped an allergy pill and made a great scare crow. Red duct tape over tennis shoes completed the Dorothy look. And of course, Oreo, enjoyed her first Halloween as Toto.

Summer 2009, can't believe it's almost over.

John's swimming lessons at the YMCA. He loved his instructor because she reminded him of his Aunt Kim. As you can see he still isn't a fish, but has become much more comfortable in the water this summer. Grace and Dave at the end of one of many trips to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.

Keeping cool and clean.

Camping with the Carter's in Greer.

More camping with Aimee's extended family in Newton Falls. This was Grace's catch, a large mouth bass that put all of her uncles' to shame. She was excited as everyone cheered for her as Papa Streby reeled it in on the little pink fishing pole, "You've got it Grace, you've got it!" As soon as she saw the huge fish come out of the water, she cried and yelled, "I don't want it!"

More camping.

I took the kids to "Pretty Land" behind my parent's home. This is the part of the "crick" Henry and I spend almost everyday of our summers growing up. It was so much fun for me to see the kids enjoying wading and exploring this place that holds so many memories for me.

Grace at mom's company picnic just a couple of weeks ago. Both kids had a great time, and since Nana was doing the face paining, they were well decorated!

John dressed up as the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz. Nana Humphrey took him to see the play and gladly took him out when the witch got too scary.

This was taken outside a restaurant where we celebrated Dave's parents 40th wedding anniversary.

Soccer started tonight!

John had his first soccer practice/game night tonight. I'm coaching an older team while Dave and Grace cheer him on. He had a great time. The Preschool team John is on has 23 kids all 5 years old. Dave described it as the coaches herding cats most of the time. John said he learned that "you never use your hands in soccer" tonight. He has 5 more Tuesday night soccer games.

The Pittsburgh Marathon

We did it! All six Humphrey kids ran the Pittsburgh half-marthon last weekend. What an exciting weekend! Here we are with our medals.
This was my first and Dave's second half-marathon. He met his goal and finished in 2:10! Nice work honey. I can't imagine running your pace.

Here are the girls (minus Grace who stayed home with friends).

Barb (Dave's mom), Danielle and Lydia (Aaron's wife and daughter), me, Kim, Ella, and Luci (Mark's wife and kids), and Carol (Danielle's mom).

And the guys (minus John who was home with Aimee's parents). Dave, Dan (his dad), Mark and Aaron.

Kim and I ran together. She's done many of these before and has even completed a full marathon. Fortunately for me she is 20 weeks pregnant and running my pace. Thanks Kim for asking me to run with you. I never would have signed up without you.

A very fishy Easter

We spent the afternoon visiting with Aimee's Aunt Terry and Uncle Willy, their sons and families and got to meet Malena, the newest Streby cousin. Grace was a bit overdressed for the afternoon, but didn't let that stop her from spending time with Papa Streby.

John got his first fishing lesson from Papa.

Dave proudly diplays his catch with the kiddie fishing pole.

Papa got one...

...and Uncle Willy (Aimee's dad's brother)...

...and John! He casted out, slowly reeled it in and caught a monster fish. Not bad for your first few minutes of fishing.

Papa was pretty proud too.

Grace had much more fun inside with the girls. Here she is holding her beautiful cousin Malena Mae Streby (Jacob and Carrie's second).

These are from earlier in the day. Just some shots of good looking kids.

John proudly displays his bow tie (hand-made by Nana Streby) and new shoes (thanks Nana Humphrey).

My mom made Grace this adorable dress and hat. The child spent most of the morning in front of this mirror admiring herself.

These are from a local Easter egg hunt.

John was explaining to Grace how the hunt works. She hangs on his every word. I can only imagine the things she'll learn from her big brother in the future.