Merry Christmas

As the events of the day went on and the present were opened I forgot to capture much of it on film. So I am adding just a few pictures of all the fun.

Nick was super excited that Santa brought him an orange ipod Nano. He is already downloading music because Santa was nice enough to add some itunes cards. Now he'll never hear us when we call his name.

Games, Games, and More Games....

This is Nick's Wii and Wii Fit but Ashe had to be just like his big brother and try it out. Nick has enjoyed many new Wii games including Wii Ski for the balance board.

Dr. Ashe has given us all shots and checked us all for heart disease. It looks like we'll live through another year.

Chef Emeril... No Chef Ashe. He has so much fun in his kitchen. He has made many food creations and had force fed us all.

Uncle Robbie, Aunt Lori, Cousin Hope, and Cousin Patrick got Ashe this super fun and super loud musical Sit -N-Spin. I really thought he wasn't going to be able to get himself spinning, but it didn't take him long.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Mass

I posted two pictures because it was hard to get everyone to look the right direction and smile at the same time.

This year it was really hard for Ashe to sit through the service. I got him ready all day telling him that we were going to Jesus' birthday party. When we got there he was good for about an hour and a half, but for the last half hour he was running laps in the back Narthex. I guess this wasn't his kind of party.

How 'bout dem Cowboys????

As I've been told, Cowboy fans, are a breed of their own.

As some of you may not know the Cowboys are currently building a brand new crazy awesome stadium. My family is super excited that we will have a paver at the new stadium displaying our love for this team.

GO COWBOYS!!!!

4th Grade Field Trip

Today Steven had the pleasure of chaperoning the 4th grade field trip to St. Augustine. He loved having the day to spend with the kids. They got to see so many familiar as well as new sites in the city that we love. Nick's favorite place was the Military Hospital. He was able to see how they performed different medical treatments many years ago.

I'm sure that the worst part of the trip was being stuck on a bus with a bunch of ten year olds for two hours up and two hours back.

Grandma Schaefer Comes to Town

Today Aunt Margaret Anne brought Grandma Schaefer to visit. This was the first time that Ashe was able to meet his GG (great grandma) on Steven's side. Of course Ashe didn't make it to picture time because he fell asleep. We had a nice visit and a wonderful family dinner, even though we were on tornado warnings because of the lovely weather in Florida.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2008

Nick, Dad, and Grandpa went to the Turkey Rod Run in Daytona early this morning. Nick and dad were up before the sun. So this morning when Nick saw this beautiful site he was reminded of the many things to be thankful for.

He is going to share this picture he took in the PTA Reflections Contest: Theme: Wow!

It is truly a wow display from God on Thanksgiving.

Think Nick?

Nick ran for Student Council Representative and I am proud to say that he has won.

I am so happy that Nick is getting involved at school. He has been so busy enjoying the great things the Red Bug has to offer. He is in Odyssey again this year and will be competing in February. Nick has also gotten involved in Math Club and now is in Student Council.

Cold Nights in FL

We have had a few cold days and nights here recently in Florida. Of course nothing like the cold days I remember as a kid. These past few days we have had to break out the long pants, jackets , and Ashe's newest find the warm hats. The house wasn't really that chilly tonight, but he did enjoy wearing that hat.

Tenth Birthday Weekend

Nick listened to the sounds at the new tree exhibit at the science center.

Nick has the Earth in his hands.

In this part of the new Space exhibit Nick was able to see the size differences of the planets.

In the hands on area, Nick was able to experiment with different things that make sound.

Light Up UCF

He ice skated for the first time. He actually did pretty good.

Unfortunately he came home with a large blister.

Sorry there are no pictures of the beautiful cake. The problem with the cake is that I tried to out do the cake from last year. So I went and ordered the cake of all cakes. It looked like a large ice cream sandwich. The top was all done with mini M&Ms. It looked perfect. The only problem is that I think some one put it into the cooler and not the freezer. So it melted by the time we got it home and it was more like a cake of soup.

The Big 1-0

This is Nick when he turned 1 year old. That day he had his first hair cut, had a family dinner, cake, and then went to have his picture taken. He has grown a lot and has changed so much. I really enjoy the person he has become.

This morning when Nick woke up for school his new bike was waiting for him. He was excited because he was starting to out grow his old bike.

... when Nick came home from school today and went bike riding, Ashe couldn't be left out. Ashe looks up to Nick so much. He couldn't have a better big brother.

Happy Birthday Nick... We all love you so much!

Halloween

Today at school Ashe went on a hayride to pick his cute baby pumpkin.

We wanted to wish everyone a safe Halloween.

Where have I been????

Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I lost my memory card for my camera with all my memories on it. I don't know how it happened but one of my students brought it to me after about a week of it being lost. I of course asked a few questions to the little boy, didn't really understand how he came across it but I don't care because I have it back. YEAH!!!!
So I will back post what has been happening with the Herod's...

Birthday Weekend

Tonight we had a family dinner with Grandma and Grandpa Herod and cousin Hope. We enjoyed some cake and opened presents.

Here Ashe is enjoying a few of his gifts.

Team Emerson

This weekend Nick and I went to an annual walk for Down Syndrome. We walked in honor of a sweet and beautiful little girl, who one week earlier was born (to a staff member) and diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Between Emerson's wonderful family and the Red Bug staff we raised over $4000 for Down Syndrome.

Go Team Emerson!

When Nick and I left this morning for the walk it was still dark out.

We were the second largest team at the walk.

Nick didn't complain once about the walk, he learned a valuable lesson about doing for others today.

At the end the boys enjoyed an ice pop.

Ashe Turns 2

The Orlando Science Center

For Ashe's 2nd birthday he spent time at the science center checking out some of the fun toddler things to do.

Ashe traveled under the street and checked out all the water pipes.

Here Ashe is in the toddler section picking oranges off the fake tree.

In the toddler section they had a car for Ashe to work on. The kids can go under and look at different parts as well as look at different parts under the hood of the car.

Here Ashe is changing the tire of the car.

Here Ashe is checking out the inside of a bee hive. They have a section of the tree open with glass so you can see the bees leave the science center through a tube, they go out into a garden. They then return to their hive to make honey.

Our New Couch

This is the first time we have ever purchased a new living room set. Our first set was passed down to us when we moved into our house. We loved that set for 9 long years. It was on its last leg many years ago, but we continued to enjoy it. Our new set is a couch, a love seat, and the leather cocktail ottoman. I hate the pillows but I am looking for just the right pillows or fabric to replace them. I am so glad we have finally found something it took so long.

Book Worm

Ashe sees Nick with his face always in a book, reading. So Ashe loves to take all the books off his shelf and pretend to read. I love to hear him babble pretend words to go along with the pages.

All Clean

Ashe loves to brush his own teeth. It makes him feel like a big boy. First we do the scrubbing then he pretty much sucks the water out of the bristles. He does really try to make them look nice.

Happy Birthday Grandma Herod

Yum!

The Herod Family

Rob's Family

Steven's Family

What is better than spinning around in a chair together?

We Love You Grandma!

Love, The Grandkids

Good-Bye Fay!

Tropical Storm Fay has been hanging around over Florida and dropping a ton of rain. We have of course missed three days of school, which we will have to make up at Thanksgiving. Many roads and areas are flooded and many branches and tress were pulled down. We of course are all safe and ready to get back to school. Let hope Fay will be our only visitor this Hurricane Season.

First Day of 4th Grade

Today was Nick's first day of 4th grade. He was really excited. He has waited a long time. Unfortunately, Hurricane Fay decided to visit FL and school will be closed on the second and maybe even third day of school.

Tennis

Today Nick and Steven went up to the tennis courts to hit some balls around. Nick is still getting use to hitting the ball, but he is doing a great job for something so new.

Human Guinea Pig

Tonight Nick used us as human guinea pigs. First he collect blood samples from both Steven and I to see if he could determine his blood type. After finding out our blood type he realized that he still had many choices. He ended up determining that he had AB positive blood. He had so much fun doing the experiment and enjoyed seeing his results.