Jordan's 12th Birthday, Nov 14 2009

Jordan is 12 years old. I can't believe it. For his big day we went bowling. It's one of his favorite things to do. And like the genius I am, I forgot the camera for that portion of the day. Oops! Anyway, he got to invite two of his friends along for bowling and lunch. We all had fun. He loved all his presents. So Thank You to everyone for contributing to this special day. I included on this post a picture of him receiving his Honor Roll certificate for the 1st semester of 6th grade. Also, some pictures of his very first band concert. He plays the clarinet mostly, but got to trade off playing the drums. (I think he likes the drums best!) I am so very proud of Jordan. He is the best big brother and really works hard at all he does.

Halloween 2009

So here's the Halloween pictures. Jordan carved a explorer on the front and a shadow mummy on the back. You can't see the mummy, but he did it all himself and I think he did an excellent job. Calvin picked an evil spider and Kaylee designed her own. That was exactly what she wanted and Daddy did it for her.

So now on to trick-or-treating. Where I had a crisis earlier in the day. Kaylee wanted to be an angel. She fell in love with this costume at the store. It said everything was included. Halo and all. But come to find out...no halo. You absolutely cannot be an angel without a halo. I was slightly freaking out...just slightly. So I went to my most creative friend and pratically begged for help. Most everyone knows that I am not the most creative person. My solution was to use some aluminum foil. Well Carla, that's my most wonderful friend, said a very forceful "NO!". So, what you see on Kaylee's head is our creation (mostly hers). It's a little bulky, but everyone knew she was an angel, a most beautiful angel at that. And she was happy!! Which is the most important. I give my heartfelt thanks to Carla for all her help. She's the best! Calvin is a fearsome ninja. I had to doctor that one as well. the costume fit very well, except for the hood. I had to split the seem at the back so it would fit his head and put in a mouth slice so he could breathe. I know ninja's don't show the mouth, but he had to breathe! And then there is Jordan, who wanted to be a pirate again. I just about fell to my knees in gratitude for him being so easy. We already had it!! All in all it was a fun night. The picture at the end is Carla's kids and her eldest daughter's friend and our three. They got so much candy though!! It's awful! LOL And the weather was sooo nice! The kids could get away with clothes on under their costumes and no coats. That doesn't happen here very often. We had a wonderful Halloween!!

Jordan's Orinata

Jordan's artwork at school was submitted in a National Art Exhibit here at RAF Mildenhall. He won in the Sculpture (10-12) category with his Orinata. I wasn't quite sure what this was so he had to explain it was a Oragami Pinata. Very Creative! His work is now on its way to Garmisch, Germany to compete at the regional level. Good job Jordan.

Happy Birthday Calvin and Jordan

A few weeks ago we celebrated Calvin's 6th (November 12th) and Jordan's 11th (November 14th) birthday. Jordan and Calvin wanted to thank everybody for their gifts. Here are some pictures -

Kaylee and Calvin posing with his presents.

Calvin's cake . . . I tried my hand at cake decorating, those are spider webs in case it is hard to see.

Calvin waiting to blow out his candles.

Jordan and Kaylee (she loves being in all the shots) with his presents.

Jordan blowing out his candles.

Jordan's cake . . . he decorated his (those are flames).

Calvin's First Day of School

Yesterday Calvin started his first day of kindergarten at Feltwell Elementary School. I think mommy was a little more nervous then Calvin was, he was very excited to go to school. His teachers name is Mrs. Hyde and she seems very nice and Calvin seems to like her. Here are some pictures from his first day.

The annual photo(s) [see below also] in front of the door before going to school.

Waiting inside the school building for all the kids to arrive.

Time to walk to class.

The classroom still nice and quiet, the kids haven't arrived yet!

Kaylee and mommy (at least half of her) waiting for the boys to come home.

Kaylee and daddy posing.

There is the bus!

Calvin stepping off the bus . . .

. . . and there is Jordan.

Right after this we all hopped back in the car and headed back to their school for Jordan's Open House. We got to meet his teacher and see what they will doing this year. The first week they started reading The Tale of Despereaux which they have to finish before Christmas because a movie is being released about the book (http://www.thetaleofdespereauxmovie.com/).

Jordan's First Day of 5th Grade

Today Jordan begins the 5th grade. We met his teacher this morning, Mrs. Flinders and she seems very interesting. Here are a few pictures for eveybody.

Today we also met Calvin's kindrgarten teacher. They do not start until next week and the teachers use ths week to travel around and visit their new students in their own home. It is a very good idea and something they should adopt in the states.

Saturday, Birthday Money and Bowling

Today we took Jordan and Calvin to spend some of their birthday money from their Nana (that is my mom). So off we went to the BXTRA on RAF Mildenhall and the first place they head it is to the Bionicles section of the toys. As soon as we got home they started putting together their Bionicles and playing battle. For those who do not know what they are you can visit www.bionicles.com.

Before heading home though we stopped off at the bowling alley for a quick game. I didn't do too hot and only bowled a 154 (OUCH!) but the kids did real well. (Sorry I forgot to grab the camera!)

Daddy - 154
Jordan - 108
Calvin - 97
Kaylee - 86

Marsha doesn't like to bowl so she cheered us on.

Jordan Turns 10 Years Old

On Wednesday, November 14 Jordan turned 10! We celebrated with some cake and ice cream and of course presents. We went bowling last Saturday for both Jordan's and Calvin's birthdays with Amanda's family since their birthdays fell during the week. Enjoy the pictures.

Optimus Prime and Megatron Transformers (from Grandma)

More Bionicles (from Calvin and Kaylee)

. . . . whats in here?

Winter Gloves

Hardback Magic Tree House Books (from Great-Grandma)

Skateboard and Accessories (from Mom nad Dad)

Happy Birthday To You . . . .

One More Candle To Go!

Straight A's

Marsha met with Jordan's teacher for the first Parent-Teacher conference of the year and so far he is getting straight A's. We really like his teacher this year and he seems to be enjoying this year! It sounds like another smart Culley kid when he was in elementary school! HINT - IT IS ME! (LOL)

4th Grade!

I know this is about a week late but Jordan started the 4th grade! He is still going to Feltwell Elementary and takes the long bus trip in the morning and afternoon. So far he likes his teacher this year, Mr. Whitehead.

Next year we will have two in school as Calvin starts kindergarten and will be going to the same school as Jordan for a year. Then Kaylee the year after that and Marsha has the house to herself during the day.

Jordan Heading To The 4th Grade

WOW . . . . our little boy (don't tell him I called him that) is heading to the 4th grade next year. It seems like only yesterday he was in Kindergarten, does that mean Marsha and I are getting old? His last day of school was Thursday and is excited about the summer. About mid July though I think he will be ready to go back to school, he really likes school.

Trophy Presentation

Jordan's soccer team, the Cobras received their trophies last Saturday. They finished the short season with 3 wins, 2 losses and 3 ties. This was his first year playing soccer and he did pretty good, although he didn't score (their wasn't mush scoring) he came close a few times. When given the choice he would always choose to play defense. They are holding a soccer camp this summer at Mildenhall for a week and he will be going to get ready for next year.

Kids Playing In Sandbox

Jordan, Kaylee and Calvin

It was a real nice day today, about 21 degrees celsius (70 degrees farenheit) and not a rain cloud in the sky! So after I mowed the lawn, it really needed it, Calvin and Kaylee played in the sandbox. When Jordan got home from school and finished his homework he went outside with them. I am not sure if we have ever shared a picture of our backyard, so below is two pictures I spliced together so you could see the whole backyard. The brick structure behind the swingset is our garage.

Our backyard