Merry Christmas

Simon was a "star" at the children's nativity story at the Christmas vigil mass.

Sarah opening presents at Grandma's.

Simon gives Grandma a big thank you hug.

It is hard to get a good shot of the four children together. Andrew looks thrilled, doesn't he?

Aunt Joy and Grandma (mom) Mary Lee after Christmas dinner

Nathan checking out Sarah's horse from Santa.

Andrew enjoying storytime with Grandpa.

Waiting to come downstairs to see what Santa brought.

It was a wonderful Christmas at the Wethington's surrounded by family. It was wonderful to have Andrew and Nathan here for their first Christmas and to spend almost a week with us.

Finally, the gingerbread house is done! Simon has asked me daily for two weeks straight!

Sarah's performance at her school's holiday program.

School pictures

Fall Fun

A visit from Mr. Berenstain

Yesterday, Mike Berenstain, of the Berenstain bears came to Simon's school. I didn't want to miss seeing him either so came to school along with Sarah. He read one of the latest books which is part of a faith based series. He also showed how the bears are drawn. Mike Berenstain is the son of the original creators of the books and has carried on the books.

Halloween

Han Solo and a good witch!

We had a fun filled Halloween weekend. Friday afternoon were school parties at Sts. Peter and Paul and Sarah's school. Friday night we had our third annual Halloween party. Saturday was of course trick or treating.

I only wish Sarah would have agreed to a picture in her full costume. I don't have one with her witch hat on. She was not in the mood for pictures this weekend.

Melissa and Shane came to celebrate the boy's first Halloween too.

Pumpkin Patch x 2

Last Thursday, Sarah's preschool went to the pumpkin patch and yesterday Simon's kindergarten class made the trip. I chaperoned both trips and Simon got to go both times as well because he was on fall break last Thursday. What a difference a week makes though. Last week it was around 45 degrees and overcast with drizzle occasionally. Yesterday it was sunny and nearly 70 degrees.

Yesterday I went after working the night before. I did better than I thought I would until about noon, then I hit a wall and was ready for bed. That is the joy of night shift, I guess but at least I didn't miss the opportunity to join Simon's class!

Day at Darley Farm

checking out the gifts.

a prized stallion, Rockport Harbor, nicknamed Rocky

up close with Jenny. She is not a race winner yet. (Probably the reason we were allowed to get so close.)

Trying on the racing silks and the saddles.

The horse bus. Very nice ride.

Sarah and I had a unique and memorable experience on Friday. Sarah's preschool was chosen as Darley Farms charity of the year and invited all of the children, teachers, and parents to the farm on Friday.

Sarah's school is the best kept secret in Lexington. It is a preschool that integrates typical developing children with children with special needs.

Darley Farms is a major horse farm in Lexington and is a worldwide horse racing company. It has been in Lexington for about 100 years and was bought several years ago by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai.

Darley farms chartered buses from Sarah's school for everyone to ride to the farm (including installing 40+ car seats!), and we enjoying a wonderful breakfast, gifts for all the children and adults. Following breakfast, we had a hay ride and a tour of the beautiful farm.

Friday afternoon, Darley Farms presented a check to the school at opening day of Keeneland.

a weekend away to Pigeon Forge, TN

a failed attempt at a photo op with a great fall background

Seconds before the event. We should have known it was coming...look at her.

We decided to take advantage of Simon's Friday off from school and headed to Pigeon Forge for the weekend. Friday night we went to Dixie Stampede. Last year, Simon and I went while Sarah and Joseph stayed back at the condo but this year the whole family enjoyed to event. We had front row seats and Sarah loved being so close to the horses and Simon loved that he could stomp his feet whenever he was told during dinner!

Saturday was supposed to be a family day at Dollywood. Shortly after arriving Sarah got sick and threw up all over Joseph and the merry go round (before the ride even started). Joseph and her headed back to the condo in the hopes that Sarah would get better quickly; and she did. After an hour or two of downtime, a load of laundry, she felt better. We could only guess that she ate something that didn't agree with her.

Joseph and Sarah enjoyed exploring the area while Simon and I spent time together at Dollywood.

Of course, you can't go to Pigeon Forge without hitting he excellent outlet malls so Sarah and I enjoyed shopping while Simon and Joseph hit the mini golf course.

Overall, it was a nice weekend. We stayed at a very nice condo and enjoyed a weekend away from it all.

a few weeks of pictures...

a couple of weeks ago we went to the Red Mile (Lexington's harness racetrack) This was the first time I had ever been there. Much different crowd than Keeneland!

Simon and I got caught in a rainstorm at his soccer game today. Simon thought it was so much fun!

This picture doesn't do it justice but Sarah had her hair sprayed with purple polka dots to match her dress at Christ the King's Oktoberfest on Saturday.

One morning before school. Simon was trying to show him a book that he made at school that he is very proud of.

Sarah showing no fear at a bounce house for Dawson's birthday party.

Enjoying the park with Kaylee and Stacy over Labor day weekend.

Circus!

front row seats. Sarah stood against the glass most of the time so she would not miss a thing.

(Sarah checking out the acrobats at the preshow)

For the last several years, it has become sort of a tradition that our friend Dana and her son Lucas join me and Simon for a trip to the circus. No Dads or the last two years, no sisters. We felt that Sarah was ready to join us at the circus and Joseph could come along too. Brooke, Luca's little sister will probably be ready to join us next year and we would love to have Paul along too.

Anyway, Sarah absolutely loved her first circus. Her favorite parts were the dancers and the tigers. Simon and Lucas agreed that their favorite part was the motorcycles in the giant metal ball. Thanks to the Etters for getting us terrific seats and a equally terrific cheap price.

First day of Kindergarten!

Simon with a family friend, Kate. We are so glad they are in class together!

The day finally came and Simon's first day of kindergarten was today. He did great and we are thrilled with his class. He is one of 11 students and his teacher seems to be a great fit for him.

St. Louis

Aunt Barb singing to Uncle Kenny

Uncle Kenny and members of his barbershop style singing group singing to Aunt Barb

Sarah admiring the fish at the zoo.

met my Dad's prom date from way back in the day...how fun!

Dad with Andrew

We spent the weekend in St. Louis. Saturday evening was a party to celebrate my Aunt Barb and Uncle Kenny's 50th wedding anniversary. Most of my extended family were there along with all of my immediate family except my brother David (he is still on contract in Afghanistan) We also had a chance to go to the St. Louis Zoo which is my personal favorite zoo.