Happy Birthday, Meredith Grace

There she is - all turned 4 and everything!



Meredith had a wonderful birthday!



On a whim (which you know I don't do whim very well...) Brandon and I decided to take the family to Stoneridge for Meredith's birthday. We called the schools and picked them up early - then drove without disclosing our destination! It was great fun!

We love off-season time! The place is almost empty...well, until our van pulls in!
Wallyball, anyone?



Maddie playing some Red Light, Green Light in the Raquetball Court with the Littles.



Full sized gym...some basketball and four square.



4 on 4



A trip to the gift shop.



And the pool and hot tub! It truly was a perfect weekend!

Pineterest

I have found so very many wonderful ideas on Pinterest that I'd love to do with my family. But I'm not very crafty. I'm an old dog that doesn't take well to new tricks. But when I saw this idea I knew it would be a hit so I went to the store that same day and got my "supplies"...



So my supply list wasn't very long. 1- Garage floor drip pan and 1-pkg of 3M removable wall stick things (see, I'm not very crafty).

I was sure the kids would love it and I was right. Meredith spent most of the afternoon in front of the wall.

When the older kids got home they enjoyed it too!

And then...

What to my wondering eyes should appear...

But my oldest kid enjoying my creation...that I found on Pineterest...the site that he mocks to no end

Busted! (Although I will give him credit - he and the older kids have been carrying on quite an impressive game of Scrabble/Words With Friends all weekend! See? Educational for one and all!)

Seuss Olympics 2012

The Annual Seuss Olympics were a huge hit again this year. We opted to invite our friends over - sharing our psychotic traditions with outsiders was way outside our comfort zone for sure. But we had a blast - and I'm pretty sure they did too!



We drank "Pink Ink"...



And I'm pretty sure Jason drank too much!



Yertle the Turtle was the gymnastics of our olympics this year. A favorite!



When the official measurements were recorded Team Tobeck won the Turtle Tower event (we won't be inviting them again next year).



Joseph has almost mastered getting that Wocket into the Pocket!



Gracie got frustrated with her Tweetle Beetle Battle performance.



Team Tobeck Ringing the Gak



Malorie and Dad Hopping on Pop



At the end of the Hop on Pop course you have to "Hop on Pop" - part way though the night I noticed that one of our kids wanted Brandon to play with them and thought he should have a picture of his "pop" to hop on, too. I love my kids.



The Geeling on the Ceiling proved to be the most challenging event again this year!



The Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuz cake ... perfection! Brandon seems to have a Seuss gene - look at that cake!



(Patiently waiting for cake.)

February Misc

I always end up with random pictures on my phone of just day to day stuff...

In December, January and February our family visited the dentist a LOT! I had 2 root canals, we all had our cleanings, I had some complications with the root canals...needless to say, Gracie became very familiar and comfortable at the office!



This year a member of our church, who lives in Spokane, put together a video to help promote the annual Friends of Scouting campaign. We caught a picture of Jason in the video - it was taken during a clean up at Camp Cowles in preparation for the summer encampment that will be held this summer.



Joseph and Meredith went to a lot of basketball games this season! They didn't mind so much as long as I bribed them with treats to share! Such cute little friends!



Joseph got this bear hat for Christmas and he wears it - frequently...



...see?

Never a Dull Moment

You should hear the kids beg Brandon to take them hookie-bobbin' when it snows!



Of course we can't do anything half way...Brandon had to design a double tow rope.



Works pretty well - he can tow 3 saucers, a tobaggan and usually the dead weight of whoever falls off their sled but doesn't let go of the rope!



Several hours and as many tanks of gas have been spent driving in circles around our driveway!

Valentine's Day

I had fun this year setting out surprise Valentine's for the kids. Grandma Janet also got in on the action and sent Valentine's for the kids. They were so surprised Valentine's morning.



We made fun hair ribbons for all of the girls in Melanie's class...and the girls in our house!



Dad also had a few tricks up his sleeve and added his own surprise for everyone (even mom) on the table!



(Side note: The table isn't a cafeteria folding table!! Brandon and the older kids made a new table as their gift to the family for Christmas! We love it!)

Basketball

Jacob had a great basektball season! He has such a love for the game and such a good attitude! I'm very proud of him.



I don't know what the W/L record was for the team this year...something like Not-Many over Quite-A-Few. But his team was so fun to watch. They have so much heart!



Jacob is already looking forward to summer ball and next season. We were saddened to learn that Mr. Ryan (HS Varsity Coach) retired this year. We haven't heard yet what the official coaching staff will be next season. We're hoping the other coaches will stick around!



Good Job, Jacob! Thanks for being such a good kid and such a great sport! And thanks for putting up with your mom's (and occasionally even dad's) yelling from the stands!



Oh yeah - the banquet! What a great group of boys! I'm looking forward to the next 3 years!



Jacob was presented the Most Improved award. I couldn't agree more - and not just because I'm his mom! Jacob worked his guts out this season!



Ok, now we're done blogging about basketball...for a couple of months anyway! Ü