Snow DayS!

This is Senor Snow, made curteousy of the snow days -- yes, days -- that we had at the beginning of the week. The kids loved playing in the snow, drinking hot chocolate, and having their friends over. There were snowmen all over town and it was such a hoot to see all of the fun reactions folks had over our few inches. To you snow warriors it was nothing, but to us it was a nice escape from the everyday. Happy Snow Day wherever you are!

The Heiselt Days of Summer...

Believe it or not... school starts for us one week from today. We've had a tremendous summer filled with food, fun, and family. Just the things every person needs before they head back to the grind. I have so many photos to share, but this is about all I have time for today. Someday soon I hope to post more. Until then... enjoy a bit of our summer.

Hanging out with cousins in Virginia! We were so lucky that Matthan and Brenda were willing to play "hosts" to us this year. We had a great time hanging out with them, trying to eat at the Golden Corral while we were "coralling" our troops, having dinner, and visiting the Aquarium. Next time... it is our turn! Can't wait to have you all in MS. My personal highlight, Eric's new nickname (via Milo)... GRANDPA!

Colonial dancing in Williamsburg, VA! We found a steal of a deal at a resort in Williamsburg. We hope the entire family will come and have a reunion there one day. We had fun in the pool, walking the grounds, playing at the playground, and yes... even Colonial Dancing! (p.s. This is photographic evidence that our oldest children danced and had a great time together!).

Shae -- "Little Mermaid-ing it" in the backyard pool. Shae is her own tv show, non-stop. This is just one of her many adventures. Just love that kid! She is so tan she has a little white swimsuit farmer tan.

Loving those homemade, chocoalte pudding pops! We found a great recipe which we enjoyed this summer. We made pudding pops of different flavors and styles. The kids loved them and I loved watching them eat them.

Hope you all are enjoying your summer! We look forward to seeing your photos too!

Now Introducing... Emoree with... BRACES!

Welll...it's official. After months of hoping, days of planning, and years of wishing... Emoree got braces today. We can look forward to praying she won't break her brackets, making sure she doesn't eat anything she's not supposed to (it is a long list). And (as she says) lots and lots of mashed potatoes. Who wouldn't want that? Feel free to send sympathy cards care of Emoree Heiselt! Luckily, her Dad went through this before so she's got a wealth of experience around her. She is welcoming all prayers in behalf of her teeth.

Volunteering is COOL!

For the last two weekends, Bryton and I have been out in the community giving service. One Saturday, we worked the MSU Garage Sale to benefit students who face calamities and cannot pay their bills. On the following Saturday, we worked the Habitat for Humanity Golf Tournament. I am so blessed to have a son who thinks it is cool to volunteer. It probably didn't hurt that he got to drive a golf cart around either!!

The Piano Recital - In Triplicate

Each Spring, the Heiselt children burst forth and play the songs they have been working on with their piano teacher, Ms. Carolyn Rogers for months! It usually coincides at the exact same time when Eric and I think we cannot hear a particular song one more time!

This year the recital was extra special as Shae, Bryton, and Emoree played. Bryton was up first as we thought he had a baseball game (it ended up getting rained out). He played so quickly I didn't even get a chance for a photo (to which he is not very sad -- see face on the boy in the photo with the girls). He did a great job and looked very daper in his suit!

Shae played "Camptown Races" and was up and down so fast it was like a whirlwind. I love how her feet dangle and don't reach the floor! Emoree played "Harry in Winter" from Harry Potter and she did a wonderful job!
The three pianists! At our traditional piano photo. I just love it!
Oh, and not to leave Isaac out. His job was to stay quiet (which he did somewhat well actually) and to keep the church's hymn books in order!

I did manage to get a bit of Emoree's song on video. Eric said listening to Emoree play makes him feel like the father in a Jane Austen novel. He fancies himself sitting around listening to his daughter play the piano forte. Enjoy!

Terrific Two!

Our little guy just turned two and we are loving it (so far)! His vocabulary has spiked, he has already attempted potty work at least once, and he is really showing some of that Heiselt attitude (okay, that part we are working with). Seriously though, we had a great party. Wish you were there! Grandma H. gave punch balloons and they were a big hit (continue to be - thanks Mom!)), Grandma S. gave a wonderful Radio Flyer trike w/hat (helmet) that Isaac loves, and he received a swing for the backyard! What more could a kid want?

The Doggie (or as Isaac calls it, "Woof Woof") cake mde by the talented Eric Heiselt.

Isaac was not quite sure what to do with the cake and then when the candles were lit, I thought he was going to reach out and grab it. It took all of us blowing out the candles, and when we did -- he clapped for us!!

Thank You Aunt Jodie!

This is me wearing my apron Aunt Jodie gave me from Christmas. It really works! I was making snickerdoodles with Mom and I wore it. Thank you so much Aunt Jodie. I love it. Love, Shae. 'Nough Said. Thank you Jodie!