Christmas Program Photo Shoot

 The Ward kids all did really well in their Christmas programs over the past week. We are so thankful for their schools that use the gift of music to tell the story of Jesus so beautifully.  This was Everly and Grant's first time in a program of any kind and they sang out loud and proud: "Christmas Bells, Christmas Bells, Christmas time is here.  Tell the world that Jesus came to take away our fears".

Go Wildcats!

We have a new basketball player in the Ward family!  Carrigan is now on the Elm Grove Lutheran 5th grade team and even scored her first basket in the second game of the season!  It's so fun to watch her play!

 In other sports news, Brewers player Mike Moustakes, was recently traded to the Cincinnati Reds. He was Everly's favorite and she took it pretty hard.  We're hoping she'll recover by spring training.

Thanksgiving 2019

I'll sneak in a quick Thanksgiving recap before getting into Advent and Christmas posting...

Our trip to Michigan was a bit delayed this year when Everly work up at 4:00 am with the stomach flu.  Poor girl!  We decided to all stay together and have a celebration here at home.  I made cinnamon rolls for breakfast as we planned out our impromptu menu. Brinnly had been begging for a chance to make paella so we decided this was it.  So we had paella, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes and gravy, kale salad, and pies for our feast.  It was delicious!

Jonathan took the other kids early the next morning to Michigan and Everly and I followed later in the day when she felt better.  We missed the big family gathering but she at least got to say a quick hi to Aunt Grace and Grandma Deni and help decorate Aunt Grace's tree.  We also spent time decorating cookies to gift to teachers--this year Grant didn't swipe each one for a "taste!"

On Sunday we headed home via Indiana and made a stop at Porter County Regional hospital, namely the place where my dad had spent over two weeks this summer. We dropped off cookies to the wonderful ICU staff there and also had the opportunity to thank one of our favorite nurses there.

We have much to be thankful this year!  Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Halloween Pics

We had LOTS of opportunity to celebrate Halloween here--school Trunk or Treat, and then the girls went to a three different trick or treat nights in different neighborhoods.  Someday we'll do a group family costume, but until then, here is a ninja, black cat, Statue of Liberty, leopard/cheetah, Hydroflask (yes, the actual water bottle) and an avocado. 

Fall Wrap-Up

It's been a full season for us!  Here are a few of the highlights:

1) Brinnly and Carrigan played volleyball!  It was Carriagn's first time playing a school sport ever and Brinnly's first time on the (much-harder) 7th and 8th grade team.  They both did well and really had fun.  It was so fun watching Brinn teach Carrigan how to over hand serve and to hear the "thud" of the volleyball on the garage door.  We also loved hearing the other kids shout "Go Conky" as Carrigan was at the serving line.

2) We had visitors!  Grandma Sandy and Grandpa came to visit and brought apples and cider!  We just love this picture showing how healthy Grandpa looks and feels now.

3) Grandma Deni was our next visitor!  And since it was October, it meant it was time for pumpkin carving.  They turned out great!

4)  We took advantage of having her here to have family photos taken.  We love how they turned out! We did bribe Grant by telling him that if he posed normally for the family shots, he could stand like a Power Ranger for his individual one.

5)  We are all proud to announce that Jonathan accepted a new position as Vice President of Development Integration at Altius Building Company.  That called for a dinner at our favorite celebratory restaurant--Shwarma House!

First Day of School!

All six Ward kids started school this year!  Presenting our 8th grader, 7th grader, 5th grader, 2nd grader, and 2 PreK4 kiddos. We are so thankful for their schools and excited about the year ahead!

10!

Our sweet Carrigan Grace turned 10 this summer!  What a decade it's been with her.  She's sweet and silly with tons of energy. She loves riding her bike, flipping on the trampoline, baking new creations, watching scary shows, reading books about baking, making fruit smoothies, and all kinds of decorating.  

She's trying out volleyball for the first time this year and really enjoying it--although she really values her time at home, playing outside with the neighbors too. Carrigan often takes the lead for our family devotions and prays intently for our family and friends. She's a wonderful big sister and is kind to her older sisters as well. 

 She plans to grow up and live right around the corner from us (while working as an artist in some way!) so she can run and drink tea with me after she drops her kids off at school.  I think that's the best plan ever.  We love you so much "Conk" and had a wonderful time planning lots of surprises for your special day!