Trike-A-Thon

Sarah's participated in the Trike-A-Thon at her school last week.  Each student was asked to help raise money for St. Jude's Research Hospital.  Then they would turn in their donations, bring their trike or bike to school and get to ride laps around the gym area during recess.

Sarah did a great job asking for donations.  She asked some friends from church to sponsor her and asked a few relatives over the phone.  She did a good job explaining to each person what the money was for...."It is for St. Jude Hospital.  The money helps sick kids get medicines that they need to get better".

Sarah raised a total of $130 for St. Jude's.  Thank you to each one of you that made a donation and sponsored her bike riding!

Sarah's teacher, Ms. Lila made a name plate for each bike or trike.

Sarah getting ready to ride laps...  Each time she pedaled past me she had a giant smile on her face!

She was going so fast past me, it was hard to get an in-focus picture.

Sarah and her class on bikes and trikes.... Sarah is on the right in the back, wearing a long-sleeved purple shirt.  Her blue bike has a pink and white basket on the front.

Corky's Biggest Fan

We went to Emporia last week to visit my parents and go to an Emporia State University women's and men's basketball game.  Sarah had a new ESU cheerleading uniform to wear, thanks to Nanee and Popee.  She loved the outfit!  The skirt could twirl out and she could do lots of her moves in it!  She had a good time cheering and clapping from our seats.  Phoebe liked to cheer some, but mostly enjoyed eating lots of snacks!

Both girls liked looking for Corky the Hornet.  He is ESU's mascot.  In past years, Sarah has been excited to see him and wave at him from a distance.  Last year, she was brave enough to give him a five and the thumb's up, but nothing more.  This year she was on a mission to get close to him... maybe even get a picture taken with him....  Dad, Sarah, Phoebe and I walked around for about fifteen minutes looking for Corky and hoping to get up close to him.  Finally we caught him in the hallway!  Sarah gave him a handshake and we got a picture!  Phoebe on the other hand, clung to me like a piece of Velcro, and kept repeating, "no, no, no".

After meeting Corky we headed back up to our seats, but Sarah decided she wanted to follow Corky, so she and I walked back down to the court to sit close to Corky and the cheerleaders and watch him up close.  He noticed us again right away and showed Sarah some of his cheering moves... then danced with her!  She was so excited!

When we finally headed back up to our seats both girls were still on the look-out for Corky.  Anytime he disappeared from their sight they would both start to yell, "Corky, Corky Hornet", very loudly.  At the end of the game, Sarah even wanted to go back down on the court to tell Corky "bye".  But, we were not fast enough to catch him before he left.

What a fun time we all had.... Dad, Mom, Phoebe, Me, and Corky's biggest fan... Sarah.

Big Hastings Christmas Get-Together

About a week ago we got together with the Hastings side of the family for the traditional soup dinner, gift exchange, and games.

All of the little kids enjoyed passing out the presents and of course opening them!  Phoebe especially enjoyed her Reese's Pieces.  She thought they were M&M's and wanted to eat the whole box.  Both girls got some fun new toys, and pretty new dresses.

In the picture below is (right to left), my dad - Paul Hastings, Charles Hastings, Dale Hastings, and one of their cousins Jerry Hempsmeyer.

Dale and Jan hosted Christmas at their house in Hesston.  They actually live in an old church... Eric has been wanting to climb up in the bell tower for quite some time now.... So, Eric, Jordan, Josh, Amber, Johannah and I all climbed the four ladders up into the bell tower to get to the top and look out over Hesston, KS.

Looking up at the church and bell tower from the street below...

Lots of fun was had by all!

Thanks for a fun time Dale and Jan!  The food was delicious (soup is always one of my favorite things).

Emporia Christmas and New Year's

We went to Emporia to have a little Christmas with my family over the New Year's weekend.  We were also able to spend time with Eric's Grandma Dorothy.  We spent one night at her house.  The girls had a lot of fun there! 

At my parents' Eric helped my dad finish cutting down a big tree in the backyard.

We had a nice time being with family, playing games, going to the park, and opening gifts.  The girls did a great job again, taking turns, watching, and helping others open their gifts.

Thanks for a great weekend in Olpe and Emporia Dorothy Bowers, Dad, and Mom!

Grant Christmas 2011

We hosted the Grant Christmas at our house this past December.  Grant Christmas is always on the small side.  My mom only has an older brother... my Uncle Ernie.  Uncle Ernie, Aunt Judy and us.  This time we missed having Lindsee and EP with us.  (We will expect to see you two next Christmas.)  We always have a good time... and good food. 

Phoebe was excited to open a package with books in it from Ernie and Judy.  Immediately she sat down, saying, "Read Read".  Both girls got big Pillow Pets too.  Sarah named hers Huggy Bear and likes laying on him.  Phoebe's is a dog, or a "Woo-Woo" as she calls it and all other dogs.

Thanks for coming to Christmas at our house this year Ernie, Judy, Dad, Mom, and Matt.  We enjoyed having you all here.

Family Christmas Recap

We had a great family Christmas!  Here are some pictures of looking in our stockings and opening gifts Christmas morning....

The girls were ready to open their presents.  They did a great job taking turns and waiting to open their gifts.

Sarah gave Eric and I a gift and card that she had made at school. 

I got the cake ball maker!!! I cannot wait to try it.

I let the girls each pick what they wanted to give Eric for Christmas... Phoebe picked a ball.  I helped her find a soft K-State football to give him.  Sarah got him hot sauce.  (All her idea!)  Great picks girls.  Daddy loved them!

The girls each got a princess dress from Eric and I and the matching princess doll.  Sarah got Snow White and Phoebe got Ariel - The Little Mermaid.