Carter had his first sleepover birthday party when he turned 7 this year. We took his friends to Niabi Zoo (per his request) to sufficiently wear them out. It was a really nice time!
Cameron turned 2 in May. He was so excited about the cake that he climbed on the table and smashed it a little before the guests arrived.
In July, we had Carissa's bridal shower at Her Majesty's Tea Room. Notice the tiaras?
In June my mom and I took the boys to Myrtle Beach for my cousin's wedding. We went to a dinosaur mini-golf course that the boys loved. Carter sweet talked the DJ into letting him "run" things.
We also stopped off in Indianapolis to visit their children's museum. It had dinosaurs, too and was fantastic!
Notice the "ramp" hair style at Carter's Christmas concert. Carter is really into it!Cooper had a concert, too.
This is the best we could do for a picture with Santa. Carter got nervous when he had to tell Santa what he wanted. Luckily mom was there to remind him of the right gifts to ask for! I think this is the last year for the charade for Carter, though. The other day, he demanded "the truth" about the Tooth Fairy.
Carter was the Headless Horseman for Halloween.
Cameron didn't know that this was a firefighter costume. Otherwise he wouldn't have worn it!
Cooper was a T-Rex!
This fall we took a trip to Brookfield Zoo. Carter and Cooper dressed up as lemurs.
We really went to the zoo to see the Dinosaurs Alive exhibit. They were robotic dinosaurs. This is Carter's favorite.
Cameron loved the Amtrak ride.
Cooper and Carter enjoyed the rides at the Hog Days carnival.
Carter has been taking Kung Fu. Cooper and Cameron take tumbling lessons.
Here is Cooper at his birthday party.
First day of 2nd grade for Carter.
My sister's wedding was another big event of our summer. Here I'm giving the matron of honor speech.
Carter was the ring bearer.
Isn't Cooper adorable in his tux?
Carter was really nervous about being ring bearer but did a great job!
Carissa and I at the bridesmaid's luncheon the day before the wedding.
Two of my boys, Ellie and Caroline Wimberley, and Molly Bulvanowski (John and Betty Lee great-grandchildren)
Cooper started Pre-K. He LOVES it.
Cooper got Lightning McQueen for his birthday.
The boys enjoyed the pool this summer.
Savor this picture because it took 4 adults and 2 photo shoots to get this picture. Thanks Roger!
I'm still teaching Pre-K in Kewanee. It is really challenging to be at work all day every day but I have a lot of fun doing it. Thankfully, Jason picks up my slack! I'm still on the library board and doing trainings for daycare providers once in awhile.
This is the best we could do for a picture with Santa. Carter got nervous when he had to tell Santa what he wanted. Luckily mom was there to remind him of the right gifts to ask for! I think this is the last year for the charade for Carter, though. The other day, he demanded "the truth" about the Tooth Fairy.
Carter was the Headless Horseman for Halloween.
Cameron didn't know that this was a firefighter costume. Otherwise he wouldn't have worn it!
Cooper was a T-Rex!
This fall we took a trip to Brookfield Zoo. Carter and Cooper dressed up as lemurs.
We really went to the zoo to see the Dinosaurs Alive exhibit. They were robotic dinosaurs. This is Carter's favorite.
Cameron loved the Amtrak ride.
Cooper and Carter enjoyed the rides at the Hog Days carnival.
Carter has been taking Kung Fu. Cooper and Cameron take tumbling lessons.
Here is Cooper at his birthday party.
First day of 2nd grade for Carter.
My sister's wedding was another big event of our summer. Here I'm giving the matron of honor speech.
Carter was the ring bearer.
Isn't Cooper adorable in his tux?
Carter was really nervous about being ring bearer but did a great job!
Carissa and I at the bridesmaid's luncheon the day before the wedding.
Two of my boys, Ellie and Caroline Wimberley, and Molly Bulvanowski (John and Betty Lee great-grandchildren)
Cooper started Pre-K. He LOVES it.
Cooper got Lightning McQueen for his birthday.
The boys enjoyed the pool this summer.
Savor this picture because it took 4 adults and 2 photo shoots to get this picture. Thanks Roger!
I'm still teaching Pre-K in Kewanee. It is really challenging to be at work all day every day but I have a lot of fun doing it. Thankfully, Jason picks up my slack! I'm still on the library board and doing trainings for daycare providers once in awhile.
Jason is still working for Kinesio USA. He teaches geography in the spring and was the president of the Galva Sports Wall of Fame this past year.
Mostly we take the best care of our three little gentlemen that we can. We hope that you and yours have a very blessed Christmas.
Love,
The Bates Family
Melissa, Jason, Carter, Cooper and Cameron
