Christmas 2010

My mom and best friend Amy and her mom surprised me with a trip to Chicago this month! We went to Wicked, ate at the Cheesecake factory, and talked, and talked, and talked!

Cameron wouldn't sit on Santa's lap but liked playing with the mechanical Santa.

This was the best we could do for a Santa picture.

Cooper had no trouble sitting on Santa's lap.

Carter's in on it but sat for a picture for mom!

We dressed at Mrs. and Mr. Potato Head for Halloween.

Papa Pat met us at Boo at the Zoo. Carter was a werewolf, Cooper was Superman, Papa was a crayon box, Cameron was a police officer and Daddy was Mr. Potato Head.

We did not tell Cameron that he had a costume on. He does not like costumes!

Cooper was really into the pumpkin carving this year. Carter drew the face.

Boys in their jammies listening to Skippyjon Jones.

What a doll!

Cameron's first day of school!

Cooper's first day at Vis.

Carter's first day of 3rd grade.

Cooper's new fish tank. RIP 8 fish!

SOLD!

Helping with the move on my birthday!!!

Free labor.

First time to unlock the new door.

Jason went to jail for the freedom fest. We bailed him out!

Cruisin in Lightning McQueen.

Of course one riding toy was not enough!

Serious ball player.

Our trip to Wisconsin Dells

Dino golf

Brothers

Happy Holidays from the Bates Family. As usual, we've been busy this year. It's been eventful but a good year for us.

Melissa

I'm still working for Kewanee Schools. I'm teaching pre-K and it keeps me hopping. I enjoy it a lot though. This summer I did a little daycare part-time. It was nice for the kids to have playmates. We swam a lot and visited lots of zoos, museums, and parks.

Jason

Jason changed jobs this year. He is now working for Core Products. He did business with them when he worked for Scrip. When they asked him aboard, he jumped at the chance. He still gets to work from an office in Galva with some flexibility so it works out good with the boys. He does have to travel more but he gets lots of hugs and kisses when he comes home.

Carter
Carter is 8 this year and in 3rd grade. He is doing well in school and was actually sad to see winter break come! He played soccer this spring, baseball this summer, for the first time, flag football this fall. Jason was his coach. He's become quite a little athlete! He is still very interested in animals and has a frog, a snail, and a gecko.

Cooper

Cooper is 5 and has been attending preschool at Visitation in Kewanee. He is starting to get interested in reading and sounding out words. He got a fish tank for his birthday and we finally got it right with guppies, a heater, and changing the water twice a week! He played soccer this spring and t-ball this summer. Jason coached t-ball. He has taken to playing video games and loves everything Carter does :)

Cameron

Cameron started preschool in May and continued in August. He has made a lot of progress on his speech and is beginning to potty train. He spends a lot of time watching his brother's sporting events. He enjoyed tumbling this summer and fall.

We took a nice trip with my mom and step-dad to Wisconsin Dells this summer. The boys had a ball at the waterparks.

Our big event was moving to our new house in August. We got moved and unpacked before school started and we've been settling in ever since. Carter still pines away for our old house but the younger two LOVE having their own rooms. I love the laundry room, the eat-in kitchen, and the garage. Jason loves his den, his own bathroom, and also the garage. We're hoping to sell our old house this next season.

We're looking forward to a busy Christmas with Jason's and my families. Of course the boys will be sufficiently spoiled. We hope you and yours have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

Melissa, Jason, Carter, Cooper, and Cameron Bates