Christmas 2011

Happy Holidays! The Bates Family has had a busy year. Here's a snipit!

Carter is nine this year and in fourth grade. School's not his favorite activity but he does very well. He played soccer, baseball, flag football and is beginning basketball. He is still very interested in animals and takes good care of his lizard, Geckilina. We found out from his summer camp teacher that it's a girl which Carter wasn't thrilled about. Melissa got a lizard for her classroom, and Carter helped her get everything set up. He went to Robot Camp and Zoo Camp this summer which he really enjoyed.

Cooper is six and in kindergarten. He made friends easily and loves his teacher and the girls! He's beginning to read and is very independent. He also played soccer and baseball and is convinced his team always wins! Cooper loves to play outside. He loves to ride the scooter and his bike. He had a great time at swimming lessons this summer. Cooper also attended SuperHero Training Camp and Zoo School.

Cameron is four and attends the school where Melissa teaches again this year. He'll go to kindergarten in Galva next year. He loves the movies Cars and Cars 2 and is still very into Thomas the Tank Engine trains. He loves the computer and surfs the net watching YouTube videos! He was excited for Halloween this year and volunteered to wear the Thomas costume. At four and a half he is finally fully potty trained!

Jason is still working for Core Products. He still travels some but the flexibility is perfect for our busy family. He plays a big role in the Galva Sports Wall of Fame and coached soccer, baseball, and flag football for this boys' teams.

Melissa is in her fourth year as a pre-k teacher for the Kewanee school district. She also teaches Sunday School and serves as Vice-President for the Galva Library Board. She began helping with the Parent Involvement Committee at Carter and Cooper's school this year also. Melissa had a few daycare charges last summer but has given up her license since then. Time to focus on the boys!

Our old house is still on the market and we lost our renters but got a new family. We're not sure what will happen in this tough housing market, but we feel lucky that we have our new beautiful home and have been able to rent our old one. Anybody in the market for a 3 Bedroom? :)

That's a recap of our 2011. We hope you have a blessed Christmas.

The Bates Family
Melissa, Jason, Carter, Cooper, and Cameron