Ryan Turns 5

I can't believe my son is FIVE. He's been talking about "this" event for months and knew exactly what he wanted to do. He wanted to go out for lunch and bowling with his 2 "best buddies" Dallin and Elliot. The best part about being friends with Dallin and Elliot is that they all will start school the same year, and they are all "the middle child". They relate well with another, and I have dubbed them "The 3 Musketeers". It was soooo fun to hang out with these 3 guys today.

First stop was Taco Bell (Ryan's Favorite Fast Food Joint)

Then onto the bowling alley where they showed off their compeptitive skills, and kept asking who was winning. Of course....I always said "we are all winners"!

Then onto the cake!

Ryan...we are so proud of you and who you are becoming. We hope you catch a glimmer of the love we have for you. You truly are "Our Little King".

Christmas Recital

The Christmas Recital was an evening to remember. One of the highlights of this Holiday Season for sure!

I am so proud of all my 14 students. They worked so hard for this night.

Chloe is amazing. She claims she doesn't get nervous, and I believe her.

She doesn't show an ounce of sweat when she is up there. I hope she always remains this calm and confident.

Gingerbread Houses

Our tradition is to make Gingerbread Houses on Thanksgiving morning while the Turkey is cooking. We were very lucky to have the help of "Nana" this year.

It was a fun activity that included eating lots of candy, getting frosting in our hair and eyebrows, and even having the icing tube blow up on us.

The trick is getting them to stay standing until Christmas without Paul snitching the candy every time he walks by!

Formal Uniform

The occasion was sad...the passing of Commander Michael Todd Mazurek, MD...Paul's mentor and Naval Hospital Orthopedic Residency Progam Director. But....it did put the fire under Paul to get his uniform up to date since his promotion to Lt. Commander.

Happy Birthday Paul

The BIG 35!!!

It started with a few games of Bowling. Paul got the highest score because we wanted him to feel good on his birthday.

Then we went to dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant on Coronado...Miguel's Cocina.

Then he opened a few presents. Most gifts were things he can wear on our trip to Hawaii.

We didn't want the house to start on fire with 35 candles....so I just put 7 on there...

one to represent every 5 yrs.

(OK, I'll fess up...I really just forgot to buy candles, and so this was all I had!)

We love you Dad, and look forward to another great year!!!

I Love You

"I love you Callista"
"No...Mommy, I love you."
"No, Callista....I love you."
"No, No, No Mommy....you and me LOVE you".

Happy Halloween!!!

We love Halloween at the Shupe House.

It all starts with our tradition of Taco Soup, followed by trick or treating. We had the priveledge of having Paul's sister Becky and her fun family come for a visit this year. Then the Incredible's joined us as well, so our house was bursting at the seams with 11 kids, and 6 adults. It was awesome. Our guests of honor were : Sharpay (from High School Musical), Bumble-Bee the Transformer, Nemo, Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible (A.K.A Elasti-Girl), Violet, Dash, Jack-Jack, A Purple Cow, A Candy Barrel, a Baby, and Two handsome Batman's.

I can't wait to see what next year turns up.