2011 OLL Christmas Program

Our Lady of the Lake Chistmas program. This was the first year Jesse and I sat alone. All three of our boys are in school and participated in the program. It was lovely, the singing was adorable, we are so proud of our three boys!

Thomas-Jensen's Christmas Program



Jackson and Ashton's Christmas Program

Christmas Pictures

We snapped a couple of pictures of the kids in their jammies in front of the tree. It definately feels more like Christmas, even though it is technically late fall (thanks for reminding me Ashton).

Christmas Cookie Decorating

The boys had a blast decorating Christmas cookies! However, they lasted only a matter of days! We are going to have to create a new batch for Santa, these cookies go fast!!!

Dad's Big Buck!

Dad shot his first buck within the first few hours of opening day! It was his first buck in several years! Every year he gears up and waits patiently throughout hunting season, but without any luck comes home without that elusive animal. This year, however, was the exception! Jesse shot a nice, healthy, five year old, 8 point buck. Congrats Jesse, he's a beauty!

The Funeral of Leo the Lizard

We said goodbye to our dear pet leopard gecko, Leo. This was the first death of a pet (besides all the nameless fish) and the boys took it especially hard. Thomas talks daily of Leo and the boys find comfort in knowing he is with God in heaven. Rest is peace Leo, we think of you often and miss you daily!

Veteran's Day Play

Ashton amazed all of us by joining in on a school play. Two years ago, Ashton wouldn't wear a funny pair of sunglasses because he refused to dress up/pretend. Now Ashton is trying out for school plays , memorizing lines, and interacting in a pretend fashion! Go Ashton! We are so proud of you!
Jackson's 2nd grade class helped out as musical accompaniment. Some of the boys were asked to dress as cowboys and Jack was excited to be one of them! Look at my little cowboy go! Jack is very shy, but with his peers you would never be able to tell that! Great job Jack!

Carving Pumpkins

We carved and painted our pumpkins in high fashion this year!

Thomas-Jensen's pumpkin has a bat-cat, Jackson is the spooky face, and Asthon is the two little ghosts! It was a lot of fun, but also a lot of hard work! Jack wants to take the seeds and bake them, now if only I knew how to do that?!?

Hut, hut, HIKE!

Ashton and Jackson played flag football again this year. Football is something they really seem to enjoy. I cringe at the thought of tackle football and am thankful they are happy to just play flag football! Next year Thomas will be old enough to join them on the field, I am not sure how I feel about that!

Thomas and Grandpa, getting a snack!

Pumpkin Patch: Family Tradition, 2011

It's our family tradition to go to Don's Pumpkin Patch every autumn. This year, my mom, sister Heather, brother Don and son Alex, and sister Donna, son John, and grandson Taylor joined us. We had a blast in the corn maze, actually found all six scarecrows, found three lovely pumpkins and ended with supper at McDonalds!

My BIG Boy!

My baby learned to ride his bicycle! TJ asked me to take off the training wheels of his bike and just like that he was riding! I am so impressed with how quickly he understood the concept of riding his bike. There was no training involved, simply, the training wheels came off and he was off! I am so proud of you Thomas! You are growing up so fast!

Jackson's 8th Birthday Party

Jackson celebrated his 8th birthday with his friends from school. This year's theme was Packer party as he is very into football! All but one friend was able to attend! We had such a blast!
Happy Birthday Buddy!

Soccer Season 2011

Another amazing soccer season for the Parker boys! Next year will be insane, Ashton will be in U12, Jackson U10, and Thomas-Jensen will be in U8. Ashton and Jackson will both be travelling and Thomas will not. So a great deal of juggling to do! But, soccer is awesome, so it will be well worth it!

At the Cabin

We rented a cabin for an extended weekend in Osseo. This is definately something we will do again!!!! There was so much to do at the site! There is a skate park, basketball and volleyball court, playground, pool area, mini golf, and so much more!

Our Green Bay Vacation

We went on many mini vacations over the summer: mainly between Appleton, Green Bay, and Milwaukee.



The Tundra Lodge, Green Bay, WI

Bay View Beach, Green Bay, WI

Jesse and I took the boys to the Packer Stadium. They loved it! They were not able to watch the Packer's practice, because they were closed to the public, but they did get to play games, check out the Packer pro shop, and run around the stadium! Next time, we plan on doing the tour, the
boys did not seem very interested in that part!

8-5-11: Wilderness Walk

The Mertig and Parker family decided to venture to Hayward to enjoy Wilderness Walk together. We had so much fun!

Ashton, Jackson, and Thomas enjoying Wilderness Walk!

Cute little Annie!

Jackson petting a baby fawn!

Ashton taking a break!

A turtle snacking on veggies!

I took so many pictures I had to create a slide show so you could enjoy them all!

Library Fun Day

Our local library had an end of the year carnival, they had a dunk tank (which was a huge hit), face painting, craft table, live music by local musicians, food, and so much more! We had to leave after someone knocked Ashton into the dunk tank and he cut his head. He was fine in minutes!!

Independance Day, 2011

We celebrate our 4th with family in Mellen, WI. Every year the children and I watch Jesse and his brothers, neice, and nephew in the parade. This year was little different! Jesse and I watched our boys in the parade instead of the usual. It was quite lonely on the side of the road without the boys! But, the boys had fun riding on the fire trucks and throwing candy!


Ashton, Zory, Jackson, and TJ, July 4, 2011

Ashton and Jack in the fire truck, you can barely make out Jack's little face, but look closely it's there!

Thomas on top of the fire truck with Arianna and Zory!

Usually, we watch the fireworks in Mellen, but Jesse had to work early in the morning, so we watched the fireworks in Ashland, at Our Lady of the Lake. Best view in the area! Sadly, TJ did not like the sound of the fire works and hid with his face down, wanting to go home. Maybe next year he will enjoy them!

I took a great deal of pictures, so enjoy the slide show!