The Slaters

Friend's Thanksgiving

2010-02-11T14:59:00.001-08:00

Every year we get together with our Friends from College and celebrate Thanksgiving by deep frying a turkey (or three, this year). This is the sixth year in a row for this celebration and we were up over 40 people. Since most of us have kids now, they get the run of Ryan and Jodi's upstairs while the adults and some of the younger kids hang out downstairs. We usually end this tradition with putting the kids to bed and doing a "white elephant" exchange that has gotten pretty hysterical and interesting the last few years.

While I took a few good shots of the deep fry and the turkeys, I did not manage to get the whole crew in photos...so my goal next year is to actually capture this treasured event to post on here, preferably before the next season:) ENJOY!!

The true troopers, who start early and manage the coldness of weathers to fry up the AWESOME turkey!

I know that turkey looks bad, but it taste Wonderful!

Slone, our official carver.

Savannah and Joey, the cutest sisters ever! They just sat together and never fought.
Sweet girls!

Aedyn and Brody playing as usual.

Playing in the snow

2010-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Playing in the snow for the first time this winter. I have not allowed Braelyn to go out yet. She usually watches from the door and is very content with that.

His "stud" pose?

Eating snow

Snow Angel

Down the slide. What is up with his tongue out? :)

Christmas 2009

2010-02-10T19:43:00.000-08:00

Christmas was so much fun with our kids this year. It was a really busy time and I think we were all sleep deprived but I love this time of year. I am throwing lots of pictures together since I have not blogged in four months. Please enjoy!

Christmas Morning

Visiting with Santa

She broke out in a pucker and then cry right after I snapped this shot.

Aedyn's wish list.

Aedyn with 2 of his cousins, Sidney and Brianna at my Mom's side Christmas.

All of the cousins on my mom's side. A few melt downs...including my two children!

Uncle Bill (My sister's husband) holding Braelyn and his daughter Emma.

The Slater's side. Aedyn and Braelyn with their cousins Madyson and Mayleigh

Abram and Family along with Lyndsey (Abram's sister) and her family

Braelyn sitting in my 1st Christmas Present.

One of Aedyn's favorite gift, his guitar and microphone. Little sis, watching as his biggest fan.

For the Love of the Game

2010-02-10T19:31:00.000-08:00

Abram has coached some sort of football for as long as I have know him. For the past six years he has coached junior high football at Eastbrook. This is truly his passion. And for some unknown reason to me, he loves the junior high age! Aedyn loves to go to practice with his daddy and each football season, we have to buy Aedyn is very own pair of coaching shoes.

Abram coaching up those boys!

Ready for one of Daddy's games.

I love this picture!

Our Vacation

2009-10-04T06:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, it has taken me a month to get these picture on the blog. It just seemed to be a very overwhelming job, so I continued to put it off. I finally made myself sit down to do it. It only took two days. :) If you want to experience our entire San Diego vacation, you'll have to read the next six posts. Here are a few pictures before arriving in San Diego. This was the first time either of our kids had flown. I do have to say that they did better than I could have ever expected! Not one single screaming or crying episode. I did have a wet lap during one flight, because Braelyn realized that everything was in her arms length and she dumped my water. :)

Here the kids are waiting in the Las Vegas airport for our next flight.

Getting ready for take off. Look how excited Aedyn is!

He looks a little nervous.

Making sure he has all the escape routes down...just in case. :)

AHHH...FINALLY HERE!

Josh and Lesli's Wedding

2009-10-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

The number one reason we headed to San Diego was for my best friend from high school's wedding. Lesli has lived in San Diego since we graduated from college. I visited her last year all by myself but when finding out that she was getting married there, I knew I had to take my family. Here are a couple of pictures of the wedding.

This table was called "The Zoo" it was completely set up for the kids with coloring books, stickers, crayons and juice boxes. What a great idea, Lesli!
Here is Aedyn, and two of Lesli's nieces/flowergirls.

Our family

Congratulations Lesli and Josh!

Sea World

2009-10-04T05:02:00.000-07:00

I just love this picture...my loves!

The most amazing show I have ever experienced was the Shamu show. I seriously had tears in my eyes at how amazing and graceful these whales are and how the trainers are able to interact, swim with, dive off of and ride. If you are ever near a Sea World, I say it is a must go.

These dolphins would swim right up to you and let you touch them. We stood next to a lady who thought she could get their attention by splashing them...um, we didn't get to touch.

This is a pet show that we saw while we were at Sea World. It was amazing what they had taught cats, dogs, ducks and pigs to do.

A Beluga Whale

Aedyn comparing his hands to a polar bears paws.

A very large polar bear, that got up from that spot and came right up to the glass where we were and of course my camera was not on and by time I got it on, he was gone.

The famous Budweiser wagon and Clydesdales. Aedyn was very scared of these very large horses. I was not sure what this had to do with Sea World and then found out Anheuser-Busch is the number one sponsor at Sea World.

The Beach

2009-10-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

I love this picture from the road of the beaches. Looks like paradise!
Before leaving for San Diego, Aedyn asked if the ocean would be bigger than Taylor Lake...I think he got his answer

Aedyn practicing his surfer moves.

Our kids loved the ocean and beach. We only had one accident. Abram was stung by a jelly fish, and he claims it was the worst pain he has ever experienced. We did a little home remedy when we got back the the hotel and he was feeling a lot better.

The next day we went to a non-swim beach and saw some seals and some beautiful sights!

San Diego Zoo

2009-10-03T05:58:00.001-07:00

One of the best zoos we have ever been to, just be prepared to walk up and down lots of steep hills. We got our work out this day.

Braelyn loved looking at the animals, which really surprised me.

Up and close with some sort of bird.

Abram and Aedyn were sitting by this glass window watching these monkeys from afar, and then the mother and her baby came running around the side, right up to Abram and Aedyn and were touching the glass and trying to communicate with them. You should have seen the crowd we drew. It was an amazing experience!

This lion is actually as close as it looks. There was an inch of glass between us.

Abram to the rescue. He had to help a zoo keeper open a gate to get in. It was a long process, but in return, Aedyn got to feed the llama.

How cool is this pumpkin?

Wonderful trip to the zoo. We arrived at open and left at close and still did not see it all.

Leaving on a Jet Plane...

2009-10-03T05:46:00.000-07:00

...Don't know when we'll be back again....hopefully not too long!

OH, How we miss San Diego! I highly recommend it for any family vacation. We had the best time and we will go back!

Flew Southwest, and everyone was so great with our kids.

Leaving while it is light outside. :)

Landing when it is dark outside. :(
Bye, San Diego, hope to see you soon.

Camping Trip

2009-10-03T04:59:00.000-07:00

Abram and his friend Ryan decided to take their boys camping along the river. When Lainey, Ryan's daughter found out, she was so excited about going that they let her join in. The boys both told me it was an all boy thing, but I think they were finally fine with her going.

If you'll look closely, in the background you'll see the Mississinewa river, which we like to joke and say that the only reason you need life jackets are so that if the canoe tips you'll have some padding for the bottom. Abram and Ryan practically walked the canoe down the whole river.

I love this picture! I can almost smell the campfire.

The three amigos. They had a wonderful time and could not stop talking about it when they got home.

Time to sleep. Actually looks comfy.
Thank you, Abram for all of the pictures. You did a great job! Love you so much.

Johnny Appleseed Day

2009-10-03T04:52:00.000-07:00

Aedyn's preschool celebrated Johnny Appleseed by having everyone dress up. Here is our version of the historical character. (Thanks Holly for helping us make a pot that would fit his head and Daddy for the knapsack stick).

Labor Day Parade

2009-09-07T17:44:00.000-07:00

What an Awesome three day weekend! We ended our weekend with the annual Labor Day Parade.

My mom and Braelyn waiting for Aedyn on his Kiddie Kampus Float.
My sister and niece also waiting for "Bubby". My niece calls Aedyn,"Bubby" and Braelyn, "Baby".
My mom with her granddaughters.
(Braelyn's face is too funny)

Aedyn and his friends and teachers on the Labor Day Float.

Chasing down that candy!!

"Here Gwynie"
Ahh, after the Parade just hanging out.
It is a wonder we got all of the kids to stay still for a picture after all that sugar!

VB Grid Iron Girls

2009-08-23T17:28:00.000-07:00

Some of the teachers I work with have a fantasy football league. (No mom, it is not another name for powder puff) Seriously she asked me that! We have a real draft, awesome food and major trash talking :) It has put a whole new light on the already wonderful football season.

Melissa, Tiff and I had to start the trash talking by wearing our Fantasy Football tees to this years draft. Melissa's says draft guru, Tiff's says league champ (which she was last year) and mine says draft expert.

Here we are before the draft of players.

This is how we keep track of the players picked. Thanks Greg for recording all of this for us. Go Slater Blitz!

Happy Half Birthday Braelyn!!

2009-08-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

Braelyn Gail Slater is a half year old. I can not believe how fast this time has flown by. I am so amazed with God and the wonderful little girl He has given us! We love you baby girl.

Here is a clip showing how much she adores her daddy.

Friends in the Park

2009-08-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

We try to get together as often as we can with Abram's roommates and their families (although it doesn't happen as often as any of us would like). We took an opportunity to get together at a park in Wabash before school started. The kids had a lot of fun and the "adults" enjoyed our time together as well.

Savannah, Brody, Aedyn and Lainey

Lainey, Joey and Braelyn

The cutest picture ever!!!

Happy Anniversary Hackmans!

2009-08-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

Our friends, the Hackmans, celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary last week and we watched their kids so they could have a QUIET evening together. I love that our kids are such good friend. Here are some of the pictures from that evening.

Kyler and Braelyn playing. Kyler is 4 months older than Braelyn.
Love this one! Kyler is all about the attack. Aedyn is slowly learning to stay out of his face and then in return stay out of his sister's face :)
How sweet! Aedyn was reading Kyler this book. I love that they found the most girly book that we have to read.
Kinlee and Braelyn just hanging out!
Kinlee and Aedyn are the best of friends. Here they were riding horses around the living room. Aedyn is riding his stick horse, named Dark, and Kinlee is riding a sword. :)
Aedyn is 9 months older than Kinlee.
My favorite picture of the night! Kyler is learning to crawl, but only goes backward. He ended up under my kitchen chair and didn't seem to mind.

We thank God all the time for great friends. The Hackmans are a true blessing to Abram and I and our kids. Happy Anniversary KC and Melissa and to many more happy years together!

A Whole New Look on Her World

2009-07-24T06:05:00.000-07:00

Braelyn is starting to sit up. WOW, I can't believe how time flies! She is sitting in the Boppy but still has a wobbly bottom. I can't believe I caught all of this on camera, another time where I needed my video camera handy.

Ah, keep it together, use those abs.

Nope, didn't make it! (Am, I mean for making her sit like this until I took the photo? )
She actually did not mind it, she would look from side to side to see things and smile at us.

Let's try it again, Brae.

Wipe Out, forward this time :)

Like Father Like Son

2009-07-19T10:00:00.000-07:00

Aedyn is a DADDY's Boy, and I love it! If he turns out to be just like his father, than there will be a lucky woman someday! I could have taken these pictures all day long. Aedyn had to go put on his overalls so he could be just like daddy. Not even sure why Abram wears them, but sometimes he does :) Aedyn even ended up with Abram's hat on his head.

First Foods

2009-07-19T09:43:00.000-07:00

Braelyn tried baby food for the first time. To say that she is an eater is an understatement. She now screams when she sees a banana because I gave her some and she loved it! This is her first time eating Squash. She didn't even make a face but does put her left hand in her mouth after EVERY bite. It is almost like a magnet. Braelyn gets pretty messy and doesn't care for that too much:)

Frogs and Butterflies

2009-07-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

I love our yard! Aedyn is known for 'xploring in it and going on 'ventures as he likes to put it. Two nights this last week he was out looking for frog, toads, ants, butterflies and the pesky raccoon that continues getting in our trash in the middle of the night. He did find or should I say capture a little frog and a butterfly (really a moth). These pictures do not do any good at showing how Aedyn would hop like a frog trying to catch the moth. I really wish I could have had the video camera ready.

A visit with Friends

2009-07-16T09:16:00.000-07:00

Nico and Abby (our friends from BSU) came down for a visit last evening. We ordered Ivanhoes and just hung out, letting the kids play. It was so good to see them, and we talked for a long time after they left about how we want to see them more often. This is a picture of "The guys". The boys had a fun time telling us "NO GIRLS ALLOWED!"
Very Nice hat Nico!
Herer are the Mommies with all the kids. Abby and I still look some-what sane :) Look at Braelyn checking out Zeb.
Aedyn was all about holding Zeb. I think he was remembering when his sister, not so long ago, was this little.
Aedyn took this picture of Eli playing with all of his toys. The boys had a great time playing toghether and seem to like a lot of the same things. Notice the older boys were watching the replay of the home run derby.
Thank you Tigulis' for the Visit! We MUST do it more often. -LOVE

Wisconsin Trip

2009-07-14T12:32:00.000-07:00

When Abram told me that he was going out of town for work and asked us to go with him, I was kind of hoping for a sunny, beach location. Instead he announced it was Wisconsin! Not where I would have chose but it turned out to be very nice and a lot of fun.
While Abram was working the kids and I would keep busy by finding something fun to do. The first day we found this awesome park. It had really cool slides, rock walls and bridges. Of course my son only got on this dinosaur bouncy thing. REAL ADVENTUROUS! I bet Braelyn is going to be my daredevil.

The Park had a dam with a very pretty river. We spend over two hours just watching the water and animals. We found a few ducks that would walk right up to us every time I shook my polar pop ice. Aedyn thought that was really cool!

My little outdoors man found this tree which he wanted to climb. :)

Aedyn watched this Wood Chuck (I think that's what it is) running over the rocks by the water. If you know my husband, you know that Abram and Aedyn are one a like for Nature.

On the second day, Abram ended up working really late in a not so pretty, kind of scary part of town. We decided to stay at the store location with him. The kids took a nap from 5pm to 8pm (WHAT A MOM) and were ready to play. Braelyn was just as happy as could be just laying on a blanket and talking to Aedyn and I.

Aedyn was just happy that he could still watch NOGGIN at the store. I think he watched a record amount of Wow Wow Wubbzy and Little Bear on this day. And Yes, that is a starbucks for my child...I promis it was just Chocolate milk, that he thought was "Gross". Great, I spend $4 bucks on a "gross" drink :)

Aedyn was taking pictures inside the store, so I have a lot of pictures of cell phones, computers, the floor and this actually good one. I am usually not on this end of the camera.

How about that, my son, the kindergarten teacher's kid, is working on writing letters. I promis, I don't do this all the time :) He does enjoy writing and playing school. Ahh, something I'm good at.

During our late night at the store, Abram booked a hotel for that night in the next city. As I was on the computer looking to see if it looked nice, I discovered that it had a wonderful young kids water park inside. What a wonderful suprise! So we decided to start off slow the next day and stay and play for a while. Aedyn would not go down the water slide for the longest time. I then talked him into getting our picture up on it and then ride down on my lap. By the end of the day he had went on the slide at least 50 times by himself. It was so funny how he would hold his breath right at the end.

Our trip turned out to be a great time. Many times Abram is on the road by himself and Aedyn just knows daddy will be home in a couple of days. I think this helped Aedyn understand when daddy leaves what he is up to, minus the park and waterslides. We ended up stopping at my favorite store (IKEA) on the way home. Thanks for letting us go along for the ride, Abram,
WE LOVE YOU!

4th of July

2009-07-05T13:07:00.000-07:00

I took our yearly 4th of July photos. Every year at Easter, I wonder if the weather will be too cold for their Easter outfits, I never thought I'd have that worry with 4th of July clothing. Well the unseasonably cool and damp air in Indiana (this week) actually had us with extra layers on. I also bought a very cute Red, White and Blue bow for Braelyn but she is losing all of her hair and her bows do not stay in anymore. She is getting so big and has an awesome personality. Braelyn will smile at anyone! I am amazed each day with the looks and vocals I get from her. Aedyn is also getting so much bigger and actually likes to eat! He has decided that he wants "long hair like Logan's". This is our niece's cousin. He has long curly hair. I continue to tell him that we will grow it out over the summer, but he has to let me wash and comb through it and his will never be CURLY. He is still okay with it.

After Abram talked religion with our son for 20 minutes the other night...Aedyn's questions continued to get deeper and deeper, he says that someday he wants to go to Heaven, still not sure why he just can't go there and come back tomorrow, but were getting there. :) We talked about why we celebrate the 4th of July. He looked like he kind of understood, well, for a four year old. He does know that we stand and face the flag with our hand on our heart when we hear the National Anthem, "because Uncle Heath fights to keep us free and protect us". I love our amazing God and the way He works through our little ones to keep us adults grounded.

Trouble?

2009-06-29T11:14:00.000-07:00

Aedyn and Brody (who Aedyn refers to as his brother) pose for this picture. I think this could be trouble in the future. We will probably be called into the principals office in then next few years...ahhh!

Our Big Girl

2009-06-21T19:48:00.000-07:00

On June 13, Braelyn rolled all the way over. She has been working so hard on this task. Abram got to see her do it, which was fun for him. She was 7 days from being 4 months, and one day earlier than when Aedyn did it. I knew girls were better than boys :)

Father's Day Gift

2009-06-21T18:42:00.000-07:00

If you know my husband real well, you know that he has a passion for the outdoors. He loves planting trees, mowing, filling up the birdfeeders and watching the birds. I constantly refer to him as my 90 year old husband. Aedyn and Abram planted the Japanesse Maple that we got him for Father's day. You should have seen my siser-in-law and four kids in a mini van with this tree, what a sight!

Father's Day

2009-06-21T18:27:00.000-07:00

Aedyn, Braelyn and I made Breakfast in Bed for Abram for Father's day. Aedyn cracked all the eggs, poured the pancake batter and even helped flip the pancakes. Braelyn watched from her bouncy seat. Abram was awaken with his kids and breakfast and then Aedyn decided to help Abram eat :)

Friends Forever

2009-06-16T17:50:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about friends. Saturday night we went to a cookout where we played baseball, ate awesome homemade onion rings and blue ice cream and played cards. Our kids had a great time eating the ice cream as you can tell.

Aedyn and Kinlee are great friends! Their mommies pray they date some day and their daddies pray they don't!!

Little Fisherman

2009-06-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

My son has found a new past time...fishing with Papaw (my dad) in Papo's (Abram's dad) pond.

Our Sweet Little Girl

2009-06-12T12:32:00.000-07:00

Braelyn is trying so hard to roll over. She is usually very happy, unless she has too much "tummy time", then she wants back on her back. Aedyn heard the doctor tell us that she needs to be on her tummy some, so he'll ask us if shes had her tummy time. What a great help!

Old Man or 4 year old

2009-06-12T12:24:00.000-07:00

Aedyn loves his ball socks so much, that he thought he needed to wear them outside to play. My son looks like an old man!

Summer Nights

2009-06-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Our summer has offically began! We spend many nights down at the ball park either watching our Niece's softball games or having practice or a T-ball game for Aedyn. Abram and his friend Ryan volunteered to coach Aedyn's team. Aedyn really enjoys both practices and games. He bats left and has not decided whether he wants to throw right or left yet. Most games are spend with the mit on his left hand for two innings and the right hand for the other two innings.

Aedyn going for a grounder hit by him.

Hey, Batter, batter, batter. Something our team really likes to sing!

Aedyn with Coach Daddy

Brother and Sister

2009-06-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

Aedyn age 4 and Braelyn one day shy of 3 months

I wonder if they will always look as they enjoy each other! Right now, Aedyn can't get enough of Braelyn and Braelyn absolutely loves her Big Brother. Aedyn is a wonderful help when Braelyn is crying and I can't get right there. She usually stops as soon as she sees him.
(And Yes, my son is in just underwear in these pictures :)

Our Family

2009-06-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Our family is complete, all we need now is a dog. Then we'll be an All American Family! Please enjoy our family as we try to keep everyone a little more updated on our journeys.