Ryann Gets Everything a Teenager Wants

Ryann finished writing the letter to Santa, placed her stocking and was fast asleep so Santa would be dropping the gifts off. She had asked for what every 7 year old wants: digital camera, iPod, clothes, and Polly Pockets. When she woke up at 6:08, she came up and got the rest of the family. She peeked at the presents as she passed by. She was quick to inform us that dad would be glad to see the new laptop for the family and Camden would love his big truck. After we went to check out the stockings, Ryann informed us that she had heard Santa come in her room. She kept her eyes closed so he would leave presents. I think all 7 year olds tell this story. Well, what she did not realize is that Santa had taken her picture with the new digital camera that he had left for her. This made her story about hearing Santa a little fishy.

Overall she had a great Christmas and thanks EVERYONE that made it special. This picture and the one of Camden on his gator are from Ryann's new camera. This is the picture that Santa took of her sleeping.

Camden Gets A Big Tractor From Santa

Camden understood what Christmas morning was going to bring him this year! Lots of presents were to be had. Christmas Eve was the usual traditions: church, filet mignon dinner, writing letters to Santa, placing the stockings, and going to bed. He was great for all the things until the bed time. Two hours later and many trips of running out in the living room, yelling, laughing, and running back into his room, he fell asleep and Santa was able to stop at the Deuel house.

WOW, Camden got a John Deere Gator. His face lit up when he saw the big truck. He was a little tired after his sister woke him at 6:08 AM. As he was sitting on the gator opening gifts, he accidental hit the accelerator. After the complete shock of the movement, he realized that he was going to be able to dive it around the yard. He is ready to put the gator to work!

Busy Christmas Season

Sorry for the long delay in posting. As with most of you, the holidays are a great time but are very busy leading up to Christmas Day. We have had 2 family Christmas parties, 2 school parties, and get togethers with many friends. Hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season.

Family Christmas Party @ North

Today was the Christmas Party at North Rockford. We had a large group of people that participated this year. We had crafts for the kids which included coloring, making Santa Claus, and making reindeer. Every family made a treat to share also. We all decided to go into the auditorium and watch Polar Express. When we got ready to start the movie, Santa Claus showed up. WOW, all the kids were surprised to see him. Each kid had a chance to sit on Santa's lap and tell him what they wanted. When they finished, Santa had a present for each. This year Santa asked Ryann to help him get the gifts out of the bag and read the names. She loved being Santa's helper. She received some Polly Pockets and Camden received Kinex. What a wonderful day for all.

Santa Comes To Town!

The kids and Jen went to downtown Rockford and saw Santa in the parade. This is becoming an annual event for the Deuel Family. Ryann and Cam hung out with their friends: Elsa Dondit, Gavin Saur, and Brendan Saur. When dad got home from moving great grandma, Ryann was quick to show him the huge bag of candy that she had collected during the parade. Her favorite float was the football team (state champs). Camden loved the blowup Tigger on one of the floats.

Christmas Program

Ryann had her 2nd grade Christmas Musical. As always, she did a wonderful job. Her performance was outstanding. She must get all her musical talents from her mom. I think she had the largest crowd of any of the students -- Both sets of grandparents, Uncle Brian, and Aunt Terri. Look how beautiful she is when she dresses up. Some of you may not recognize her because all she wears usually is her sweat pants.

Christmas Time

We went and got the tree on Friday. This year we tried out a new tree farm. Lendricks was not crowded, fun for the kids, and had a big selection of trees. Unfortunately after we got home, we realized that we had picked out a short and lopsided tree. After decorating the upstairs tree on Sunday (yes we get two trees), we are getting in the Christmas spirit. The decorations are out, the stockings are hung, and all of us are waiting for Santa to arrive!

Championship Game

The Deuel Family is excited to be headed to the Ford Field to watch the Rockford Rams play in the championship game. The Rams have a chance to be the last AA team to win at the Silverdome and the first to win at Ford Field.
The game makes for a busy weekend, but we all are looking forward to it. Thursday -- Thanksgiving; Friday -- Christmas tree and decorations; and Saturday -- State Championship. Stop by on Sunday and see all the Christmas decorations and the new 4ft snow globe in the yard!

Ryann Receives Report Card

Ryann got her second grade report card yesterday. She is doing a great job. Her reading has really taken off this year. She is reading at least 10 minutes a day. Addition is another area that she is excelling in. Her math program called Rocket Math is taking her to the moon. She should be starting to master her subtraction soon.
The last two weeks have been tough for Ryann because she has been sick. On Monday (Nov 14) she was diagnosed with pneumonia. Her antibiotics are taking effect and she is feeling better. The sassy Ryann that we love is starting to come back.

Welcome to Friends and Family

Welcome to the Deuel Family Blog. We are going to be cutting edge in technology. Check back often as we will try to keep things current. You will find interesting updates on the new baby, Ryann's school activities, and any wild and crazy thing Camden does. Hope you enjoy.

Kids Get Pictures Taken

As a gift to Jen, the kids got their picture taken by our friend (Melissa is a professional photographer). What a great idea by dad. Hmmm .... it turned out to be one of the worst hours of our parenting career.
Ryann had a major breakdown before we left. Once we got this resolved, we got to the Burkholders for pictures, and Camden decided to not cooperate. After some smooth talking, the pictures turned out wonderful. You can see by this shot, the kids have gotten older and had a great time.