A Slower Pace Today- Fall Break Day 10

Today we were in a much slower pace, getting some projects done and playing outdoors until we were able to enjoy some fellowship with more friends.

It began when baby Diego came to visit. My how time has passed since we last saw him, a little over 3 months. He’s so big and even walking. We celebrated his birthday from last month and got him to belly laugh, which was truly precious.




Later on that night, the Keller kids and mommy Lisa came to make pizzas and play. We had such an amazing time finally getting to see each other face to face and allowing our kids to play with some of their best buds in the whole world. I regret not pulling out the camera much, I had bigger intentions than follow through. Here’s the best shot of the night…Owen and Ethan, shirtless because they were “exercising” as they kept telling us.

Pancake Pals- Fall Break Day 9

This morning we hosted Shanna, Aimee, and Lisa over for a pancake breakfast. It’s not often enough that all of us can be together having a chance to play and talk with an unlimited schedule. We had a really nice time catching up and digging deeper into each other's lives.

Baylee and Aimee began putting together a puzzle before moving on to many other things including art projects; leaf rubbings and snowflake making.


Lisa was the performer of the group, dancing her heart out to High School Musical songs. It was precious.

Later that day, once it was just the four of us; Nathan, Baylee, Owen and I rode our bikes in the 98 degree “fall” weather to the park so we could once again, play baseball. Afterwards we cooled down with Otter Pops then headed to Nathan’s team’s baseball practice. He was eager to get there so he could get his jersey then as a group, name the team. He is so excited about his number and color but wants you to be in suspense until his first game on Saturday for the unveiling. Keep your votes coming in until then. It’s fun for him to track your thinking!

Fantastic Time With the Finks- Day 5 of Fall Break

Ugh! No camera shots here today. I think starting it off with a dead battery kind of got my thinking off. Regardless of photos, or lack of, today was worth documenting here on our blog. Today we played with the Finks; Lara, Justin, and Alyssa. Baylee and Alyssa mostly crafted (big surprise) and Nathan, Justin, and Owen went out back and played baseball. Nathan idolizes Justin and his athletic abilities.

Afterwards, the Kempiak Party of Five walked to the greenbelt to play baseball more. Two hours later (yikes), Nathan is much more skilled than what he started off. Never the less, his confidence is huge. He’s not lacking in that department!

Also today was really neat for Jon. He, along with his company, closed down work and went to a “lower income” school in Mesa to do some outdoor renovations, including the playground. A new baseball diamond was made, murals painted, trees planted, trash picked up, and much much more. Jon’s job was hauling rock in a will barrow for 5 hours. Needless to say, his body is aching tonight! His next time doing it is December 16th. Hopefully I won’t have problems with my car and I can actually get photos of this amazing service project.

Stupendous Times with the Stoops-Fall Break day 4

We just can’t get enough of play dates! Today two classmates came over to play, Elise and Chloe. The five kids mostly played as one, playing dress up, making puppet shows, dance recitals, and their very favorite…our traditional fall popcorn (or should I say pumpkin) balls. God has blessed us with such sweet friends!
(Baylee and Elise)
(Nathan and Chloe)

Sensational Slattery Fun -Fall Break day 3

Baylee has been friends and classmates with Matthew Slattery since kindergarten and now, praise God, Nathan and Michael (Matthew’s younger brother) are following similar footsteps. These two kindergarten boys are joined at the hip…totally cute! Well today we had a play date at our home with them. We had so much fun, including myself since Tami stayed around to chat.

Matthew and Baylee were busy. They began with a few matches of pick up sticks, then moved to a few other games, Shrinky Dinks, then pizza making.



Michael and Nathan started right in on creating a new train set up in the playroom, followed by Hungry Hungry Hippo (game) before pizza making.



Day three of fall break was wonderful!

Kindergarten Reunion-Fall Break Day 2

Life just keeps racing by and today was an example of that. In the morning we went to Baylee’s kindergarten reunion, hosted by Cooper’s family. Mrs. Gillespie, Baylee’s phenomenal kindergarten teacher (and her new baby) was even there along with most the class. Looking at the kids, playing and talking made me have a flashback to all the times they played together 2 YEARS AGO on the playground and at our numerous play dates! Yikes. And now look at them, they have spouted up and look like giants. This was such a special day!

Afterwards, we went to play at Cassandra and Nicole’s house. We don’t normally get to see that often because of different school schedules. What a treat this was! I’m kicking myself for not snapping photos though.
Baylee getting a photo shot with Mrs. Gillespie's new baby boy, Davin.
Baylee's class when they were kindergartners! Look how tiny there were. Ugh...it wasn't very long ago.

PJ Day-Fall Break Day 1

It’s a tradition! The first day of summer break, fall break, Christmas break, and spring break the Kempiak Party of Five puts life at a total halt to have a pajama day. We never change out of our comfy pjs! We try our best not to answer the phone and just enjoy one another; playing games, reading books, and watching movies on our king sized air mattress. Monday was our day and we loved every minute of it.


I LOVE this photo!