Christmas 2015 in Review

Christmas Morning began with the making of our traditional pancake-cake in celebration of Jesus' birthday! "Happy Birthday to you, Jesus!"

Also a tradition in our home Christmas morning, the first gift given is the gift of giving. We each choose how to give to others in a way meaningful to each of us. This year our gifts went to World Concern to aid their efforts to de-worm children who drink from unclean water, chickens (and all the food, vaccines and supplies need to house them) so a family can feed themselves and start a business selling excess eggs, and a program that assists with the alleviation of human trafficking.

And then there were gifts given to each other.

Thank you to all our loved ones for your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Annual measurements taken. (Gloria's first!)

An Italian feast, family and fun pursued.

Merry Christmas to all!!!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, The mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace."

Isaiah 9:6

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve, Photo 1:

After this photo was taken the following occurred: Angie went to reset camera for a second shot. Daniel runs over to see first picture. Angie says he can view it later because she hit the button and we are about to take another picture. Angie and Daniel run back to couch. Meanwhile Chase starts to get off couch. Daniel and Chase bonk heads.

Christmas Eve, Photo 2:

Merry Christmas from our "totally real" family to yours!

School's Out

First Day of Winter Break

Cousins

Gloria and her cousin Addie

Gloria and her cousin Jeremy

A shout out to my cousins in WY: "I can't wait to play with you and all your toys, too!"

Monopoly Moves

You know when you find glitter in your daughter's poop that you have a mover on your hands. Gloria got a hold of jingle bells made of glittered pipe cleaners and bells yesterday. The day before it was Legos - Hello, re-org.  Although Gloria hasn't perfected the crawling position on her two hands and knees, she can really get places, especially if those places have small pieces, tissues or crumbs. Her fastest times are when board games are on the floor. Try and play a game of Monopoly and watch her go!

Lucky Girl

Gloria wins her first wish-bone pull. The future looks bright for our little girl. 

On Thanksgiving Day

We are thankful for ...

school concerts

family gathered close

sledding on Thanksgiving day

a little boy exploring a big world

game night with family

cousins the same age

more games

a little rest

...and that "love came down" and set us free.

John 1:1-14

The M&M

Gloria is six months old and learning new tricks every day. She is sitting up on her own, enjoying the feel, sounds and tastes of toys, and she is loving the world of food. Gloria's interests in food have quickly jumped from mushy veggies and fruits to whatever she sees on our plates. We realize she isn't ready for solids - aside from the occasional pizza crust for gnawing purposes - but that doesn't stop her from trying to secure these items. We recently learned she will eat through packaging to get what she wants. 

The other day I gave Gloria a small bag of M&Ms to busy herself with for the few hundred yards to the grocery store. I parked the car and opened the side door to take out Gloria. There she sat with blue and brown colors creeping slowly to her chin, a victorious smile on her face. Somehow she had opened the bag, and from the looks of the mix of colors inside and on her face, she had eaten her very first chocolate confection. 

Fortunately, she hasn't been asking for chocolate syrup while nursing, but the boys don't trust her alone with their Halloween candy stashes. 

Happy Halloween

Gloria 6 1/2 Months

Need I say anything? Just plain cute!

First Day of School

Daniel filed in line with the rest of Mrs. Stroud's First Grade class this morning with a small sense of fear, but a lot more curiosity about what the day ahead would hold for him. Here's to Daniel's first full day of school!

Chase left the house in tears, but a few high school musical songs, a piggy back ride from dad, and a little re-introduction to his friends later he was joining circle time with the rest of his buddies/super hero friends. Pre-K. What a big boy you are, Chase.

We love you boys!

Chase Has SUPER 4th Birthday!

The whole family dressed up for the event. 

Super Hero training began with making disguises, ...

...continued with some "Hulk Smash...

...and a little advanced "Hulk Smash."

Then the Villains came to town.

Fortunately, Spiderman dropped off some Spidy String before the party.

All Super Heroes love a little pizza.

Super Babies.