"Wouder" Please

We had some very special visitors at the beginning of the month!  The kids love their Papa and Nana.  We had a wonderful time while they were here. 

Papa and Nana helped entertain while we were waiting for our food.

 

 Papa even got some reading time in!

 It was great having extra soccer players !

 Fernie definitely LOVED her twirling time with Nana.

 Sweet!

 Fernie was all smiles with Nana. 

Cute story:  When Nana says "water" is sounds like "wouder".  So one night I asked Fernie if she wanted water and she said "no I want "wouder"...She thought they were two different things!!

 Papa is pretty good at spotting things!

 They had their hands full...

 We took Papa and Nana to the Heritage Center.  Papa was a good enough sport to duck into the teepee.

 Fernie made sure everyone smelled the bison...Ewww.

 This little one is becoming her own.  She enjoys a good stroll now and then!

 Oh boy!  She has found the stairs.

Anything to help her walk around. Look at those chubby feet!

 When God gives us 40+ degree weather we play hopscotch...

 And go on a walk.

 When feeling well this cutie is all smiles.

 Jack and Fernie can get her to smile so big.

 

 I hope we have an aspiring musician on our hands...

 Jack received a baseball calendar as a gift and was so excited to hang it up!

 WATCH OUT! (don't worry, I am two steps behind her)

 Over the last six weeks the kids have been struggling with fevers and coughs.  Fernie had the worst of the fevers, Jack had the worst of the coughs and Caroline had both.  These have been the worst coughs I have ever experienced, I'm thinking there was some influenza mixed in there.  You just feel so badly when there is nothing you can do to help.  Finally this past week we had the girls checked out - turns out both of them have ear infections.  We are on our first round ever of amoxicillin.  Here's to a healthy rest of the year!!!

 

 

 She is planning her next trip!

 T.R.O.U.B.L.E

 Such a big girl.

3 Weeks of C.R.A.Z.Y!!!

We have had three full weeks of CRAZY. 

We still had some time for reading with dad.

 And we woke up with SUPER bedhead!

 We had also some really good times playing together and no one taking toys away (Have to celebrate the little things in life!!)

 I thought this was so cute, little Caroline trying to get in on the fun.

 Christmas Eve Tradition:  The elves came and brought treats for the kids while we were away at church.  This year Christmas was a bit different...EVERYONE was sick so we delayed our Christmas Eve celebration to Christmas Day.  We had a quiet Christmas eve of grilled cheese, going to church, looking at lights and an early bedtime!

 

On Christmas Day the cousins came!!!  We had silly and serious times. 

 

 On the 26th we celebrated my dad's 70th birthday with a surprise party at his favorite restaurant. 

 Despite being very sick he had a great time.  I'm pretty sure we pulled the surprise off but if not he would never let us know...

Even though I already know what an amazing man he is, I was proud to hear his friends talk about what a wonderful person he is.  My dad is like no other.  He is generous, kind, loving, goofy and always eager to learn something new.  Most importantly he loves God with every fiber of his being. 

 Two very handsome boys.

 Jack really got into the dinner.  When the cake came out he quickly grabbed his "Yes, please" card and held it up!

 During the dinner we thought we might need a little distraction for the littles...Curious George (and lots of stickers, markers and paper) saved the night ;)

 On the next day the 27th, we celebrated Caroline's FIRST birthday!  I think the kids enjoyed being at their OWN table.  I know my kids appreciated not being in booster seats and not being in our immediate line of sight!

 Our poor little birthday girl was not feeling well at all for her special day.  She wanted nothing to do with food, presents or other people.  Poor babykins

 Later that night we took the cousins to a basketball game.  Of course the minute we arrived everyone was "hungry"...we made it until half time before visiting the concession.  I asked the kids what they would like and this one quickly answered, "I'll have a diet coke"!!  I just had to send this picture to his mother!!  (FYI:  the diet coke is for my mom)

 Having a BLAST!

 We had to show the cousins our new Heritage Center.  I think everyone was impressed.

 

 "Cheese!"

 I am so glad this little one is feeling better and on the mend.  A terrible cough, aches and fever made the rounds at our house. 

Caroline had her one-year checkup today:
19lbs, 6oz - 41%
28" - 10% (I think she takes after her mommy) 

 "Nap?  Who needs a nap??"

 I came downstairs from putting Caroline down for a nap and this is how I found Jack! 

 Zack finally got to use his Christmas present from the kids!!  I don't think he could get home from work fast enough!

Happy New Year!