Merry Christmas

Christmas Tree

Every year a few days after Thanksgiving the whole family heads out to hunt down the perfect Christmas tree. I have to admit that the last two years we have done our hunting at Home Depot. Hey we get the perfect tree and we were not freezing outside. The down side to hunting in home depot is that some of us get distracted with Christmas decorations like singing chipmunks.

Some of us are more in the Christmas spirit then others.

Jo making sure the tree we picked is OK.

Nate counting how old our Christmas tree is (9 years old).

The joy of shopping with four kiddos.

Now the job of decorating begins.

Over the years I try to add to the kids Christmas tree ornament collection. I try to buy each of them a new ornament every year that they will be able to take when they leave our house. Sam and Nate have a nice collection of trains (Nate) and planes (Sam).

The girls have a little bit of everything. This year Jojo got a little bumble bee for her bumble bee part in our co op play.

And Emma got a little lady on skis since she become our little skier last year :)

He is 9 ....

My baby (very big baby) is 9 years old today. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for him.

Happy Thanksgiving 2010

Both of our families live overseas so we get to spend Thanksgiving with our dear friends.

I cannot believe this is our third Thanksgiving with the Laughner's. They are in process of adopting again and are waiting for final court approval.

Our kids play so well together. Well, these three are always up to something.

This is a big milestone for Jo. The first year we had Jordan she would not hug Lori. Now she runs up to her and it makes all of us smile and feeling very blessed to have both her and Daniel in our lives (and all of our kiddos).

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!!!

10 years ago today ....

our baby Sam was born. He was eager to enter this world (came 5 weeks early) and has not stop exploring world around him since. Sam a few minutes old.

Pineapple baby. Sam was a small guy and as you can see not much longer than a pineapple. He is growing up into a fine young man ready for exploring the world around him.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!!

Where did the time go?

Last Soccer game

The last soccer game of the season was cold. Out came the winter coats and blankets.

Even grandma survived a very cold game.

We are are looking forward to quiet Saturdays again.

Fall Fun

What would fall be without soccer for our family.

This year Emma is part of a league and she is playing with all her heart. So are the boys.

Nate looks like a tank on the field.

We are still enjoying our bikes when ever weather is nice.

Emma learned to ride her bike and I cannot wait for bike trips next year.

(I am sure daddy is excited as well since he will have one less girl in the bike trailer to haul around:)

Jo is doing fantastic job on her pedal less bike.

State Fair with Uncle Vittee

While uncle Vittee was still in town we took in a good old state fair. Jo and a little goat.

The petting zoo is always a big hit.

Even with the boys.

I guess some people just cannot live (or sleep)without their pets. (A little too much for me)

Jojo with a sheep.

Now those are some big pumpkins.

It was great to have Vittee over. The kids enjoyed their uncle very much and we cannot wait to see him again at Christmas time.

Yep fun time.