Christmas in the Midwest

It snowed, but that didn't stop the kids from getting in the hot tub. 18 degrees outside, but 102 in the hot tub...Everyday Toby got in.

Toby, Leisel, Caleb, Eliza, & Addie.

Opening Presents with E-pa and Memaw, A. Beth & U. Micah, Addie & Eliza. We didn't have my brother and his wife (Lafe, Wendy, Chad, Darrion, Ricki, and Reilly). We missed you guys and wish for a Christmas with everyone one day. Actually just to be together on any day would be nice.

Toby wanted to open a gift. He got upset because he hadn't opened one in awhile.

The cousins opening one gift together.

E-Pa holding Eliza and Caleb. The Oldest and youngest grandchildren.

Leisel and Memaw.

E-pa and Memaw holding the babies (Eliza and Leisel)

Well, we made our pilgrimge to the midwest this Christmas to visit our families. It snowed about 5 inches here in North Carolina--so Church was canceled (Where Toby was to be the Drummer boy)...so we were a little bummed and decided to leave a day early since the only reason we were staying til Sunday was for the play. The Car decided to not start as we tried to pull out of the driveway and then once it was jumped we headed our way in the snow North because we thought we could avoid the detour in the mountains from a rock slide near Ashville (which has been there since October). Not a good decision--there is more snow up north. We were stuck on the highway for 1 1/2 hours at 2am for snow plowing AND truckers had fallen asleep on the highway. So once they were woken we were on our way to Kansas. It took us 22 hours to get to My parents home...only to have snow on Christmas eve day and pushed to leave pretty early to go to Ken's parents. It was a bit of a disappointment for everyone in my family.

Leisel is 9 months...boo hoo

Leisel's personality is really coming out. We had a fun time taking these pictures.

Decorating the Christmas tree

Thanksgiving

Ken's Mom came out for Thanksgiving for a few days and Skip came out for a day or so. Here is Nancy with her favorite son-in-law.

Beth feeding Leisel her Thanksgiving meal. The girl can eat. She eats whatever you give her.

we did an exercise with the boys to help them realize what they are thankful for at Thanksgiving. We ate our meal blindfolded and without our hands. I didn't realized Leisel was participating as well. It looks like she is wearing a blindfold. It made us realize we should be thankful for our sight and our our hands....food definitely tastes differently when you have to eat it blindfolded and without hands...

My princess party and Thanksgiving with preschoolers

Caleb taking the trash out...with a smile, too!

I volunteered for Toby's class one day for their Thanksgiving feast. I had a great time!

The brothers do surprise us every now and then with their love and loyalty to each other. Toby will always defend his big brother when he gets in trouble...Caleb throws Toby under the bus, however. Caleb is upset by the movie they are watching in the picture. He is quite the sensitive boy--which is so sweet. He has quite a bit of empathy for others.

Ken gave me a real nice princess themed birthday for my 34th celebration. The boys were asking me if i wanted a princess party and Ken ran with it. It was such a sweet birthday. Ken put quite a bit of effort and thought into it. I know I don't tell him enough, but I appreciate his thoughtfullness.

"The Princess"

Ken made me dinner too! We used the real china!!! It was a good dinner and a great birthday.

Leisel is 8 Months and cuter than ever!

WARNING: There are some seriously cute Pictures of Leisel!!!! Of course I would say that I'm the mommy, but she is a traffic stopper wherever we go.

My mom made this plum colored dress for her. She crocheted it a long with several other dresses I will post as she grows into them.

Such a sad face. Leisel took her sweet time in rolling over. We are really cool with that because she is sweet and the joy of our lives (along with our tech savvy Caleb and our funny Toby). The boys are really good with her and love her very much. I'm not as good at recording her moments, but I know it happens with the 3rd baby. I hate to use that as an excuse, but

that's the only one I got! We love you Leisel! Your rolls are so fun to squeeze and I know someday they will disappear and a beautiful girl will appear (a princess?) Maybe:)