Ian Turns 11 Months Old

Eleven months today, how is this possible?!?  I am overwhelmed with emotions because today begins his last month of infancy.  I do look forward to what he will do this month since last month alone he began pulling himself up and getting into everything, communicating non-verbally, and finally got his bottom two teeth in.  

Happy 11 Month Birthday, Ian!  

You are such an adorable, sweet, happy, busy and outgoing little boy that we love so much. We hope you have a day as special as you are.

Winter Has Arrived

Today we officially began another winter season (up to 12 inches of snow) and sadly I feel like we just ended it.  For some reason the first snowfall always makes me want to cozy up with a blanket and admire it like my children do; but at the same time it makes me want to vomit.  Anyway, the kids love it and now are ready to put up Christmas decorations.

Princess Dance

Our city put on a "Princess Daughter Party" tonight and Elyse was escorted to the party with the best date any little girl could ask for.  Nate filled the roll of Prince Charming and took his little Elsa to the event.  The party involved decorating hair, painting nails, crafts, dancing, eating ice cream, playing games and meeting Elsa, Cinderella as well as Belle.  From the smile on her face when she got home I know it was a night she will never forget, and guarantee it's going to become an annual date for the two.  

Not What I Expected

Kallen is our orneriest kid by far.  He is constantly testing boundaries and doing such humorous things.  Therefore whenever he is not present and I don't hear him, I am very nervous as to what he is up to.  Well on Saturday we were all in the toy room except Kallen.  So I got up to see what he was up to and to my surprise he grabbed a blanket, book and was quietly reading his baby to sleep.  So precious.  I stood there for a short while before getting the camera just watching my busy boy being so calm, gentle and loving.  

Happy Halloween

Another Halloween has quickly come and gone and this was by far one of our favorites.  The three oldest are at an age where they can carry their own buckets, walk, and really get into the fun of trick o'treating.  Besides the kids having fun, Nate and I did too, because our small group joined in on the festivities with us.  We pilled the adults and kids (totaling 20) in our van like a clown car and went door to door.  I'm still smiling at how much fun the night was. 

Hope you all had a wonderful and happy Halloween too!

Kids in their costumes: Elsa, Wild Kratts and baby frog

Trick o'treating tonight: boys still have Wild Kratts costumes on, but didn't fit over winter coats (35 degrees) so they improvised last minute.

He's (Finally) Home

For those of you that were not aware, Nate was in China for the last two weeks for work.  The longest we have ever been apart is six days, and about three for the kids and him.  Therefore, this sounded like eternity when we first found out he would be going.  I will admit, it was super hard and emotional for all of us when he took off.  We definitely were not ourselves when he was gone and missed him so much.  Time did go by pretty fast which was great.  Ripping off our last ring this morning knowing today was the day was wonderful, but having him walk through the door was even better!  So thankful God brought him safely back home to us!

Special thanks to all our family and friends that helped me out while he was away, as well as all those who were lifting us up in daily prayer.  You are such a blessing to us!

 Fun outfits Nate bought for the kids.

"Cheese" Faces

I was taking pictures of the boys playing so nicely, and it just happened all three gave me their lovely "cheese" face.  

Yeah I know, this post is pretty "cheesy" :)