1.31.2012 Meeting Jacob

Jacob Eliud decided on the 31st that he wanted to be a January baby. Mommy had a scheduled C-Section for 2/6/12 (which was fun for this math teacher...ya know...2x6=12...) but he had different plans. Krista's water broke-he was determined to come :) Abuelo meeting his 6th grandbaby :)
Oooooo! He's cute!

And he's snugly, and squishy. The cutest cheeks I've ever seen :)

He even opened his eyes for me so I could take his picture.

Proud Grandparents!

Even prouder daddy :)

We are so happy you are here Jacob! We love you already :)

1.5.2012 Three Kings day

Still in Michigan the day before Three Kings day :) Eli is showing off the Angry Bird Hat my mom made for him.
Dancin' around cuz he likes it so much ;)

Eli played with that puzzle every day we were in Michigan. That boy loves his letters!

That evening we went out in the cold (but not snowy...) to pick some grass for the camels...ya know...cuz the Three kings are coming!

They gathered up the grass and left it out. I wonder if the Three Kings will appreciate the food for their camels and leave a gift...

They did!

Eli & Leah both got a little gift.

Leah got a musical lion,

and Eli got the Cars 2 game for his Leapster.

Those are some nice Kings ;)

1.3.2012 A Trip to Port Huron

On a cold day in Michigan we loaded up the kids and headed to Port Huron for a little shopping fun.
The kids got a free ride on the carousel.

They played in the play area with Grandma while we shopped.

I think they had fun :)

Eli found a red car to play in...big surprise :)

Our last stop was Hobby Lobby. Oh dear. I should never have entered that store. Now I can't wait to go back :)

1.2.2012 Fun in the Pool

Swimming in Grandpa & Grandma's pool is always fun. Leah got in with me and LOVED it.
Eli loves it too...even if he has to swim with a pink floatie :) He does really good in that floatie-I don't even have to hold him at all anymore when he's in that. He just swims all over the place holding on to that.

Some one's happy to be in the water :)

Love those goggles

A little swimming expert

Fun times!

I think this guy could swim all day.

Parker and his daddy having some fun in the water.

Everyone had a great time!

1.2.2012 Bus Ride

One of the fun Christmas activities is getting a ride on the school bus. Grandpa's bus is always fun :)
It was cold, though, so the kids stayed bundled up. Keira & Chloe sat together...for a little bit. Shortly after taking off the kids were anxious to move around.

Especially these two :)

Such a pretty girl!

Not sure if he's cleaning the seats or licking his lips...

Eli LOVED it. He was smiling and giggling the whole time.

Time to get off!

Until next year :)

12.31.2011 Christmas with Grandpa

On New Year's Eve we celebrated Christmas with Great Grandpa. It was very nice to see family that we don't get to see very often. Great Grandpa had a pretty good day. After a while he wanted to go back to his room, though, so we had to get him to open his presents before he left :)
Always a Tiger's fan :)

I think his favorite gift was that little panda :)

Great Grandpa and 3 of his kids...and the panda

The panda showed up in our family picture too :) At least the panda is looking at the camera...Eli is playing shy...or stubborn. Not sure which.

The kids went to look at the fish.

Randee got them to make fish faces.

Not bad, Caleb!

Cutie :)

It is always nice to see Great Grandpa. The past few years as we gather for Christmas it has been hard to see Grandpa get older. I will always remember him reading the Christmas story each year-his voice so strong and sure. I know it is a gift to be able to spend time with this wonderful man of God. These times with family are amazingly special.

And so 2011 ends...with family together. Can't think of a better way to spend the last day of 2011!

12.30.2011 Christmas Morning

'Christmas' morning came nice and early. The kids were excited to see what was under the tree. The kids ate some breakfast first...opening presents takes a while at Grandpa & Grandma's house, so ya gotta eat something first.
I think Parker wants to skip breakfast and go right to the presents...

A little exercise before the presents.

Reading the Christmas story.

All ready to open!

Enjoy some pics of the kiddos opening their gifts.

With cameras everywhere, sometimes you just take the shot you can get :)

SONIC!

Just like his daddy's hat

One of the favorite gifts of the day. Grandma made Caleb (and Ben) an Angry Bird hat. He LOVED it...and asked for the black bird and the blue bird...and Ben wants the yellow bird and the green bird...and Carly wants the black bird and the pig...and Eli got a red bird after I requested one too. SO grandma has been crocheting like crazy to keep up with the orders :)

Great Grandpa & Grandma were there too.

Caleb got the PB&J...I don't think he was hungry, so Renae ate it :)

Stockings

Tutus made by Grandma

Because Ryan, Jennifer, Ben and Carly couldn't come this year, we took some time to get on Skype with them and watch them open their gifts. It was very nice to do that, though they were greatly missed!

It was a very fun morning, and a wonderful day of hanging out together.

Merry Christmas!