He Still Loves to Build...

and she likes to watch... and occasionally help... You know, in that annoying 2 year old little sister way of helping. He's pretty patient with her though. They have really been playing awesome together lately, which has been really nice. The weather has been dreary and cold so we have been really searching for things to do here in the house. Lots of playing legos, coloring, play-doh, games, and other indoor activities, but I, along with the kids have been longing to be outdoors. We miss the park, taking walks and playing outside. Isn't that what always happens in January? Cabin fever? I know Doug and I are ready for another trip and are looking forward to heading to Tennessee for a week in February. Noah will get to celebrate his birthday while we are there and I know he is looking forward to that. =)

Growing So Fast

Where does the time go? Here we are almost halfway through January already! The kids are getting so big. Noah will be 5 years old next month (okay, I really can't believe that!!) and will start Kindergarten this fall... I was looking at some of his rolly-polly baby pictures tonight and I can't believe how much he has changed and grown... and Rachel.... Where has my baby gone??? When I look at her I see an adorable little girl... there is still much baby in her, but you don't see it when you look at her. She thinks she's a big girl, and notice the purse? She takes one everywhere she goes... cracks me up. Her hair is really growing too-We can now put it in a 'not so messy looking' pony. ;) She LOVES to have bows in her hair too... She's our girly-girl.

Busy Little Ones

Does this picture have "I'm a stinker" written all over it, or what?

The kids have been enjoying their new toys. Noah has been in Star Wars heaven... he doesn't know what to do first when he's ready to play. He loves to play with his ships and action figures, but he also loves his Darth Vader laptop. It's cute to watch him play. Rachel has been in Baby heaven, but also loves dressing up here lately. Her usual favorite is her Snow White dress, but she will sometimes pick out a ballerina outfit to twirl around in. I love to watch her dance in them. =)

5 Little Red Heads

We brought the new year in with the Chris's and had a blast doing it. The kids had an absolute ball together - playing nonstop. We spent New Year's Eve at the park with the kids playing between the 'after Christmas shopping' excursions for Christina and I and the kids really had fun running off some steam. I love to watch them play together. I know, I say that about all the little cousins playing and it's true... there's just something about watching all of them get to play and how well they do play together, since they don't see each other often. It makes my heart happy. Makes me smile, you know, the really big silly grin kind of smile. I love it. We all hung out, shared some champagne at midnight and ate yummy food before we all were to begin our 'post-holiday' diets. The kids played everything - You name it, I think they played it. Which is good. Apparently Santa Claus did a good job this year as the kids haven't been bored yet. =) And check out adorable little Lydia!!! Look at how happy she is. She is one of the happiest babies I have seen and I soaked up some snuggle time with her for sure. That last picture is of me doing my favorite thing with her. I could do that all day!! =) Thanks again guys for coming out and visiting with us. We always enjoy it and loved every minute of it. Which once again has me wishing we lived closer...

2007: Our Year in Review

January: Playing together

February: Peek A Boo!

March: What's Cookin'?

April: Lookin' good in our shades

May: St. Louis trip

June: Father's Day

July: July 4th

August: Love Sandwiches

September: Playing at the park

October: Happy Halloween!

November: Smokey Mountains

December: Christmas Eve

2007 was a good year for us. It saw so much change in the kids. It was a big year for Noah - yes, he finally came out of his shell. January saw Noah lose his tonsils and with that the gain of more personality and sense of humor. Our quiet, easy going little boy has grown into a happy go lucky, excitable little dude who loves to sing and hum (almost always tunes to Star Wars). 2007 saw him grow from his longtime love of trains and Thomas and slowly encompass all things Star Wars. He played in his first organized sports - T-ball and Soccer. We love to watch him play and run with the other little boys at his preschool when we go to pick him up. 2007 saw Rachel bloom from baby into a very curious and busy little girl. She is beginning to chatter on like her Mama and loves to 'mother' her baby dolls. She loves all things girly like painted toenails, pretty bows in her hair, playing dress up and dollies, cooking in her kitchen (she loves to serve the coffee and crack eggs into her pan) but she also isn't afraid to put on her brother's football uniform and hike the ball a few times. We have enjoyed watching her personality grow and see her father's likeness in her more and more. We went on our first family vacation - and had a ball. We know now that we hope to continue to plan a yearly vacation to escape and enjoy time together - away from the job, the house and the duties that involve taking care of everyone and the things that have to get done in our day to day life. Time to play. In looking forward, I hope to play more and worry less. I hope to contine to help our children grow and to be healthy and happy. Doug and I saw our 11th year of marriage in the past year and February will see us together for 13 years. That is amazing to sit and think about. It's been a wonderful ride. I can't wait to see what 2008 brings to us and those we love. We wish you all happiness and good health as you begin 2008. Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year!!!

We are enjoying the new year with Chris and Christina and their family. I promise pictures to come soon! Happy day! ;)