Fun with Cousins!

Lainey and Silas had fun with Grandma while we were visiting for Thanksgiving. They are quite a duo. We enjoyed time with Jamie's family and loved Debra's great cooking!

Last weekend we celebrated an early Christmas with the Morton family. Chad and Jen, Jules and Ava were in town and we had a great time getting all the cousins together. Unfortunately, we had some fairly serious illnesses in the family but everyone is doing much better now. We are so thankful for Jules and Ava's recovery and loved spending time with them.

You'll Bust a Gut! (click here)

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Decorating for Christmas...one of my favorite days of the year!

There are a few days a year that I anticipate with lots of excitement...our anniversary, Lainey's birthday, Jamie's birthday, and this day... when the Christmas decor comes out of the boxes, it's considered socially acceptable to play Christmas music (even though I happen to think it's appropriate in July) we drink hot chocolate and everything looks warm and welcoming with the glow of Christmas lights.

I remember being in kindergarten, coming home from school, and finding that my mom had gotten our Christmas records down from their bright, red box on the top shelf of the hall closet. It was such an exciting day because I knew the tree decorating would soon follow. And yes Seth...I said records! You probably have no idea what those are! My point is that my love for all things Christmas started a very long time ago and now I am having the greatest time passing that joy on to Lainey.

We went Saturday to a tree farm and enjoyed all the festivities including Santa. Lainey is actually quite scared of him but there was a large, ceramic golden retriever right next to him. Mrs. Claus lured her over to see the dog and I was able to snap a picture with the three of them. I have a feeling this may be as close as she gets to the guy in the big, red suit! That's all right with me because Santa is just a game we play. Lainey carefully carries baby Jesus from our nativity around the house and says "hesus" and "bebe." I love watching her learn why it is that Christmas is so special. I hope all of you enjoy the next few weeks in anticipation of the special day when we celebrate the birth of "bebe hesus."

The finished product

I said "smile please" and this was the grin she gave me. It makes me laugh every time I see it!

Our beautiful tree

Lainey loves creating things and they had a craft area set up for the kids to make pictures at the tree farm. This is her unhappy face to be interrupted from her project for a picture!

Lainey thought this one might be perfect for her room.

Family Night

Jamie and I both have fond childhood memories of creating a home made tent in the middle of the living room and playing in it for hours. Jamie's of course were much more elaborate than any of mine with tunnels and seperate rooms. I was just happy if Kimberlee and I could figure out a way to make it stand up! (This was when Chad was not helping. His tents were always well designed.) But I knew with Jamie's engineering we could create something fun for Lainey. Saturday was cold and windy and we thought it a perfect evening for a tent and a movie. Lainey loves animals and will watch them for long periods of time so when I saw Alvin and the chipmunks I knew it was the perfect choice for our Saturday evening in. (Not only are they cute little animals...but they sing! And Jamie and I were spared the joy of watching the singing, purple dinasoar yet again!) I highly recommend the movie if you have kids. It was really cute and we enjoyed it all from our cozy, little tent. Nothing better than a family night at home.

Grandpa and Grandma come for a visit

What another great weekend we had with a visit from Jamie's parents. We enjoyed showing them O'Fallon, our church, and spending the afternoon on Saturday in Alton, IL. Such a cute little town with lots of antique shops (which Lainey thoroughly enjoyed...ha ha!) They were able to go to church today and worship with us and what a great service it was. We still miss Pisgah but are so thankful for an amazing church that is quickly becoming home. It was nice to share it with Les and Debra. So glad you were able to come. Lainey looking oh so glamorous with her sunglasses

I think they look pretty good on Grandpa!

That silly pacifier!

We were amazed this week at the amount of new words Lainey started using. This was my attempt to video them so everyone could see. We were off to a good start...but she spotted her "pacy" and it was all over! I have been advised by my wise younger sister to break the pacifier habit now. We are trying to use it only for naps and bedtime...however...this day she spotted it, popped it in, and thwarted my video efforts! We will try again!

Papa and Mawny come for a visit

It was so nice to have a visit from my parents last week. It's fun to get to show our new surroundings to our family. Lainey loved the extra attention and fun play times with Mawny and Papa.