Daddy-Daughter Celebration

We had a small birthday celebration for Paul and Molly together.  We enjoyed lunch and cake with Granny, Grandpa Tom, Aunt Cathy, and Cassie.

The Big ?

Paul celebrated a milestone birthday at the end of January.  We were happy to shower him with lots of hugs:

And kisses:

We love you Paul/Daddy!

Molly's wedding

I am strictly writing this for the record so I can show it to Molly many, many, many years from now!

This past week Molly has been curious about Paul and my wedding.  She has been looking through photo albums and asking about my wedding "showering".  That would be my shower and bachelorette party!  After looking through my bachelorette party album Molly asked if someday I would go to her bachelorette party.  I accepted the invitation.
The next day, Molly wanted to hear more about our honeymoon to Hawaii and again, she graciously invited me to go along on her honeymoon!  Once again, I accepted the offer ;)

Texas Snow

As I mentioned in my previous post, the winters here in Texas are quite mild compared to what I grew up in.  Last night we had a major cold front that brought a little snow and ice.  Basically the whole city shut down because of the ice.  Here are couple pictures of the kids enjoying the "snow". 
I told Molly about how I used to play in the snow as a child and she was really wanting me to make a snow fort out of the layer of ice on our front gardens. . . um, not quite enough!

 Johnny had fun making snow balls, and throwing them!

 Samuel enjoyed eating the ice and then was mad when his hands hurt because they were so cold.

Molly's snow ball.  Her favorite thing was eating the icicles.

Mama's obstacle course challenge

We have had a pretty low key January as someone in our family has been sick since before Christmas.  Fortunately, Texas winters are pretty mild and we can play outside since we have had to steer clear of most public places with our tummy bugs and fevers.  This past week I set up an obstacle course in the back yard.  The kids always enjoy my challenges!

Christmas

We spent Christmas in Wood River.  The kids and I flew there before Paul so we could have some extra grandma and grandpa time.  We enjoyed spending the day at the children's museum in Kearney and helping grandma and grandpa get their house ready for Christmas.  The kids loved spending time with their cousins and I loved that they are entertained 24/7!
We came home to a quiet house and had a short celebration of opening presents. 
The highlights this year were a doll house for Molly, a bike for Johnny, and a comfy chair for Samuel. 
We are thankful for our many blessings; we had a wonderful holiday season!

 Cousin pillow fight, anything goes at Grandma's

 Brooklynn reading before bed, what a good cousin

 Snow!

 Checking the radar for Santa's whereabouts

 Grandpa reading "Twas the Night Before Christmas

 Presents!

Think this will fit in 1 quart sized Ziploc baggie?!

Christmas Preparations

I love making Christmas cookies and the kids enjoy helping.  This year we did gingerbread men for Molly's preschool class and a variety of treats for teachers and neighbors.