Holiday Dance Recital

Kit did a super job in the Arts Castle's Holiday Dance and Music Recital at Willis Intermediate School. She performed "Cool Yule" and "Silent Night" with Junior Company and "Run, Run Rudolph" with Royal Blue Jazz. She had quite the fan club on hand. Winnie had a fun time visiting with family and sitting with Camdyn.

6 Months Old

Emerson is 6 months old! He weighs 21.6 pounds and like to shake his head left to right as if to say "no". This week he had pink eye but is getting over it just fine. He doesn't roll over often, but he makes lots of interesting sounds, grabs and holds things fairly well, and laughs when his thighs are squeezed.

Live Nativity

Four of us participated in the Live Nativity at the Marion County Fairgrounds. The girls had hoped to be angels above the stable, but they stayed on the ground and hence the less-than-enthused expressions. Emerson hung out with Grandma Lovie & Grandpa during our shift.

Exersaucer

A new place to play!

A New Tradition

We started a new tradition on December 1st: Elf on the Shelf. The girls were delighted because many of their friends have elves. We named ours Snowball. On Saturday morning, we found him in the Barbie house bed with a note that said, "Listen at bedtime."

Brave Kit

Unfortunately, the hood of Kit's coat got stuck on the hall door or hinge, pulling her back and cutting her head. We went to the Nationwide Children's ER in Lewis Center, and she got 5 stitches. She was brave throughout the ordeal!

Jump Thanksgiving

We celebrated Thanksgiving, as well as the OSU-Michigan game, with the Jumps on Saturday. It was fun seeing how Emerson and Bo have grown since they were together last. Nolan, Reid, Winnie, and Kit had fun playing football and bingo.

Christmas Tree

On Black Friday, we went to Alum Polaris Tree Farm to get our Christmas tree. It was a warm day, but the girls still enjoyed hot chocolate. Winnie liked being in charge of the order in which ornaments were placed onto the tree, and Kit loved decorating.

Thanksgiving Day

Zech and Sierra hosted Thanksgiving for us. We had a relaxing time and especially enjoyed the Tofurkey they made for us. Matt accidentally(?) locked their dog Simba in the basement!

He's So Happy!

Fall Parties

Today I slipped away from work early to spend a bit of time at the girls' fall parties.

The top picture brings to mind one of the things for which I am most grateful.

Winnie is buried inside the group hug her class lavished on Mrs. Hedrick when she surprised them by coming to their fall party (she’s currently off work to care for her husband who was injured at work). This Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the grandparents, teachers, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, babysitter, instructors, and countless friends who invest in my children. With three, I don’t get “everything” done, but with the love from those around us, life just works.

Candy Cane Game

This evening we played a candy cane game that is similar to bobbing for apples. Winnie was our winner!

Visit with the Rostons

Look at this hilarious crew!

Santa Baby

Grandma and Grandpa were excited to bring a gift for Emerson this evening...a Santa suit! Have you ever seen a cuter Santa Baby?

Kim's Birthday

The family celebrated my birthday on Sunday with lunch at House of Hunan after church. On Monday, I found these treasures on the table.

Giving Thanks

Here's our Thanksgiving wall. Winnie gave thanks for "my family, happy homes, energy, holidays, and water & food." Kit gave thanks for "My life, siblings and parents, my family, all of my toys, and all of the food I get every day."

5 Months Old!

Emerson Tries Cereal

It took a bit of practice, but Emerson seemed to enjoy rice cereal. His not knowing what to do with it at first made us all laugh.

Sisters' Sleepover

A Piggyback Ride

Emerson's first piggyback ride!