After a fun five days visiting family, we headed home on December 23rd. We didn't want to make anymore stops than necessary so we had a snack in the car. Kenton did better with his Hershey Kisses than Emery!

Singing we WISH you a Merry Christmas!


Here are some pictures of Kenton's Christmas program at school, back on December 17th. Unlike last year, he sang (almost every word) and did the motions to the songs (very enthusiastically) this year. He really looked like he was enjoying himself.

While visiting Granny Cardin, we stopped by Steak 'n Shake to get some lunch. Emery loved her new hat and Kenton enjoyed Granny helping him with the puzzles on the back of the placemat.

Handing out the presents at Granny's house.


Kenton opening up one of his HotWheels Dino Trick Tracks. Dinosaurs and cars, what a great combination for little boys!


Emery trying on one of her new shirts. She loves clothes as much as toys!


Granny and my nephew Nathanael.


My niece Alyssa cheesing for the camera. She's not one to shy away from the camera.



We had a great time celebrating Christmas in Glendale with Granny, Suzanne, Rick, Matt, Alyssa, and Nathanael. We only see them two or three times a year, so it's always fun to spend some time with them. I had lots of pictures of Alyssa and a few of Nathanael, but for some reason did not end up with any of Matt. Next year, I will make it a point to take lots of pics of Matt! :-)

Around 4:00 this afternoon (Sunday) it started snowing. By 5:30 there was an inch on the ground (mostly on the grassy areas) and still snowing. So we decided to get bundled up and go out and take a walk. The kids had a blast! We are expected to get between 2 and 4 inches by midnight when the snow is supposed to start tapering off.

We had a great Christmas! Last Saturday we started our visit to KY in Stanford with Keesha's family. We had a great visit with Nana & Papaw, and Kenny, Christy, & Colton.

In the picture above, Kenton helped Papaw open his present of candy. Kenton thought the candy present should say "From Kenton" on the tag so he could eat some of it when Papaw unwrapped it!

Emery and her cousin Colton during the first big present opening of the season.

Emery riding one of Colton's toy tractors. Aren't toys much cooler when they belong to someone else!

Cousin Colton, or Baby Coco as Emery calls him.

To burn off some energy Uncle Kenny rolled around in the floor with Kenton, Emery, and Colton.

Saturday night we braved the chilly weather and headed out to see Santa at James Ranch Park. I do not enjoy being outside when it's cold, and avoid it whenever possible, but even I have to admit it was a lot of fun! We had to stand in line outside for about 15 minutes to get to see Santa. Kenton has no problem talking with Santa, but Emy is still a little hesitant about getting too close. As long as brother is there, she'll stand by Mr. Claus but won't sit on his lap.

After chatting with Santa, we went on a wagon-ride through the outdoor light display. I tried to snap some pictures, but none turned out. It was very pretty and all four of us really enjoyed it.

Kenton made an M&M countdown to Christmas jar at school, so we made one for Emery as well. On the front of the jar it says:

To count down to Christmas
Eat one M&M each day
When the jar is empty
Santa is on his way!

The kids are having so much fun counting down the days to Christmas!

When we visited Granny right before Thanksgiving, she gave the kids advent calendars. These pictures were from Tuesday when they opened the first window on the calendars. Each day there is a piece of chocolate to unwrap and eat. Emery watched Kenton unwrap and eat the chocolate and then she did the same. Nothing like a big brother to show you how to unwrap and eat candy!

A week or so ago the metal rail on Kenton's bed broke. So I have been checking on him each night to make sure he's not about to fall out of bed. The other night we checked on him before heading to bed and this is what Keesha and I found! Doesn't everyone drift off to sleep reading about Liopleurodon?!?

It has been a while since I've posted. We have been taking some pictures, I just haven't posted them yet! Now that both kids are well and we have returned to a "normal" schedule after the Thanksgiving holiday, I will try to post several pics this week. Here are some pics of us putting up the Christmas tree. Keesha was at work when we put up the tree so there aren't many pictures of actual decorating!