Closing out 2016

It is time for the 2littlechiefs to be printed and bound. I can't even put into words how fast time is going, but we try to savor each day and live in all of the moments that we encounter. The kids have grown so much.  Our babies are now little people and we get to approach new parenting debacles that sometimes make me wish for diapers and nap times!

The children each have goals for 2017. Elizabeth is going to start cutting her own food and Grant is going to be 100% self sufficient in the bathroom (that's the politest way I can say he is going to wipe his own butt!). Those were goals that we made for them! On top of being healthy, happy, active, grateful children! We made so many memories in 2016 and we have many more planned for 2017. Basketball season is upon us (for both of them), guitar lessons (for both of them, plus Ima!), a special trip over spring break and before we know it they will be back in the pool and hopefully on a baseball diamond! Not to mention all of the other joy we can possibly squeeze in because being still is not woven in my fabric. Our lives and hearts are so full. Not everyday is perfect, (although I have been quoted for saying "today is the perfect day to have the perfect day") we find some perfect in some part of the day. And if not, we get each new day to try again!

Christmas and New Year's 2016

Our holiday season was full of so much joy and love. We got to see our friends from England, Australia and DC and family from Arizona and Georgia and everywhere in between. We continue to be blessed beyond measure and are so thankful for all of the time we get to share with everyone. Here are some pictures from the 2016 holiday season!

Brandon always reads The Night Before Christmas before we put them to bed on Christmas Eve. As a special bonus this year he got the recordable book with Kenny Pops voice to work on a few of the pages. It was emotional to hear to his voice but such a good memory for our kids.

Our friends from England were able to join us for Christmas Eve church service. 

A pop-up art class for the crew, while Elizabeth endured a 3 hour eye appointment!

Milk, check. Cookies, check, Carrots, Check. 

Miss Megan was at church with us too. She made it through the whole service, even went up for the children's sermon!

Grandpa Ray and Grandma Phyllis with the kids after a game of Left, Right, Center. 

Pops embroided pj's for the grandkids and couldn't resist a pair for himself.  I will spare you the image and video of him demonstrating the back flap of his one piece pj's. Lots of laughs!

The kids were truly more excited to give their gifts then to open up their own. That is a #1 Dad football piggy bank.

They made it until 7:00 this year. Threats were made that we would not have another 3:30 AM Christmas! It is hard to keep your eyes open to a camera flash in a dark room.

Christmas Eve dinner at my parent's

They love their cousin!

Fast forward a few days...the Campbells are in town! We celebrate our family Christmas on NYE.

After a day of relaxation and family time it was time to take these caged animals on a field trip. At 9:00 pm we loaded up my bus for one last drive through FOLEPI's village. By the time we returned 3/4 of the kids were asleep.

Game night on NYE. Grant is explaining the play to uncle Brian.

Guess which 1/4 didn't fall asleep. She made it long enough to see Mariah Carey!

Happy New Year!

These two are buds

Auggie is always up for a cuddle from Aunt Sandy

The pickle finders! 

Thank you honey for always wearing this shirt Christmas morning for all of the pictures. I hope nothing ever happens to it!

A little VR fun for everyone.

When you think your husband is going to be gone hunting for the night and you tell the kids they have a sleepover in your bed...and then he comes home and you sleep in their beds and decide they all need a mattress upgrade!

What can I say? I fear we may have to have the "you can't marry your cousin" talk someday.

Auggie says sleep is good for everyone!

Best Drink Award of the holiday season goes to Amber for her Pomegranate Spritzers

I think they really do love each other.

Ear kisses from Pops

New toys are so much fun

Uncle Brian made Christmas crepes for us!

She has used the ribbons to baby wear her new stuffed giraffe. She is a nurturing soul. 

Not sure how this is going to go, but he got one!

Ok, maybe this is a just a guy thing that I will never understand!

Preparing for Christmas

Elizabeth had her winter music program. She was a reindeer. This picture was taken after the antlers had been returned!

Ugly Sweater Party - yes i'm glowing because mine featured lights.

Candlelight Stroll on the square. They do really love each other and it was super cold! We were waiting for the carriage ride.

Cozy Christmas movie family night

Auggie had a birthday!

We honor my Grandma Heller every year by making cherry chocolates as a family.

Elizabeth's Barbie tree featured an elevation this year with her tutu tree skirt cascading around

Grant's tree had special light bulbs from Mimi and Pops

Making cut out sugar cookies

Finding hats, gloves and scarves, because it finally got cold.

Letters to Santa...yes he asked for a football goal post and big smelly brown bear.

And Elizabeth's wish...a real live bunny! (and to translate, that is a sewing machine...just sound it out!)