Merry Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday

Disney Fun, Part 1

We went to DisneyWorld a little bit earlier this year. It was less crowded than December, but not quite as festive. We stayed in the new Bay Lake Towers Resort at the Contemporary, and we loved having a view of Cinderella's castle from our rooms! Still, it was different. We've been staying at the Grand Floridian in December every year since Christopher was 3 years old. Now that we've bought into the Vacation Club, we'll stay there every other year and at the Bay Lake Towers in the "off" years. We stayed 7 nights in "the World" and then did a 3-night cruise on the Wonder. It was a great trip!

Happy Birthday, Mommy!

Happy Halloween!

We were really lucky to have warm, dry weather this year. Lots of pumpkins, lots of candy, lots of fun. Just like always!

Wordless Wednesday

The Queen

Christopher: "Wow, Lex, you look fancy!"
Alexa: (in footed pajamas, a sequin Tinkerbell crown, and four flag football belts) "Yeah, that's because I'm Queen Esther!"

Happy Birthday, Nicholas!

You're such a little sweetie! I can't believe you're two already!

First Film Contest

Christopher and Gabrielle have been creating their own movies for a couple of years. A few weeks ago, they decided to enter The Flint Hills Film Festival.

We had a lot of fun making a three-minute film using at least four of eight required locations. Imagine our surprise when that film, Flint Hills Delights, won first place in the open division!

Happy Birthday, Christopher

Our sweet boy is 14! Daddy got out the sign from the hospital announcing your birth and put it on the mantle. For two and a half years, it was just the three of us. It's been so much fun watching you grow and pursue your interests. You have such a deep faith and real empathy for other people. You're funny and smart, and Lexi loves your Yoda impression! We're so proud of you!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday, Alexa

Our little sweetie is 3 years old!

Box Day

We were all excited when our boxes from Sonlight arrived on our porch! After a month-long break from school work, I think we're almost ready to get back to our academic pursuits. Almost.

Wordless Wednesday

A Beautiful Wedding

We traveled to St. Louis for Michael and Melissa's wedding a few weeks ago. While we were all dressed up, we had our picture taken!

"A" is for Alexa

While shopping today, Lexi spotted a large wooden letter "A" and said, "There's an "A" for Alexa!" We were so surprised, but then she really impressed us. She took the pen out of my hand and announced that she was going to make an "A." She drew a perfect letter "A" on the palm of her right hand. We couldn't believe it. I grabbed my phone to get a picture!

Good Morning

Alexa greeted Daddy this morning with this:

"I want to go to Chicago. I'm ready now!"

We've been home from Chicago exactly four days. Apparently, she had a good trip.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday

Lexi was afraid of the candles, and Nicholas kept crawling out of the pictures.
Happy Birthday, Daddy! We love you!

Wordless Wednesday

Fire

It's burning season again, and while it's fascinating in it's own way, I think I'm ready for it to end. All around us there are black fields and big spaces that look like charred earth, probably because they are?! All day, all night, burning, burning, burning. Well, probably not ALL night, but things are still burning at 10 PM, so who knows? The smoke can get overwhelming, and at times it's as if the whole town is covered in a layer of smog. "Is it sunny today?" "I don't know, but it's smoky!" My allergies have had enough.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday, Gabrielle

You're such a sweetie, Gabs. You're funny, smart, and so kind to everyone. Your sister and brothers couldn't ask for a better sister than you. You surprise us every day with your talent. Happy 11th birthday, Miss Jane. We love you and we're so proud of you!

Windy Day

Christopher: "Lexi, we're going to the park that has the giant!" Alexa: "Oh, he's a little giant." Christopher: "No, he's big. If he was little, than he wouldn't be a giant." Alexa: "Yeah."



It's way too cold for April-39 degrees today! Saturday was better, although the wind was a bit overwhelming.