Great Bend Christmas

 Ok, nearly a month late but here goes. Christmas morning we spent just the four of us at home.  

Lilly got her first pair of coveralls.  She was excited because they are purple, but quite mad because they are too big.  They will be quite cute with the new cowboy boots mom and Hanna got her!

 The entire family, plus one spoiled dog, spent three days in Great Bend.  

 Lucy was so excited to open her gift from Great Aunt Karen, 

 and ended up looking like this.  

She fell face first into the corner of the present with the first pull of the wrapping paper.  It really did look worse than it was. 

Great Bend had around seven inches of snow a few days before Christmas, and there was plenty left for the kids, and a couple adults, and the dog, to enjoy.  

 Someone thought it wise to build a ramp to pull the kids over.  

Lilly absolutely loved it, but her dismount could use some work.  Yes, she was close to the street but there were cars parked around where she landed and Hanna was standing right next to her.  Again, not as bad as it might look.  

 It was a change for me, to not have a full two weeks off, but the time we did have with family was wonderful! 

Pre-Christmas

Finally back to the blog!  We had a busy couple weeks leading up to Christmas, with John out of town for a basketball tourney, and several other things in addition to our already full schedule.  

This is the only good pic I got of Lilly at the church XMas program.  

The kids thoroughly enjoyed the 7 inches of snow we had just before Christmas

 Lucy and I lasted a half hour or so but I think Lilly would have stayed out all afternoon.  

 Lucy might be the silliest baby ever!

 These two were the best cookie helpers ever.  They unwrapped all of the rolos and peanut butter cups I used.  I don't think it ever dawned on them that the could actually eat them!

Up next...Stous Christmas followed by Shirk Christmas.  

T-giving Break

It seriously seems like we celebrated Thanksgiving over the entire week.  Wednesday, we got together with John's side of the family during the day and Lilly and Raegan (Lilly's cousin) talked their g-ma into a spur of the moment slumber party.  I will honestly say I enjoyed spending time with just Lucy!

Thursday morning I cleaned and did laundry while the kids watched the parade, and  then headed for Great Bend after lunch.  We prefer to travel during nap time, so it's easier on the adults kids. 

Everyone likes to sleep with a boot on their hand right?

 

The house was full, with two hosts, one great aunt/aunt, three sisters and husbands, four kids under the age of 4.5, and one spoiled dog.  I couldn't imagine it any other way!

Friday evening we went to the Christmas parade in Great Bend.  Lilly reported the big horses were her favorite. 

 

It doesn't matter how hard we try, it is nearly impossible to get all four kids looking at the camera at the same time.  Hanna told the kids to "put your hands at your sides," and apparently Lucy heard something different.  I love that kid.  She might be cuter than her sister was at that age !

I am super tired today, but it always worth it to get back to Great Bend and enjoy some quality family time!

Huge Update

Total blog fail.  I just realized how long it has been since I posted a real post. 

Please excuse the totally unorganized, random pile of pictures. 

The girls and I have been trying to have movie night on Friday nights when John is officiating. 

Lilly is totally into the movies as long as they are about princesses or fairies.  Lucy is less than cooperative and usually just annoys Lilly the entire time.

The girls love nothing more right now to dance in the kitchen while I make dinner.  They put on their princess high heels and stomp around like maniacs.  I would totally enjoy it if it weren't so loud. 

We went to Kansas City last weekend to celebrate October birthdays (yay me and Hanna).  We took the kids to the Arboretum in the afternoon to feed to koi and take some pictures.  

 

Now that's a good looking group!

Leave it to my kids to eat the stale bread that was meant for the fish.  

 

Such a cute little group!  I didn't get the "perfect" picture with all four kids looking in the same direction, but we got several cute ones. 

 

Gotta have an auntie Hanna picture. 

Again, with a 4 year old and a 1 year old it is impossible to get one with both kids looking. 

These two crack me up.  

Had to stop to check out the trains.

 

 

 

 

And finally had a little Happy Birthday time.  

 

Yesterday we took the girls to church for Trick or Trunk and a hayrack ride.  I told Lilly we got so much candy we wouldn't need to go again on Thursday.  

She did not agree.



Lets do it Again

How about another post without pictures?  Sounds good.  We continue our crazy busy schedule, that apparently does not involve a camera.  Lilly is currently enjoying Nana Bobbi and Avery in Great Bend and Lucy is loving the extra attention.  I am loving the quiet evenings, but definitely miss my little buddy already. 

I had another eye appointment this week and with both eyes combined I am seeing 20/15!  I think this is the first thing I have ever been "above average" at!  Woohoo it only took 31 years to accomplish! My left eye is still red (bruised) on the inside and a little blurry.  Its not bad and is more noticeable at night.  I would still recommend Lasik 100%.

Hopefully this weekend will be a calm one.  KSU is on the road, Lilly is gone till Saturday afternoon, and my house isn't trashed now like it usually is by the end of the week.  Maybe a little pre-birthday celebration with the hubs will make the to-do list.