Christmas Eve!

We spent Christmas Eve opening presents from Bobo and Pappy, going to church, and then off to Grandma and Grandpa Milnes' house for more presents! The kids kept saying, "this is
the best day EVER!".

Kailyn playing with some new goodies at Grandma and Grandpa's house

proper attire for Christmas Eve in Springfield, IL

Mark on Christmas Eve....in Springfield, IL
My brother (and family) were in the Keys with my parents and kept
sending us picture of them lounging in the hammock, playing in the kayak, etc..
so...we sent them a picture of this with a "wish you were here to enjoy
the awesome weather with us"

Kailyn with one of her favorite gifts

he was a little excited!

Preschool Christmas Program

So proud of my little man. He has matured soooo much from
last year! At this time last year, he was nearly in tears over getting up
on the stage at the Christmas program. This year....he lead his class, had a small speaking
part, smiled, danced, sang, and waved to us from the stage!!! LOVE! He
was so excited!! What a difference a year can make! I can't believe I'm considering
sending my baby to kindergarten next year....still undecided. We will see
how the rest of the year goes from here!

Angel Alert!

He did a great job! He was just a tad distracted with all of light show that was going
on behind him, but he was up there. By their third performance he was
getting into it!


I cannot say enough good things about Calvary's kid's choir! Their director
is unbelievable! Luke has had such an incredible experience. They
are having fun, getting to know other kids, and most importantly
learning more and more about Jesus through songs and prayer!
I was particularly amazed when Luke came out saying the The Fruit of the Spirit!
He still remembers it and he said it so often that Kailyn knows it too.

Thomas (aka Gabriel)

yup....my big boy was in the production too. He did a great job with his narration!!

Luke was done with pictures and bright lights, but this picture is to funny not to post

Max and Luke

Luke in the Friday night performance

Luke, Max, and Jackson

Warm Weather

I know so many of you are anxiously awaiting the cooler temps to come back so
we can bust out the sweaters, boots, etc.
Me, I'm kind of liking this warm weather and my kids are too.
They can't get enough outside time! I'm just letting them soak it up now because winter
is on it's way folks. Winter weather makes me cringe just a little! Although I do love waking up to a blanket of snow. I just don't get overly excited when I have to drag the kids out and about in it.
Here are some pictures of my kids soaking up the last few warm days we will have in a while!and the race is on...

just a little practice out in the grass

so sad....no water!

luke LOVES his big wheel!

Cowboy Day

Luke had another Cowboy Day at school this year. I was a little more prepared this year and borrowed some gear from Amy.
She set us up with a hat, vest (too small), chaps, and boots. Yeehaw!!!
As soon as I got him all dressed he said, "ok mom, you can take my picture now!"
He ended up ditching the chaps before we even left for school. His comment, "these things are driving me CRAZY".