His Shadow

Cody has a shadow.  It's there even when the sun isn't shining, watching his every move. 

This shadow talks A LOT!!  Cody doesn't mind.  Usually, the talking makes him laugh. 

Big brothers are the best!!  And, little sisters know this better than anyone!!

Let the Games Begin

Chad and I had been trying to figure out what to get the kids for Christmas.  We're kind of past the point of buying little, itty bitty toys for the kids.  We prefer getting them things that may hold up for longer than a few days.  So, while I was talking with a friend(Thanks, Ang!), she mentioned something that her boys were getting and it was an excellent idea!

It's something that everyone in the family can enjoy.  And, it's durable enough that it won't end up on next weeks trash run.  A win-win!!

We've already had many hours of competition and laughter!!

An air hockey table.

(Yes, Chloe has already learned why we don't put our fingers on the table....)

It also makes into a ping pong table.

 

I'm not sure who is enjoying this gift more....the kids or Chad??!!

Christmas Dinner

Christmas dinner was a bit more quiet than in previous years.  Usually, there are more people than room at the table.  Not this year.  We ended up staying home this year and our family wasn't able to join us.  So, it was the 5 of us.  (Well, 6...we can't forget Bubbles)

It was still nice.  We've become very proficient in making the best out of any situation.  And, so we did.  Our meal was great.  The company was even better.   And, like many holiday dinners that have occurred in the past, a few (mainly Chad) enjoyed a nice after dinner nap.  Some things never change.

A Gift from Samantha

Miss Samantha got me a gift this year that I think is one of the most unique and beautiful things I have ever received. 

It's a bracelet made from antique silverware handles.  Samantha chose the charms.  

They are a puppy dog, a cross, and a little child praying. 

A couple at our church make these and Samantha has admired the jewelry many times.  I feel so lucky to have one now.  Thank you so much, Samantha Grace!!  I love you. 

Christmas Breakfast

Baking is one of my favorite things!!  Usually, life creates a schedule that doesn't allow me to enjoy baking as much as I would like.  However, the holidays at our house bring a few extra minutes and an increased need for a little baking.

This year, I decided to go out on a limb and try something I've never done before....I attempted to make cinnamon rolls from scratch!!  It was very intimidating.  But, they turned out better than I could have hoped!

Getting ready to go in the oven.

My 1st batch of Cinnamon Rolls!!

They were Delish!!!

A Visit with Santa

The Christmas season wouldn't be the same without having a quick chat with Santa.  He came to a local diner with Mrs. Claus to visit with the children.  The line was long, but the kids were determined to wait for their turn. 

Cody was quick with his wishlist and made sure he answered yes to all the questions about being a good kid throughout the year.

Samantha was very thorough with her wishes and used her charm to really seal the deal for a good present turn out. 

Chloe has been talking a big game about what she would tell Santa and how she would get to sit on his lap.  Well....she chickened out.  She refused to get too close.  Instead, she opted for just keeping a respectable distance and informed him of a few things she would like. 

They were each given a book and bag of candy from Mrs. Claus and we were on our way.

Thanks, Santa and Mrs. Claus!!
Merry Christmas!!

My Boys

It's been a while since we've had a relaxing evening at home.  To say that we enjoyed it would be an understatement!!

I know these boys sure enjoyed it!!!

Chad, Bubbles, and Cody

Driveway Chalk Art...In December

We had a beautiful December day this past Saturday!  Temps in the mid 50s, in December can only mean one thing....kids and moms can't wait for outside play time!!!!

Samantha and her friends spent their time decorating our driveway with chalk art.  It was a very welcomed sight!

Here's to wishing and hoping that our winter weather stays just like this!!

Archery

For those that know Cody, you understand how much he loves hunting, archery, guns and shooting.  It's a passion that he and his dad both share.  Many, many hours are spent discussing different guns, bows, hunting seasons and so on.  It's amazing how much he knows already. 

Well, it would be no surprise then to know that Cody was ecstatic to learn that his school is beginning an archery program and team.  Gym time has been spent teaching all of the children about archery and allowing them to try shooting a bow.  After the first of the year, Cody's school will be creating a archery team and he is determined to be on it. 

At the top of Cody's Christmas list this year was a compound bow.  So, instead of getting one that he didn't like, we let him pick one out.  This is the one he chose...

He's a natural and makes it look so easy.

His 2nd shot. 

(I think he has the hang of it.)

Yeah.  And that's how it's done.

Nice!  Way to go, Cody!

Christmas Program at Church

This year was the first time the kids have been in a church program.  They were all very excited to have a role and have speaking lines.  We practiced, practiced and practiced some more.  And, it paid off!  They did so great and had a wonderful time. 

Cody was the shepherd.   Chloe was a sheep.  Samantha was an angel and a king.  And, Chad was the narrator.

Our church family loved the program as well.  Such a special day!!

 Singing their song.

 All of the kids and the program director.

Ha!  Nice look, Chloe!!

Cody, the shepherd.

She's always an angel, but today she was allowed to wear her needed attire!

Waiting for their cue.

Great job, kiddos!!!

Merry Christmas!!

Our Family

We bought a new camera.  It's wonderful!  There are so many features and settings that I will probably spend the better part of the year trying to figure it out.  But, it's still awesome!  

So, in honor of our new camera....

Here are some family pictures.

  Chad & Chloe

 A daddy and his girls.

Chad and the three amigos.

Samantha, Mom, Chloe and Cody

I love them so much!!

Favorites

I'm very thankful for cell phones with cameras.  I am usually the worst at remembering to have my camera near me just in case I spot a "Kodak Moment".  However, I normally always have my phone.  These are a few special pictures that I caught while just hanging out with some of my favorite kiddos!

A tub of moon sand gets their attention.

Cousins Rule!

Some of the best memories are made on four wheels!

The pig-tail girls!!

Funny Girl

Samantha is so many things!  She's beautiful, creative, caring, compassionate, artistic, and strong-willed.  She is also so very funny!!  She does the silliest things sometimes.  And, we laugh!  She laughs too.  Some of her antics have lead to a laughing event so hard, we all end with tears in our eyes!  We love you, Samantha Grace and all of the laughter you bring into our lives!!

Here is a couple of her latest comical bits...

Getting ready to go to Nebraska for Thanksgiving.  Chad gives the kids toothbrush toppers so that we can keep all germs contained.  Shortly after Samantha receives hers, she comes back to Chad and asks, "How do I put this thing on?"

Chad quickly rattles off, "Samantha, just put it on the end."

Off she went to complete the task and finish her packing.

When we arrived at Grandpa and Grandma's house, I went to their suitcases to get toothbrushes and this is what I found....

Things that make you go Hmmmmm.....

We laughed so hard!!  All she had to say was, "Dad told me to put it on the end."  So hilarious!!

Oh, Samantha...  :-)

**************************************************************************

It was almost time for bed.  We were finishing showers and all the to-do's before calling it a night.  Chad had just got home from a basketball meeting (he's coaching Cody's basketball team).  The team consists of 3rd and 4th grade boys.  Cody was going through the list to see which boys he knew.  

He didn't know some of the 3rd grade boys, so we decided to ask Samantha about them(she's in 3rd grade).  

(I'm using a fake name for privacy reasons...but you'll get the point)

Us:  Samantha, do you know a Caleb Michaels?

Samantha:  No, but I know a Caleb.

Us:  What's his last name?

Samantha: Michaels.

Us:  ::scratching heads::  Huh??!!  :-)

Such a funny girl!!!

Family Time on the Farm

Thanksgiving was wonderful!!  We went back to Nebraska for a few days and filled our days with riding four-wheelers, shopping, eating, playing games, shooting guns and bows, chatting, watching football, and laughing!  As always, the end came much to quickly.  But, I'm so thankful for the time we spent together and all of the memories we made.

Riding out in the field.

Samantha is in front.  Dylan and Chloe are right behind her.

Here comes Uncle Miah and Cody and Logan are right behind him.

Chad showing Samantha how to shoot the bow.

You go girl!

Cody getting ready to shoot and Logan loading it up.

Grandpa helping Logan.

Yeah buddy!

Chloe is busy on the playset.

Cody loves this!

Dylan all ready to fire one off.

Grandpa and Uncle Miah watching the kiddos.

Dylan and Samantha riding the four wheeler.

Uncle Miah giving Chloe and Logan a ride.

Cody fish tailing it on the four wheeler.

Heading out on another adventure.

Cousins closer than brothers.

Logan boy and Maddie girl.  

The crazy two.  Kaden and Chloe.

The fabulous seven!!

Cody, Logan, Chloe, Maddie, Kaden, Samatha and Dylan