Afternoon hike

Just across the highway from us is the beautiful bird sanctuary and there is a beautiful hike.

We had to go do something outside after so many rainy days. Sollie ran the entire way.

We saw 4 bald eagles. (We might have seen more, but even with trying to be quiet I think we possibly might have scared a few rare birds away.)

A few things wrong with this picuture-and I love it!

Would you believe no one fell in?

Friday night treat!

So fun . . .late night doughnuts!!! We even got to go with Daddy!!!!!
My favorite part of doughnuts.

So exciting!! Who says it's like a kid in a candy shop? They got that wrong. Thanks Aunt Sandra! We love you.

McDonald's

Yes, I have food in my mouth. We just keep having fun around here. . . no, really, the boys are having fun --can't you tell? Is it crazy that Sollie can already see the golden arches and ask for McDonalds?

Cabelas

We had to teach Brazilians that shooting really is fun.

I hope the boys think Cabelas is a fun outing in 10 years. Titus and Lukas are really happy in this picture--just a little camera shy. : )

Home Sweet Home

These pictures are not amazing, but we sure love them. I thought I would let you see some of the beatiful scenery we take for granted every day. This pic of the mountain is on the way home from church. I love just looking out our home on either side . . .we are so blessed.

Red Robin

I think Sollie and Lukas let us eat some too.

Ok, so still trying to catch up a little. This was Dec. 12th--our 11th anniversary. We were treated to our annual outing with Connie and Eddie. I must say we look forward to it starting the next day. Onion rings, shakes, you can see the pie, all you can eat fries . . .usually about 4 diet cokes for me . . . .well, needless to say we are all happy. (And enough left overs for a meal the next day). Zayin (he can pack it down) even came to me after a shake, lots of yummy food, then dessert and wispered, "mommy, I can't even eat any more". It was Anne and Rebeca's first meal out and wow, it made for a great start. They just kept laughing. Connie and Eddie, Thanks again for such a treat.

Red Robin earlier this month

Daddy is now 37

Snotty nose, but we still love him. This was so exciting!!! We were writing birthday notes to Doug and Titus wrote this all by himself. Happy Birthday, Doug. We love you at every age.

After Christmas Blues

Opening Stocking stuffers a few days late

Posing in a new outfit.

Thanks Uncle Isaiah for these stickers--we finally found the perfect use. Homework clipboards.

The Wii

God has given us wonderful friends. Connie and Eddie have spoiled us since the day we have met them. The boys as you can imagine think they are just about the best "neighbors" a friend could ever have. "Why don't we visit them more?" "We could just get on a plane and go see them." They are just so kind and we love you dearly. We had a fabulous outing in December and they found out the boys didn't have a wii. Well, now the boys have new best friends. Christmas evening had one more big suprise . . .and it was the highlight as you can see in their faces. Thank you Connie and Eddie. We think of you so often.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning didn't exactly go as planned. The last years we have snuggled in our bed and read the Word--getting focused for the wonderful day ahead. I like having a plan ya know. But this year mom had a migraine. But as each day passes we see how God's ways are always best and perfect. Our sweet friends Anne and Rebeca had suprised the boys with presents and they were so happy. It was a celebration for sure . . .and just beginning.

I love this--he is thrilled with a sucker.

12-24-2009

Lukas was so cute in his new fitting jacket that we just couldn't take it off. Adorable.

Darius checking out the goodies.

Lukas and his first Christmas (ok, these are Christmas Eve pictures still).

Getting ready for Christmas

Gotta love those sink baths.

Titus and the boys helped decorate a "kids table". They decorated in the morning and then we had to wait hours . . . it was hard, right, Titus?

Chocolates by Leah . . . you have to blog food or it wouldn't be blogging, right?

Worship

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve service this year.

A little sunshine

It was so exciting to see the sun around here . . . although we saw quite a few little finger prints that's for sure! Thank goodness my little cinderellas were willing to always help.

Christmas Cookies

So, here is the annual Christmas cookie making event. I am catching up on blogging (as you can tell), but someday the boys will be able to see that, yes, I nearly killed myself to make sure we made the cookies. Yes, we made SUGAR cookies and then they ate nearly all. ? Why do we do this again? But somehow I feel like a better mom having done it, and everyone was happy.

What a wonderful time with Anne And Rebeca

Lots and lots of shopping!!!

Did I mention lots and lots of shopping?

These two "gifts from Heaven" came the beginning of December and quickly wiggled their way right into our hearts. It was so fun to show my boys what kind of a Godly woman they should look for as a wife. What beautiful servants and their contentment adorned them so well. Thank you for coming into our home and being a part of our family. We miss you and came to love you dearly.

We all enjoyed the presents from Brazil too!

Thanksgiving 2009

So, yes, we are a little late on the blogging pictures--but here it is: a few Thanksgiving pictures. The first is Zayin happy as can be. He is pumpkin pie crazy. But don't get to excited, it is really only my pumpkin pie that he likes. He likes it so much I made him his own for the day.

This last picture may seem strange, but really if you are a mom you will understand. This is Thanksgiving remember, (not like I really had too many responsibilities) but of course this would be a child under my feet!!!!! I could have had my toes painted for the holiday, I know, but who has time for that?

Sollie is a foodie!

It seems whenever something yummy is being made Sollie makes his way into the kitchen, but then again, somehow I am always there too!!

Pudding anyone?