Running to us after his lesson was over

Poor little Baylee just wanted to be bundled up and cuddled by the end of the day. =( She was very grumpy and kept insisting it was raining on her. I think she was just feeling a cool breeze or something. I still laugh out loud at the drama whenever I think about it. We saw lots of "scary face" that day. :)

She was much happier when we got back to town and ate lunch at the fun pizza place. =)

River House

Last Friday, Jerry and Julie let us come up and stay at their River House. We had such a fun time. Julie was there with her parents (who met her there from Ridgecrest) working on the house. It was great to see them, and get to spend a little time with them, although we missed you Uncle Jerry, Holiday & JC! We went to Shirley Meadows on Saturday which is only about 10 minutes from their house, so it was great to be able to spend Friday night there and have a relaxing morning with little effort to get to our destination. Aunt Julie even had donuts for the kids in the morning which of course they were thrilled about. The kids loved it at the house, and LOVE their Great Aunt Julie. She is always so hospitable and very good with the kids. They just think she is the greatest, and so do we! =)

Baylee loved Holiday's old Rocking Horse.

The kids slept in our room on the floor with this awesome down blanket. They absolutely loved it! Right before they fell asleep, Jaden said "Mommy, I like it here. I don't want to go home, I want to stay here!" Of course, Baylee concurred. =)

Just for Fun!

I snapped this at church today with my cell phone. It was amazing that all of the kiddos were sitting down on the benches. Usually, they are running from dragons in the courtyard. These are all of the "big kids" from the Garcia, Brey, Karrer, Woodward and Congdon Families. =)

First Overnight Trip

Aubrey spent his first night at Grandma's house this weekend! He was so excited, I told him "You are going to see Grandma and Grandpa! You are going bye bye in their car!" He was over the moon. He was running around in his new lightening McQueen light-up jacket saying, "G-Ma! Pa!" I've never seen him be so excited about something. He didn't forget either. I told him about it a little too early and it was about an hour before Grandma actually got here to pick him up... but he never waivered. He waited by the front door, on the lookout for his ride. He had a great time of course, and so did we. We took the "big kids" to the snow. More on that later. =)

Miss Cathy

The kids love it when Miss Cathy comes over to visit. She is a dear friend and we love her very much. She always offers to tell the kids a bedtime story about "Peter and the Pancakes" that is very long and involved which includes singing and absolutely mesmerizes the kids. Jaden tells me all about it the next day and askes me to tell it to him... are you kidding?? I couldn't remember that whole story to save my life, much less sing and sound half way decent. It is very fun to hear her tell it though. She is very special and we are so thankful to have her in our lives. =)

"Peter and the Pancakes"

Ballroom Dancing

I got Baylee's room all cleaned out and ready for our exchange student. (Did I mention we are getting an exchange student?) She's from Cameroon and will be here in a week for one quarter. =) Anyway, Jaden sees the empty room and says, "Look Baylee! Mommy made your room into a dance floor!"

First Night Sharing a Room

I was so proud of my munchkins for going to sleep so quickly on their first night in the same bedroom. We had a few minutes of giggles and wiggles, but after that it was silence. I went in to check on them before I went to bed and this is what I found. Baylee just wanted to be with her big brother. They are best friends, I hope they will always be! =)

Cheese Face

The Three Musketeers

Happy New Year!!!

Happy New Year

A Prayer for the Year's End
from The Valley of Vision

O Love beyond Compare,Thou art good when thou givest,when thou takest away,when the sun shines upon me,when night gathers over me.Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world,and in love didst redeem my soul;Thou dost love me still,in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.Thy goodness has been with me another year,leading me through a twisting wilderness,in retreat helping me to advance,when beaten back making sure headway.Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;I hoist sail and draw up anchor,With thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past.I bless thee that thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead.If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation,thou wilt be with me in them;If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation,I shall not drown;If I am to die,I shall see thy face the sooner;If a painful end is to be my lot,grant me grace that my faith fail not;If I am to be cast aside from the service I love,I can make no stipulation;Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial,as a chosen vessel meet always for thy use.

White Christmas

Grandpa telling stories

Looking cool in his new Batman jammies

Aubrey loves the Rain!