Thanksgiving/Christmas Memories

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I'll quickly get my Thanksgiving pictures posted. :-) This year my family celebrated Christmas over Thanksgiving. My parents had a houseful, but it was definitely a houseful of fun!!!! I took almost 100 pics. over the 5 day period, here are just a few random:


We enjoyed having Aaron, Brenda, and Clayton stay with us while in MO. Karson and Clayton got in on some p.j. time! :-)

and bath time.


Cousins Kelsey and Kaley enjoying the beautiful weather!

The poor dog got a workout that weekend. Kaden, Karson, and Camen got toy guns in their stockings. The chase was on. ;-) Can't beat the great outdoors!!!

"Can you say-- BRIGHT??" :-)



Drew adds a little drama to the girls' DS time.


Kendall and Leanna's new addition~ 2 week old Tyson Kendall!!

Kaden had to have his turn at holding him but was a little nervous.


One of my favorite things in the world-- LITTLE BABIES!!!! :-)


Dana cooking up some goodness!!!

Clayton

Philip was a real trooper and let his nieces "style" his hair. They were LOVING it!!!! (as you can tell on their faces) :-)
20+ stockings waiting to be filled. A tradition that we all love!!!


Khara with Tyson

Elijah Vernon


Wow, I have so many more pics. I would love to post, maybe some day....

Construction!!!!

Many of you know that we are under a MAJOR construction project!!! We are enlarging the size of our kitchen, dining, and laundry plus adding a master bed/bath. I am so excited about this project but it is also bringing a few challenges. Right now I am without a kitchen. Ever cooked solely w/microwave, crock pot, elec. skillet, etc. def. a challenge. And, as of Monday I lost my washer/dryer. :-( The end IS near--hopefully it will all be done in 3 weeks! VERY EXCITING!!!

The first step of a huge process! Breaking up the old patio so construction can begin on top of it!

Can't get a much closer view. They loved watching the action right outside the window. Now they can watch action from the living room. :-)

Where there is construction there is fresh dirt/mud. I've quickly found out mud is a little boy magnet!!!!! I could post a lot of pics of these 3 little boys in this "mud dream world". Needless to say, the construction workers enjoyed some laughs as I let the little guys enjoy life to the fullest.


Check out the supervisor. :-) Mark was actually talking to some of them up on the roof.


These pics. were taken almost a month ago. I took a few pics. today and am amazed at the progress. The sheet rock is up and has been prepped to be textured. We choose paint colors and flooring this weekend. Stay tuned for more pics.

Hunting

For the first time ever Kaden was granted permission to go deer hunting with his daddy. He was thrilled!!! By nothing short of a miracle, :-) the hunt was successful!!!! Ever tried taking an excited, wiggly, excited, slightly loud, excited 4 year old hunting??? I haven't either but Mark said it was a job!! :-)



Khara and Kelsey survey the catch! Khara is totally hands on when it comes to this stuff. Kelsey, not so much. :-)

Fall Festivites

What a great weekend!! We did the usual--Halloween Parties, Carving Pumpkins, and Trick-or-Treating which made for some very happy kids! :-)


One more last pumpkin hug before chopping into it!


Khara esp. loves getiing her hands into anything messy/slimy/grimy like this!! :-)

Masterpieces created by Mark and the kids. I was roasting the yummy pumpkin seeds for us to snack on!


Karson was still a little unsure of Kaden's face paint.


Our little Indian girl with her papoose.


Khara the artist!

And, the little Indian who would NOT wear his headband and feather! :-)


Taking Inventory :-)

Karson learning how to give the big fake smile!

Branson--Shepherd of the Hills

I just realized that I had never published this post from our summer vacation in Branson. Better late than never, huh?? :-)


Shepherd of the Hills--LOVE this outdoor drama!!


They have a pre-show frog-jumping contest for kids. Kaden was all about that. Actually Khara loved it too. One huge bullfrog!!



Kelsey wanted no part of holding a frog.


Young Matt and Sammy Lane



Ollie


Mandy--Sammy Lane's friend!



My kids LOVE drama so this show was a real hit!! They can't wait to go back!

Precious Moments Chapel

In September we took a little trip to Precious Moments Chapel. We are only about an hour from the chapel but had never taken the kids. I always find it interesting to see the changes/additions that Mr. Butcher(the creator of Precious Moments) has made since my last visit. He has made the final painting on the big Hallelujah Square Scene. He has also created the figurine, character, (not sure what they call it) to be released once he passes away. He included that figure on the Hallelujah Square Scene--Bitter Sweet!














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In totally unrelated news, Khara had a little scare at school a few weeks ago. The nurse called me and told me they thought Khara may have fractured her thumb! Dr. visits and X-rays later, we were so thankful to learn that it was just badly sprained/jammed. Who would have thought that a cartwheel can do this to your thumb?? This picture does not show near the extent of coloring that her thumb turned--I was amazed!

Happening

Finally taking the time to post--Woo-Hoo!!! It's amazing how fast time can pass!! So, a few things that we have been up to:



I had another great birthday in September!!! I continue to be amazed at God's blessings, esp. the four that are around me!!! :-)

This little man is just growing up way to fast. I just love Karson in these little overalls. I wish I could have gotten a pic. of the little boots he had on with them!! My camera battery died after this picture.


Sweetest little girls ever!!


Guess what team was playing football Saturday?? We're trying to train our boys right!! :-) Unfortunately I can't report a happy ending to that game!

First Day of School

So hard to believe it is already time for school again! Where did the summer go??!!!

Kaden is experiencing school for the first time EVER this year--K-4 Preschool!! His first day was Wednesday.



Monday night going to meet his teacher.




Khara and Kelsey had their first day today!!





They were both excited to be going back now I am just waiting to hear the "1st day report" when they get home in a couple of hours. :-)