December 2010 and into the New Year

My life is just incredible. I have 2 beautiful babies that I adore, an amazing husband, a wonderful supportive family both here in IL and then spread throughout the country, and many opportunities to travel and have wonderful times together. This December was awesome. We spent the first 3 weeks chillin at home with our kids and they kept us company with there ever evolving personalities (some evolutions we like more than others:) Then we got to go to Nana and Papa's house in MI and spend 11 days together eating LOTS of amazing food, jumping in the jump castle and overall just having way too much fun. Scott and Amy were able to join us for a couple days at Christmas and then back for New Years to ring in the new year and celebrate Ryan and my anniversary. Here is some of the month documented in pictures. Of course I forgot on many occasions (as I often do) to get out my camera, but you will get to see what I did remember to capture.

Early December and freezing outside, LJ found Danny's big Eskimo cover thing he wears in the car and thought she would try it on for size...

Lorliyn found this devil head band in her toy chest and thought that her brother needed to wear it:-)

Getting ready to go to our ward Christmas Party in a adorable dress we got from Aunt Kori.

Just another day of hangin out and goofing around. Lorilyn would wear her ballerina outfit (aka "lella lella") every single day if I let her...

Danny in his outfit from Grandma Bird getting ready to cheer on the cougars in their bowl game.

Me and my kiddos all in our Cougar gear ready for the game.

Now on to MI for our Christmas break!


The first day in MI Nanna took us to the mall to visit Santa. Danny was comfy and happy snuggled up in his arms...his sister on the other hand, lets just say this was the best shot we could get:-) Everyone needs their screaming on Santa's lap pic though don't they?

Seeing Santa Clause sure can tucker a little guy out:-)

Christmas morning with all our loot, we were all so spoiled! Lorilyn was a very sleepy girl because Amy had to leave by 9AM so we got up at 7AM for presents and Christmas Eve she was up playing until way passed her bed time. She shook it off though after a while and enjoyed the morning festivities:-)

We love our Papa and Nana:-)

Unkie and Danny...Scott is a great Uncle, he spoils the kids with lots of playing, gifts and most important is the first to volunteer to help me when I need it with the kids.

The aftermath...

LJ and her new Ariel trike from Unkie. What you don't know is it blows bubbles too!

The day after Christmas we spent some time in the snow...however Lorilyn refused to wear her gloves and the first time she fell in the snow and froze her hands she was done for the day.

The one trip down the hill we got:-)

Thank you so much Nana and Papa for an amazing time once again at your home!
Now we move to Jan pics back at our home in IL...

So we have an AMAZING lady in our ward named Jerriann Merideth. She is pretty much the 3rd grandma to our children and watches them for me whenever I need her to and wont accept any payment saying it is her pleasure. Well a week or so after our anniversary this year she offered to watch the kids overnight so Ryan and I could enjoy an evening together. it was so wonderful! The next morning when we went to pick up this kids this is how LJ's hair was done. It is a big deal for me because I don't even know how to french braid, let alone get it done on a wiggly 2 year old!

Our happy boy. This boy is so full of smiles. He honestly has a smile waiting for anyone who will pay attention to him. He's my little buddy and I'm so grateful for him!

Here is a little video of Danny's first rolling over:-)

There will be more of Jan to follow later, but here is a start. Life is crazy but we love it!