Our baby is growing up - - too fast

Rylee moved into a toddler bed today. We let her help set it up and pick out her sheet set in hopes that she would take to it well. She cried a little the first nap but ever since has loved it. She still hasn't fully realized that she can get up whenever she wants. I have found her several times awake just sitting in her bed. She is just so cute isn't she?

SLEDDING

Sledding over Christmas break was great. It got warm enough for all of our snow to melt half way through our time off together so we only got out once but had soooooo much fun. Elizabeth did everything by herself, Cierra liked to go down with Daddy, and Rylee just kept saying, "Elizabeth like it, Cierra like it, Daddy like, Rylee no like it." I have to give her credit, she did try once and I accidently kicked a bunch of spray up in her face - no more after that. She did love being outside; just refused to get on another sled. Once Cierra and Matt went down and then started going up a mound of plowed snow. Cierra was at the tip of the sled so when Matt stopped at the end, she just plopped over the little hill. At first alarmed we quickly were relieved to hear nonstop giggling. It was a great day in the snow.

We are potty training

Yes, we are potty training. Elizabeth received a Baby Alive potty training doll for Christmas. She is so excited but I have to admit the little one is a little creepy. She talks and tells you not to forget to wipe!

Christmas Day

This year we spent Christmas Day at home. It was a special treat for the kids to be able to open their presents and then play with them. We were able to just spend time with them and each other. It was a great day.

Christmas Eve

We spent Christmas Eve day with Matt's sister and family along with Grandma and Grandpa.  It was nice to have all 11 grandchildren playing together.  It didn't take long and batman was getting a ride from my little pony!  Despite the cold, snowy weather it was well worth the trip.  It can not be said enough how happy we are that the Nicholsons are so close.

Matt is a Master

Matt graduated with his masters degree from Western Illinois University today. His degree is in law enforcement administration. We are so proud of him. Unfortunately my sister, Ronna, got married at the same time and the girls and Andi were in the wedding so we were not able to watch Matt walk. Nick went with him for support and Grandma and Grandpa met them there. We were all supposed to meet up later at the reception but the weather did not permit. It was a long day for all and although for the day Matt was overshadowed, none of us felt that way in our hearts. We are all so proud of the work he has done - WAY TO GO!

Snow Storm

We woke up to 9 inches of snow today with another 4 to fall during the day. School was off

and the girls were excited. Rylee wanted to go out so badly - she would not take no for an answer. I got them bundled and off they went. It was all good until Rylee's boot came off. Nick was quick to the rescue.

Matt got a DEER!

Matt and Judd went hunting down at Dad's place. Thanks to Judd's earn a buck tag, Matt was able to bring us home 56 pounds of meat. Thanksgiving weekend Andi, Jen, Judd, Matt and I processed the meat into ground, roasts, cubed and ready to slice up for fajitas and such. Matt has been hunting every chance since.

Brooke and her friend

Since Brooke has become mobile she has really gotten into "chasing" the dog. Kali has been taught well that Brooklyn rules the roost so is good with her, Leia (not pictured) loves any attention still - even if Brooke is sitting on her head pulling out her hair. Both Brooke and Kali love to sit and watch outside.

Trick or Treat!

This year we had a M&M, a good witch, a bumble bee and a butterfly. Aren't they just adorable!

Carving Pumpkins

We spent the family home evening before Halloween carving pumpkins. It was neat for everyone to be involved - even Brooklyn walked around the table trying to get into the goo. Nick had to go all out since I beat him in a pumpkin carving contest last year. He made a flag with fireworks and statue of liberty - took him hours but he would have won for sure this year -too bad we didn't enter!!

We finally meet Lily

Our entire family went to visit the Nicholson family and meet Lily for the first time. We loved the instant hugs from Carolann, Jake, Luke and James but it took Lily a little longer to warm up to us. We each had our special little moment with her: Nick playing cars, Andi actually got a kiss, and Matt, Jimmy and myself each got a hug when we left. Elizabeth, Cierra and Rylee of course were welcomed a little quicker and were busy playing within 30-40 minutes. Lily laughs a lot and is just precious. James didn't quite know what to do with it all so when it was time for a picture would not sit with his family - even when Daddy held Rylee but we got a pic of him anyway. WE JUST LOVE ALL THE NICHOLSONS!

Lily is home

We are so happy for Matt's sister and family. Lily is home and adapting so well. She was one of the family from the second they met. She has learned a great deal of English from them already and is picking up everything so fast. She knew her Mom, Dad and brothers and sister immediately and just wanted to go home with them, even from day one. She is just precious.

Andi, the girls and I had such a great time with the remaining cousins (niece and nephews) while Mom and Dad were in China. We bonded in a way that I think we will always have that extra special connection. I am so glad they only live 1 hour 45 minutes away now - WE WILL SEE THEM LOTS!

A Perfect Fit

Elizabeth has started Karate! She loves it and it seems a perfect fit for her. We only let her pick one after school activity this fall - at least until we knew how full time Kindergarten would go. It took her two days to decide as she really wanted to start tap dance but Karate finally won out. Her teacher is absolutely wonderful and Elizabeth is getting out some energy while learning to focus and be respectful. Anyone who knows her will see just in the pics how perfect it is for her - We hope a life long match.

LILY IS COMING HOME!!!!

We are so excited we can hardly stand it anymore. Andi, Brooke, myself and the little girls are going to Matt's sister and husband's house for just about a week to be with our niece and nephews while "Mom and Dad" go to China to bring Lily (their adopted daughter) home. We are so excited, oh wait we said that, but we are sooooooooo excited. Of course we all wish we were going to China but really not possible. We will have a great time anyway and just think in about 1 1/2 weeks we will have another niece within driving distance that we can hug and kiss abundantly.

Elizabeth is almost 6!

We celebrated Elizabeth's birthday early as we will be out of town the entire weekend she actually turns 6. She was excited to finally get a Leapster 2 just like her younger sister - now she won't have to keep asking to borrow Cierra's. She wanted to celebrate her birthday on a Saturday so she could order pizza and have a special - all three meal menu. Breakfast - chocolate cherry crepes with whipped cream; Lunch - chicken nuggets, fries and apple slices; Dinner - Pizza Hut pizza. She had strawberry trifle for her "cake" with princess birthday wands for candles. We will celebrate again with her cousins in a week.

Cierra turns 4!

Cierra had her 4th birthday today. We just love her sweet spirit. She was so excited for her special day with her princess cupcakes. She picked her menu for the day - Breakfast - cheese omelets; Lunch - hotdogs, mac and cheese and cheese popcorn; Dinner- chocolate chip muffins, Mom's crock pot chicken and mashed potatoes. It was a good day together.