Anticipation

Could someone please tell me how I'm supposed to look at these everyday and still wait 3.5 more months to meet my sweet girl? I just don't know if it's possible :)

We've received a couple "pink" gifts from sweet friends this week and my excitement has officially hit an all new high. 

Christmas #1

Last Monday, December 20, my dad, three of my siblings, and my neice all traveled here to see us. Since Dustin had to work and we couldn't come to them, they just brought Christmas to us. It's always good to be with my brother and sisters (we missed you Laura and Kerry!) and of course, it's always good when Dad gets to visit. I love how it feels to have one of my parents around. It's like no matter what happens, there is someone there to take care of it. Almost like I can pretend that I'm not quite as responsible for all these people and things that I have. Even if it's all in my head...it's still so nice.

We hung out, worked on projects, watched movies, and played games by day and then we ate around the table, opened presents, played more games, watched more movies, and just spent time together by night.

My children learn their table manners from their dad.

Are you seeing a trend here with the finger up the nose? It's a common sight around here.

The gingerbread house construction begins:

So, the best part of this trip (besides seeing my family of course) was that Dad brought the boys new big boy beds. Eli and Landon have been sleeping in their cribs converted to toddler beds for several months now, but the last thing in the world I want to buy is another crib, so we decided to upgrade the boys' beds and use one of their cribs for Harper. When I mentioned it to Dad, he offered to MAKE Eli and Landon new twin size beds. I am so excited about how they turned out.

In the following pictures, please ignore the obnoxious blue/polka dot stripe on the wall as it now clashes with their bedding. We have yet to paint and re-accessorize their room, but it's on the agenda for next week.

More pictures to come when their room is finished. I do love a new decorating project!

As if the beds weren't enough...dad also got me a Le Creuset dutch oven that I've been wanting forever. I am SO excited about it and have already used it several times.

Thanks, Dad, for driving all the way out here and spoiling us the way you do. We had a great time!

Christmas #2

I realize I have not yet posted about Christmas #1, but those pictures are on three different cameras and I'm trying to compile them. Plus...I'm not quite done documenting Eli and Landon's present from my dad, so more on that later.

Thursday afternoon we headed to Iraan for all of the holiday festivities with Dustin's family. We unloaded, ate dinner, and just visited with Dustin's parents that night. Friday was Christmas Eve and the anticipation was mounting. Eli and Landon had already tried to unwrap most of the gifts under the tree the first night we were there. We spent the day playing outside, wrapping the last few gifts, cooking, and getting ready for that night when we all when to Barbara and Ridgley's House for dinner, games, opening of a few presents, football, and playing with our new toys.

Uncle Lance got a karaoke machine, so when we got home that night, we practiced our singing and dancing.

 We wrestled and laughed and played.

 And it was finally time to get into bed.

 Christmas morning was overwhelming to say the least. The sheer quantity of gifts that Eli and Landon got was a little much.

  

 Neva might hate me for this, but I LOVE these pictures of her with all the kids. What a fun Nemo!

We finally took our first bath in three days. It's amazing how a small thing like bathing can be forgotten when you're having so much fun.

 We spent the rest of Christmas day playing with our new toys, eating, and just enjoying being together. What a perfect Christmas!

Sunday was, of course, spent going to church, eating together, and worshipping again before we headed back to Nemo's house to load up and go home. It was a nice, relaxing day and a quiet ride home with two very exhausted boys.

Eli and Landon's Christmas was every bit as fun and exciting as I thought it would be. They loved every minute...and so did I. Nemo and Papa did WAY too much for us all and Nemo took such good care of us all while we were there. I don't think I saw her sit down once. Thank you, Neva and Randy for such a wonderful and fun Christmas!