Marble Babies

I'm still looking for our battery charger for our camera to upload pictures from our visit to the Marble's but here are some baby pics I took from Katy. And yes, Gracie was not exceptionally friendly during our visit.

Julia(12 months), Jessica(3 months and one week younger than Gracie), Gracie, and Hannah(11 months). Luke was also born this year, a bit after Hannah, but his family had to take off to Utah before we could see him.
Gracie, Jessica, and Papa.

Back Home

Our trip back to visit family was wonderful. I love these times when we can just get to know each other again. My girls rediscover their cousins and we get to see how everyone is growing and changing. Another great thing about visiting around this time of the year is the great outdoor time we get in Arizona. My girls were outside everyday, jumping on the tramp or playing in the dirt. Gracie also got some outside time, pretty much the first in her life. Of course, they are always projects that we like to help with.

While at Adam's parents house they didn't have any specific projects but since Donald, Adam's dad, was recovering from foot surgery, Adam was able to help him do a few things he has been wanting to get to. They de-liced the chickens, fixed some irrigation drippers, replaced some outside lights, and ate out for lunch a few times.

At my house, my dad had a new shop that he wanted put up, and with all of the visitors from Lisa's wedding, it was a great time. I even got to help a bit, in between taking care of my baby. I mostly sorted bolts with the girls and lowered or raised the lift on the tractor, but it was nice to be outside "doing" something.









Thanks, Lisa and Eric for giving a reason to go home

Exactly what they wanted

We had a wonderful Christmas spent at home. It is usual for us to travel to AZ to celebrate, but the time has come for our family to forge on and make our own traditions. It's not hard to find the Christmas spirit here in Connecticut with all the cold weather, fresh cut Christmas trees, and loads of Dunkin Donutes all over the place which have the best hot chocolate. Plus we have great friends. Our East Coast Christmas was everything I hoped for.

Luckily, my girls were not shy about telling me what they expected from Santa this year, which made his life a lot easier. We of course tried to focus on the giving too, but they are just kids. For a little background, Emma used to have a stuffed panda bear named Sparky whom she lost months ago but has never forgotten. She also was coveting Ellie's webkin that she got for her birthday. So I thought it pretty ingenious for Santa to combine the gifts.

A Bumbo for Gracie, which she is not too thrilled about, YET.

Games, dolls, clothes, and suitcases for the girls.

And a treadmill for Adam and I, but I say Adam loosely as he has only used it once.

Our Christmas Eve

We had a great evening with close friends and a throng of missionaries.

Have a good Holiday. . .

is what I heard in the doctor's office today from all the staff after Gracie's appointment( 10lbs 8oz and 24 in. at two months, BTY) and which I darefully replied, "Yes, and you have a Merry Christmas!"

Also today, Emma had a Preschool Pajama Party, known as a PPP, and Santa was their special guest. I can't believe how big she looks on Santa's lap. Soon she will be four!

Two Grandmas, Two Grandpas and a Baby Blessing

We were so happy to have both sets of Grandparents here this weekend for Gracie's blessing. We had tons of fun with both, and are missing them terribly already. My girls don't understand why we have to live so far away from cousins and grandparents, and sometimes I don't either. But it does make visits extra special. I saw my dad play with my little girls non-stop, and Adam's dad too made a great playmate. The grandma's did projects with us, and cooked, and everyone wooed and awed at Baby Gracie.

Stories from Oma

My life right now is a blur of diaper changes, nursing, wakeful nights, 3 year-old stubbornness, sibling arguments, scrounging meager meals together, and online Christmas shopping. Needless to say my blogging is lacking, so today I'll send you over to my Grandma's blog.