Bullet Proof

When Daddy got home today from work, the kids were punching his chest and talking about his bullet proof vest. As you can see, they all wanted to try it and they all punched each other (in various degrees). I don't think it quite covers their vital organs, but I don't think they make them for their size....I should say they shouldn't have to. :) They thought it as pretty fun either way.

The weather outside was frightful, but the smiles are so delightful

We have had quite the crazy weather recently.... We had several feet of snow, more snow, 50 degree days with rain, freezing cold, dense fog..... Besides having to drive in this wet, snowy weather once to Detroit airport, I don't really mind it all that much. Just reminds me that only God is in charge of the weather and you surely can't predict what's coming.We had a good time in the snow at G&G Reid's house when the Dad's, Papa and Uncles made a cool tunnel. It took a while to accomplish, so the kids only really played in it for a little bit, but it was cool all the same. Enjoy the smiles too:)

Austin and Brooke sledding through the tunnelKale throwing snowballs

Happy New Year, by the way too! We had a fun New Year's Eve. We started off at church with a great church service and then went to Dave and Tara Coffman's house with Jon and Megan Crain. We had lots of fun playing "Loaded Questions" and watching the "Office". I haven't laughed so hard or so much in a long time. So thankful for '08 looking forward to '09.

Christmas fun

Hi all, we have a had busy and fun Christmas time. We traveled some and stayed home some. We got to see some family, some friends. It was great. And best of all we got to celebrate Jesus. Although we love to give our kiddos gifts, we tried a few other things to help them remember the best gift- Jesus. I think they're getting it. Here are a few pictures from our time opening gifts.

Daddy reading the Christmas story the best part!

Kara's little musical mat to jump on.

Frilly girly hair accesories :) The excitment.....

Transformer pj's

I'm baaaack

I know it's been a while since my last post. Maybe I've just not been very motivated, maybe I just haven't felt like writing, maybe I just haven't felt like there's anything to write about. Well, actually I know that there's been a few things to write about. Like the funny fact that my last post was about Hailey's first official haircut.....well, she also had an "unofficial" haircut given by her big brother. :) Yes, Austin acted as a barber for Hailey. Thankfully her hair grows fast and our friend that does cut hair was able to blend it. I should post a picture....maybe I will yet. We also have had some computer changes which have left me "out of sorts" with downloading pictures. But I'll be back up and running soon. However, I did put a sort of disclosure on my first blog, not promising to bring a lot or very deep and meaningful blog entries. But it has almost been two months....So now that the holidays are winding down, I will most likely be posting some picts soon. Hope everyone has has a great Christmas!

Major Milestone for Hailey...

Hailey's hair...it has not been cut-ever. She loves her long hair, and frankly, so do I. Well, it was looking like she could use a little trim and to even it up a bit. It did literally touch her bottom and at times almost get in the way of her bathroom duties. She finally agreed and our good friend Dani came to cut it tonight. Hailey was really excited and actually said that she wanted it as short as mine. Well, we/I decided we'd take it a little at a time. So, here is her before picture.

3 years and 1.5 months of hair

The process and the audience :)

And here's the finished product. Beautiful.

My Super-Hero, Graceful dancer, and Sweet Piglet

We had a good time today. On top of the BEAUTIFUL weather, we had a few beautiful kids here too. They all enjoyed dressing up this year-even Kara didn't mind being Piglet (she didn't have much of a choice). She didn't mind the hood though, which in the past the other two have not enjoyed things like that so much. Austin also had a fun day at school with his first fall parade and party in the afternoon. His little friends at school had a blast. Enjoy the picts. (Austin is way to the right beside the green-faced guy)

These pictures below, are from last weekend. Our church did a race. It was called Race 4 a Reason. All the money that was raised (through entry fees and donation) went to three different organizations in the area. It was a part of our "Love Mt. Pleasant Week". Since last spring (this is something we've been doing twice a year), Austin has been saying he wanted to run the 1 mile race. Well, Hailey, Austin and I all did it! I was so proud of the kids they both ran the majority of the race and did a great job. They got medals and the whole deal. It was sure a fun thing to do with so many of our church family. Here are a couple of pictures from the "Tot Trot" that they also ran (just up and down one city block).

(Austin's good friend Caleb and Hailey's good friend Rebekah)

The joys of Fall

We love fall around here as do many others. We love to rake leaves, we love the cooler weather and the occasional treat of a warm day. I think we end up raking our lawn at least 10 or so times because instead of just waiting until all the leaves fall, we're too anxious to play in them. We decided to carve a pumpkin this year. Grandma and Grandpa Herbert grew it in their garden (it's huge and perfectly shaped). The kids actually helped me clean it out- and enjoyed it. Austin drew a picture of what the face should look like and I did my best to copy it (considering I had a huge knife to work with- I think we should invest in some of those safe pumpkin cutters if we do this more). Enjoy the pictures.