Happy Birthday Toby and Uncle Aaron!

We celebrated my brother Aaron's birthday and Toby's (our dog) birthday last night. The kids were so excited to hide behind the chairs and yell "surprise" to Uncle Aaron. They have also been waiting for Toby to turn 1 since we got him last February. We played pin the tale on the donkey, ate snacks, watched "Angel" in the hamster ball for the first time, and opened gifts. The kids already miss Uncle Aaron who went back to California this morning. We love you Uncle Aaron! Toby with his birthday hat. He just loved wearing it...not! (okay...so that just sounded so "junior highish")

"Angel" in her ball for the first time. "Angel" is the newest addition to our zoo! AHHHHHH!

The kids really enjoyed their chocolaty brownies!

Uncle Aaron and his dog; Pandora. Aaron will be 28 January 7th.

The birthday boys!

Aaron blowing out candles.

"Pandora" enjoying the party...but dreaming of going back to Cali I'm sure. Toby was ready to play with him and Pani is just a little to laid back for that type of hyper behavior They had a couple of little scuffles over the holiday.

Christmas!

Visions of Sugarplums dancing in their heads.

Just playin'

Grace's new glasses...in her stocking from Santa

"Elijah Stadium"...He has played several games, even for his sister's Barbies.

The new trampoline for the whole gang.

Ava's new Dora Lights and Sounds Trike

"Angel Snowflake's" arrival. (Grace's new hamster)

All Smiles and Ready for Christmas in their P.J.'s

Having Holiday Fun Already!

Here is Ms. Gracie showing off her missing tooth. She is currently trying to pull her other front tooth out, which is very loose! Gross!

Here is a glimpse at our ice storm. We lost power a couple times...but nothing negative came out if it. Thank goodness!!

The kids wanted to make a sled out of our treadmill box and their presents.

Brian surprised me with a treadmill. The kids were so excited to help put it together. Brian was very excited for their help!!! The box for the treadmill had a very fit women on the front and I asked Grace if she looked like me. Grace bashfully responded "no". I then asked her if she though I would ever and she again responded (this time a little quieter) "no". At least she is honest. She knows not to lie this close to Santa coming.

Snack time for Ava and her new obsession (American Girl dolls). She calls them "guys".

"Cheese" she is saying.

My handsome man in Mickey. We tried to convince him to wear something warmer...post no electricity for two hours, but he insisted

Me

Does anyone feel like me just before Christmas?...oh and yes...our Christmas cards will be late. No, I have not forgotten anyone. I just haven't sent them.

Crazy Lady!!

Here is Ms. Ava. She went to Eli's concert today to watch. She is quite the crazy lady now.

Eli's Christmas Preschool Program

We are so proud of Eli. He has been REALLY shy at school ;and at times cries when I leave him. Today, he stood up in front of all of the mom's and dad's in the sanctuary and sang...okay "mouthed" the words to his Christmas songs. We heard a great bible lesson from the church pastor, ate snack, and made a craft together. It was great. Brian even arranged his work schedule to come and watch. We love you Eli!!

Cute Pix!

Our last couple of weeks have been hectic with Grace's rehearsal schedule. It wore out Eli...but not Ava. They are so cute aren't they?

Great Job Grace and Addie!

We had a great time watching Addie and Gracie during the Holiday Spectacular! They loved it ,and did a great job. We, along with all of the visitors, are very proud of them. When it was over Grace told me she was sooooo sad!

Hensley/Apt "Santa" Party

We hosted a Santa Party for Brian's family. Almost all of the cousins were there. (We missed you Cassie). You'll see the whole crew below. It was a great day. They made desserts, crafts, met with Santa, and played with their each other. All of my kiddos tolerated Santa while he was giving gifts. You'll notice when Santa didn't have any "goods", Ava was done with him.

Thanks Nancy!

Thank You Nancy for being such a great friend to the kiddos. You mean a lot to our family.

Nancy is my mom's best friend and has always spoiled us...and now she spoils our kids. In fact, Grace chose Nancy to go to Chicago for her birthday, not me. Pictured below are the kids showing off their gifts from Nancy. She never forgets us. We especially appreciate her scrapbook she made for Grace full of Chicago pictures. Thanks again Nancy!