christmas part 1

we've been playing catchup on the blog. we took at 20 day trip, chicago, kansas city, and new life ranch. it was great fun to spend time with family and friends.







we went to chicago's lincoln park zoo light display. it was amazing!





there were so many fun cool lights, the kids loved it!





the weather was just perfect. a little bit of snow in the late evening made it feel very chirstmasy!





each of the kids picked out their favorite light display to take a picture in front of!





there as also music that went to many of the different displays!





3-D glasses were also available to enhance the light viewing experience.

give thanks

we got to celebrate thanksgiving with these people.

and i am so thankful for each one {this is where our kids get their blonde hair}.


uncle micah with baby tenley


my mini me {she looks more like me than her mama... love my rosie}.

with her favorite rara.

we watched the classic Annie.
carved a turkey.


rode a carousel


more to come....

great wolf lodge

for thanksgiving with the cousins, we went to great wolf lodge.



they LOVED it.



these two enjoyed doing the lily pad obstacle course!



assisted by the parents {so much for not getting wet}.


nana spent time with tenley {outside the water}.


and then we enjoyed story time {after a long day}.


it was so much fun! thank you granddad and nana for the adventure!

the ranch

on our way to celebrate turkey day, we stopped by the ranch.






we loved seeing friends.





who in the end, are like extended family {rhett, wrestling with the kids}.





they can be a little creepy.





but we love them, especially this one!





this guy got a hair cut {by the talented Lauren... you should open a side business}.





we got to see our favorite rara





and of course, eat at the dining hall.... OH HOW I MISS IT.

back in the fall...

papa and grandma came to town.






we had lots of fun going to see Brown County and all the fall leaves.






we celebrated Grandma and Blythe's birthdays.






and we got to see them on Halloween and show off our fancy costumes.



thanks for coming to visit grandma and papa!

Ballerina Blythe turned 4

We celebrated with these girls!







Daddy read Angelina Ballerina








And then we danced.....




And danced.....




And put our toes in the middle.




Then we opened gifts.




Then we ate cake-pops!




We also had yogurt parfais, scones, and juice! {all of the ballerina's favorite things}





We celebrated you {all week}.




Our favorite guest came all the way from Kansas City, we LOVED having cousin Grace and Auntie H with us to celebrate!




family pic {T is asleep}




Daddy even showed his wild ballet skills.




Nana and Baby T hanging out.




We're so glad these girls got to come celebrate with us!

Happy Birthday {Blythe, Blythers, Peanut... Oh to be 4}

Happy Birthday Blythe















I can not believe how much our lives have changed
since the moment you were born!

You bring a smile to everyone's face.

You are helpful and such a sweet little mama to your siblings.

You are such a joy to raise. Happy Birthday sweet girl!