Texas Trip

My best friend, Minna, from High School. We hadn't seen each other in 9 1/2 years.
Benjamin, Kaleb and Mariah
Doris with the kids...I'm so glad I caught Mariah smiling at Doris....so sweet!
Kaleb loves Breann

We were able to sneak down to Austin for a few days to visit friends and my grandparents. Dad was out of town but it worked out for us to see friends that we normally don't get to see when we get to Austin. It had been over a year since I'd been home and almost 2 years for Nathan. I can't believe how much has changed. We were so glad it worked out to see so many and hopefully we can get back to see some others. We were at James Walden's funeral...which of course, allowed us to see others that we haven't seen in years. We stayed from Wed. night until Monday morning and then we went to Denio's to see a few more. Forrie, Nathan's good buddy had come in from California...it was great to see him again too. We stayed in Dallas Monday night and drove in on Tuesday, Jan. 1st! What a trip....thanks to everyone who made some special arrangements for us and who took time out of their schedules to see us. Now I need another vacation after being home. Mariah did great in her car seat. Kaleb doesn't mind trips either. I guess it's good to break them in early!

Jidgie with 2 of her great-grandkids
The adopted Grandparents

"I think I'll take my own car today, mom" The things grandparents have...

Two Peas in a Pod

Family Time

Kylie and Kaleb with thier new PlasmaCars...it's a race!
Jim, Laura and Family
Gma with some of her grandkids
Papa James working on a puzzle while holding Mariah!

We had a great time with Nathan's side of the family for the Christmas holidays. We spent a few days out at their place just relaxing. More food, than I'd like to admit, was eaten!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow

Our first snow of the season. Kaleb was so ready to go out and build a snowman. He got his jacket, hat, gloves, and boots out and then sat in this chair in our room to watch the snow come down. I was amazed at how long this kept his attention. Unfortunately, it didn't stick and we didn't get that much. We are anxious for the 'real' snow to come.

Little Hands and Feet

Sweet, sweet...and they grow so fast!

A Visit with our Friend

Ms. Bessie is 100 and in our meeting. Kaleb loves to visit her. This was her first time to meet Mariah.

Brotherly Love

Kaleb has been such a great big brother. Always wanting to help and wanting to know about 'baby si-ter'. I have found him several times lying beside her...he'll be either helping her with the pacifier and talking to her or he'll be teaching her about the gun and talking about hunting. He loves to hold her. Thankfully he has been very gentle with her. When she is fussy he'll go into where she is and say, 'what's wrong baby si-ter?, your alright!, do you need your pacifier?, do want to eat?, do you want mommy?" Then he'll come get me and tell me she is crying. Only once have I found him trying to 'help' in an over-zealous way...he had piled her hand-held blanket and swaddling blanket on top of her, given her a toy and she was underneath it all trying to escape. So, the age difference has been wonderful. She always responds to him by looking at him or smiling...it's so cute.

Daddy Time

You can see what daddy is teaching Mariah already. Kaleb has most of these magazines memorized. He loves animals. Right now he is into shooting duck's because daddy goes duck hunting. We'll find him in the house acting out a whole duck hunt...from the duck call, to 'here they come', to 'take 'em', to the large amounts of bullets being shot in the air with his gun and his pretend shotgun sound enactment.

Some 'Firsts'

Our First Sunday and First Family Photo
Mariah's cord had fallen off...now for the first bath...not much fun!