366 Laughs- January 29th 2016

1/29/16

Benjamin was being silly.  And creepy.



In multiple pictures.


Funnnnn.   :)


Closeup of Michael.


Oh, and we figured out  how to keep Ginny in her seat for meals.


We separated the high chair into chair and table.  (yes, it was built to do this...)


She's a cutie.

366 Laughs- January 25 2016

1/25/16

We printed Michael's official mission map, with all the wards and stakes on it.  We'll track him through his mission.



We also thought, after seeing this little one loving the map, that we might mark siblings' height on it now and through out his mission.



We'll head into this experience with all our heart, might, mind and strength!



And miss him, too.

366 Laughs- January 24th 2016

1/24/16

A Sunday in which 9 children stayed home, and Mom and Dad went to Ward Conference with Michael.



We haven't been to church with just one child since... Benjamin was born.  Benjamin and Emilie cared for the rest of the recovering children.  I came home after Sacrament meeting.  Tom and Michael came home after the rest of the meetings and then Michael attended the YSA ward in the afternoon.  Yes, he's done that since October or so.  Two wards.  Well, for three more weeks.






Finally getting Christmas letters/pictures ready to mail.

366 Laughs- January 23rd 2016

1/23/16

Cub Scout Pinewood Derby!

With most of the family down and out sick, only the Cub Scouts and Dad attended.
Timothy got 3rd place!  And Samuel got to participate even though he's no longer a Cub Scout, having turned 11.






And for your enjoyment, here's a Doc (from Back to the Future) hanging from the ceiling fan.

366 Laughs- January 22nd 2016

1/22/16

Yay for birthday cards!




And two small someones feeling better!



Sometimes that's enough for the day.

366 Laughs- January 20th 2016

1/20/16

Samuel's 11th birthday!



He was so thrilled that his new panda bear came in the mail.  (favorite animal).  Yes, we're watching Piano Guys in the background.  This one.

Birthday cake.  More of a sandwich haha.  It was yummy.

It's too bad we had to clean up so much of it as stomach flu came through shortly after... Ginny is having spice cake.  I don't want to see chocolate cake again for a while.

Can't you tell he's thrilled?


Silly cat card.



Haha, another panda!


Percy Jackson books.




Another of the Harry Potter books.  :)



Yummy tradition!



And... addition to his Snap Circuits.  It's a case for all of them!   He got some for Christmas, got some more with Christmas money, got some more by earning money around the house...  another electronics lover in the house.



Yep, he's 11!  The eleven candles prove it.



We're glad to  have this kiddo in our family.  We love his quirky sense of humor and his fun impressions.  We love his quiet side and his crazy side.  He's a good big brother and a huge tease.  He's smart and cute, too.  He'll get me for that, someday.

366 Laughs- January 17th 2016

1/17/16

Well, the weather peoples told us that we would get a "dusting" of snow last night and we woke up to nearly 3 inches of the stuff which was all over the roads, the cars, etc.  8 am church makes that even more fun!  (we need to be there by 7:30.)  It was absolutely beautiful.  Breathtaking, even, as we turned a bend to look towards the temple and see the sunrise breaking through the clouds behind it and reflecting off the snow.  It was a beautiful morning.



These pictures are after church, so closer to noon.  Some of the snow had melted despite the 3 degree temperatures (feels like negatives, wind chill here in lovely Missouri!) so it's not quite the same effect.


However, you don't stop to take pictures when making sure 12 people are getting up and going to church.


And here's my adorable, almost 2 year old baby girl after church in a cute little dress we got at a Relief Society swap at our activity Thursday night.




Samuel had to hold her still, and no, the hat didn't even make it to Nursery.

366 Laughs- January 14th 2016

1/14/16

My photobombing family.

Or is that phamily?  Hmm.

But first, one of just Benjamin on his way to get donations for his Eagle project.  In Dad's hat from Germany.



Oh and Emilie just being adorable.

And again.


Now the photobombing starts...


Samuel, I think, knows...


More...

366 Laughs- January 7th 2016

1/7/16

Oh, no, Liberty!  You ate Michael!




We played with playdough today...
Samuel's guy looks like he's inflated.



He also made an elephant for Ginny.


He also took the pictures of the playdough.  I have lots of angles.

366 Laughs- January 5th 2016

1/5/16

We had a fun surprise from my sister today!
A package!  With really cool CTR necklaces for the little girls.  (Jules is scared to get hers dirty... still can't get her to wear it.  We'll keep trying.)

And a family puzzle!

Emilie was taking pictures of me opening it.  I don't always look that thrilled at my kids holding a camera, but it's the only way anyone ever sees pictures of me.

Christopher wanted a picture, too.


Samuel has out grown his Cub Scout shirt but only has 2 weeks left before he turns 11 and moves on to Boy Scouts.  So... I sewed  his Webelos badge onto a Scout shirt and we can change it very easily in 2 weeks!


Doesn't he look grown up?  This is my first Texas baby, all grown up and ready for Boy Scouts!


Oh, and Liberty wearing her necklace.  :)  Crazy hair in braids but coming out... haha.