Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas day, spent with both family and friends. The morning was filled with opening gifts in stockings and under the tree.

Then we joined a family in the church for lunch and an afternoon of fun. Laine got to go sledding (Mead was not interested in going outside), and Penny and I enjoyed a relaxing afternoon conversing with adults while eating a delicious meal.


Everyone came home quite tired, naps having been missed, but it was well worth it!

Navy baby

My favorite color is navy, so naturally I love this outfit for Cole. He looked so handsome in it today I decided to do a little photo shoot. Enjoy!

So happy

Even his eyes match!

Sweet feet

What a cutie!

Christmas plays

Laine has been in a couple Christmas plays this year - one for church and one for school.

Laine was an angel in the church play. They sang a few songs together recreated the nativity scene.

Laine added her own touch by putting her arms out. She made a beautiful angel!

In the school performance they held up letters as their teacher read a Christmas poem going through the letters of the alphabet.

Then they sang "Go Tell It On the Mountain" with hand motions. It was so cute!


Meanwhile, Mead was standing with us in the pew entertaining herself. Whatever makes you happy!

Holiday joys

This time last year Mead was not yet walking or talking. So this is her first Christmas experience in a sense. And she's loved it so far!

Looking at (and playing with) the tree...

Eating yummy treats (that leave colored icing all over her lips!)...

And making and decorating Christmas cookies.

We've had a good time this month.

Holiday Magic

This year we joined some friends for the morning at St. Louis' "Holiday Magic." It is an indoor Christmas event with vendors, entertainment, and rides for the kids. We all had a good time, especially Laine, since this was her first time trying carnival rides.

Laine and Zach tried the "flying swings" together for their first ride. Before it started she was really excited, but once it got going she was scared to death. In fact, she was screaming so loudly operator stopped the ride to let her off!


After that we took a more leisurely (and safe) train ride. Then Laine was ready for some action again, so she and I went on a little roller coaster. As you can see from her face, she had a blast.

I think Laine will be my roller coaster buddy once she gets a little bigger, something I am really looking forward to!

Penny is official!

Last Friday we went downtown for Penny's oath ceremony for U.S. citizenship. This has been a five year process - getting his green card first and now becoming a citizen. Finally no more paperwork and fees sent to the government!

We arrived early giving us plenty of time for pictures in the courtroom.

Penny took the oath, renouncing allegiance to the Canadian government and promising allegiance to the United States.

He received his certificate of citizenship from the judge and lawyer who spoke to the candidates.

Afterwards he registered to vote for the first time.

Another attempt at a family picture. I think these will get better with time!

All the Fellows were able to come to the ceremony, along with other friends from the church. It was a special morning!

Hey there, good lookin'

Just a few random shots of our cute little man...