Weekend Away

This past weekend John was away. As I was preparing myself to buckle down and take care of three kids all by myself I was trying to figure out what we would spend our time doing. I remembered that my mom and dad had given Zeb a bed tent for Christmas that we had not yet opened. I was hoping that they would spend hours playing in it to help occupy their time while their daddy was away. I was right! They loved it and did spend hours playing in it! I had a bed tent when I was little and loved playing and sleeping in it. Today is Father's day and although I don't have any pictures of them with John we had a great time making cards for him. I for one was thankful when he walked through our door a couple of hours earlier than I expected. That was a gift just for me!

Christmas in January Part II

After spending about three days with John's parents we headed down to Lincolnton to see my family. I was so excited to see my sisters and brother and to see my precious little niece Savannah. Kayleigh and Zeb were also very excited to see Savannah. Once again we celebrated Christmas. My sisters and brother with their spouses came over for a french toast breakfast and then we opened about one million gifts. At least it seemed that way! That evening my extended family came over on my mom's side. I have three boy cousins who are all married and have lots of kids. Kayleigh and Zeb were in cousin heaven! It was so very good for my soul to be with our family again and to spend time with them.

My brother Johnathan and his wife Lindsey.

All the cousins making a human pyramid.

Christmas in January

John and I haven't been in America for Christmas since we moved to East Asia in 2004. Since we were arriving in America fairly close to Christmas our families decided to celebrate with us when we got here. Kayleigh and Zeb had a blast! I have never seen so many presents in my life and neither had they. It was so fun to be in America and celebrate Christmas. I had forgotten what it was like.

Henry and Alana opening their presents from us.

A very jet-lagged Kayleigh with her new shopping cart.

Zeb with his new cars!

Kayleigh's Present Has Arrived!

After getting asked each day of this week if her present would arrive today, it has finally made it to our door almost a week past Christmas. What is this missing present you ask? Her very own play kitchen. She was very excited and wanted to start cooking right away. I am so glad it finally came!

Anchor Party

In the fall Kayleigh started to attend a co-op class once a week for home school kids. She goes to a library called the Anchor and it has a wonderful selection of library books the kids can check out as well as home school materials. Kayleigh has really enjoyed making friends there and being a part of the class. Today they had a Christmas party for the all the kids. She had a great time. They played games, made some crafts, and had a gift exchange among all the kids.

Kayleigh making an ornament.

Christmas Again!

Josh and Danielle's family got here on Monday night which meant on Tuesday morning we had Christmas day all over again. We spent the morning talking to my parents and sisters as Kayleigh opened her gifts. She is now confused and thinks we should open presents about every two days. She was pretending to call my Mom on the phone yesterday and said "Nanna more presents!". I had to tell her that Christmas was really over this time. We got some wonderful gifts. My family loaded me up with some new clothes which I love! Zeb got some really cute outfits and Kayleigh got some fun stuff too. Kayleigh loves bubbles so for Christmas I asked John's parents to get her bubble bath. I couldn't find it anywhere in China. After opening them she asked me all day if she could use them and I told her she had to wait till bath time. I ran the water and my excitement was building as I took her into the bathroom. I couldn't wait to see her reaction. Much to my surprise she went completely ballistic and told me that she was scared of them! What?! I had to put my hand in the water to convince her that they were not going to "get" her. Once she got in she warmed up to the bubbles and loved them!

Zeb in one of his cute new outfits that my sister Hayley got him.

Zeb just started this thing where he likes to just let things hang from his mouth. Not sure why?

Kayleigh loving her bubbles!

These shoes are my personal favorite gift of Kayleigh's.

Christmas Surprise

This is Christmas morning with Kayleigh seeing her big gift for the first time.

Christmas Hat

A few days after Christmas, Kayleigh waned to dress up as a little elf. She loves wearing hats, and Christmas hats at that! She really enjoyed all the gifts that were given to her and she really loved seeing everyone on the webcam!

Christmas Time!

This is Christmas Day when we had the Dean's over and had breakfast together.
We then opened presents together, Kayleigh went first and opened her gifts form us and from the Deans. She had a great morning as you can see.