New Years 2011

Our tradition on New Years Eve is to go to Pikes Place Market and get fresh fish and take it home and spend a quiet evening together discussing goals and talking about the last year. However this year we were invited by the Burnsons to spend the evening with them. We were so shocked and flattered by their invitation, we gladly accepted.

New Years Eve day we continued our tradition and went to the city had our picture taken in front of the market sign, bought some fresh oysters and clams and headed back to PO to be with our friends.

We spent that New Years Eve with the Burnsons, Guidry's and Wards. We were so thankful they invited us to be with them that evening. We talked a little about Benton, played games, and spent time in fellowship. Thank you God for that time together.

A Tribute to Benton

My dear friend Margarita delivered sweet baby, Benton on 12/28 but he was still-born.


Dear Benton, do you know that you have changed the world?
That your life has impacted many, many people for Jesus?
That there are people who spend more time with their family, who hug their children a little bit tighter because of you?
I am so proud to know your mommy. She is so kind, funny and loving...and one of the most beautiful followers of Christ I know. I sure wish you could have spent more time with her... 9 months just wasn't enough time to hear her voice. We just took a picture of you and your sisters last week, you were so photogenic and your sisters loved touching you, anxiously awaiting to hold you and hear your first cry.
I am so thankful that God has chosen to use you in a mighty way.
We know that heaven is the best place to be, and we long for the day when we will get to see you again. Please know that you hold the most special place in our hearts and that we will never forget you.

Prayerfully,
Your friends

Gingerbread House Creations

We were given a couple of gingerbread house kits this year. I LOVED receiving them, because they are so expensive and making them when you've just had a baby is just more work than I wanted. Daddy built and set the homes the night before which went much better than the Christmas cookies since HE was able to do the work (I did help with one of the houses which ended up being the halfway house) and let it sit overnight. The next day the kids decorated their homes in style, Lani ate 90% of her candy while Ezekiel meticulously placed his candy pieces along the roof.

Christmas Cookies...

We attempted to make Christmas Cookies as a family this year... Daddy did not enjoy this "messy" task. Sprinkles flying in every direction and confectioners sugar all over your hair and body, wasn't his idea of a good time. :)

I'm 2!!!

It's 7:15 A.M and Grandma Wagner brought cupcakes for me to start my day off right!
Chocolate Chocolate!!!! Delicious!
My first bath as a 2 year old...


Getting ready to head to church...
Opening some presents...



On the phone listening to Uncle Bobby, Aunt Norma, cousins Amy and Brian sing Happy Birthday to ME!!

Santa or Stocking?

Will this little Santa fill the stockings or will Santa be missing a stocking?

We love Christmas Time...

Just put the finishing touches on the Christmas tree...Candy Canes !!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!

So many days to celebrate in November and December, it was nice to be able to take some time for just me. While Grandpa and Nanny watched Ezekiel and Emmalani. Dave, Matthias and I went Christmas shopping and to Silvercity for a special meal I had salmon, brown rice and broccoli and Dave had Chorizo Mac and Cheese for dessert we had a COOOOOOOOKIE Monster...basically a ridicously large icecream sandwich that I think scarfed down in record time. It was a nice treat for a special day!

Black Friday = Christmas Tree Shopping!

Such a fun time for our family being able to select our tree, cut it and take it home. Feels more special that way! We went to a local place nearby which was more than wonderful especially having young ones. The kids loved playing hide and seek in midst of the firs, grands, and nobles. Although it was a cold day it wasn't nearly as bad as the record 13 degree temperatures that hit 2 days ago.

Thanksgiving 2010...

AFTER THE CRAZY WIND AND SNOW STORM KNOCKED OUR POWER OUT FOR 3 DAYS IT WAS NICE TO ENJOY A WARM,LOW KEY DAY WITH THE FAMILY.

Matthias First Moments...

Our first snow...2010

Ezekiel turns 3!!!

Unfortunatley Ezekiel caught a terrible flu bug last week which hung on which seemed like forever. The poor guy hadn't eaten in 6 days so we were unable to celebrate his special day the way we'd planned. We did make the best of his being sick by having him hang out with papa and nanny for a little bit. Opening some presents and watching his little mermaid movie. I'm glad we didn't order a "Thomas the Train" cake like we'd planned since he didn't eat one bite of the brownie and mint chocolate chip ice cream.

IT's A BOY!!

Matthias Robert came home last night, he was born November 4th at 4:07p.m. We are doing wonderfully. The kids were so happy to meet their baby brother. He is 8 lbs 2 oz and 21 inches with black hair. Such a joy!!

As I anxiously wait for this new baby...

And with the doctors wanting to induce me by Wednesday this week... I pray.

Dear Jesus, draw me ever nearer as I labour through the storm.You have called me to this passage, and I’ll follow, though I’m worn.May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith;And at the end of my heart’s testing, with Your likeness let me wake.~ Keith Getty

Resting in Psalms 27:14

"Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

AND...

Psalm 30:5

"Weeping may last for a night, but joy comes with the morning"

Pumpkin Patch

Today we took the kids to a Pumpkin Patch. We made a full day out of it. We first stopped at the Poulsbo farmers market then made our way to the Kingston Patch. Ezekiel and Lani loved picking out their perfect pumpkin.
We started off at the cornmaze which both kids succesfully made it through by themselves with daddy directing them from outside of the maze. Next was the kiddie track, where they have a variety of different tricycles for kids to ride around on. Then we went to pet the farm animals, and finally off to pick our "perfect" pumpkin. The place was packed with all kinds of moods unlike our time last year where our family were the only ones in the patch. We eagerly wanted to get out of there as quickly as possible. We had a few quick shots from our time together. Afterwards we went to Bainbridge Island in search of a yummy Thai place our friends had been telling us about. We got there and they didn't open for another hour and a half! Since the kids were hungry we decided to head in the direction of home and stop at the Central Market for a slice of pizza and some groceries. We got home just in time for the UW vs. Beavers game. Very close, good game with a win from the Dawgs!


Cornmaze

Kiddie Race Track

Searching for the perfect pumpkin...

Taking a break on some greener pumkins


Sitting on the haystack getting ready to roll the pumpkin off our laps.

Look, I found the perfect pumpkin mom and dad!

Here we are with the prize beauty.

Trying to pick it up to take to the car.



Couldn't do it! So we left the pumpkin in its place and went to the store for some more! :) Shhhh don't tell the kids.