November and December 2011

Hi all,

Here we are in February and I'm first updating the blog with November and December information.....I apologize in advance.  The last week of November, we flew out to Minnesota to visit friends and family.  We had a short visit back to Milbank, SD to see my sister and her daughter Jaden.  My sister is doing a wonderful job in her new parenting role.  Jaden is just adorable!!!  The remainder of our visit was spent with the Morton family (Larry, Dawn, Sydney - 15, Whitney - 9, Preston - 6).  Preston, our Godson, turned six years old during our visit so we were delighted celebrate his birthday!  We truly made the most out of our five day trip.  On our last day, we spent the afternoon and evening at the Water Park of America.  The kids, Dawn and myself (Larry and Paul conveniently left their bathing suits at home....) had the best time!

December brought us many celebrations.....Hanukkah, Christmas parties/dinners etc.  Since Evan works at Pikes Nursery, he brought home our first "real" Christmas tree!  It was such a pretty white sprayed tree! Thanks Evan!  We are a little late in wishing everyone a blessed and healthy new year, but hoping you all are enjoying 2012!!!

Ella lost her first tooth November 1, 2011!!!!

Evan (17), Cousin Jaden (4 months) and Ella (5)

Uncle LeRoy, Jaden and Lisa

Ella having lunch with Whitney at her school

Preston's 6th Birthday Party

Whitney, Preston and Ella at indoor water park.....so fun!!

  

Hadley, Ella and Addison - Thanksgiving skit at school

Ella at her gymnastics performance

Morgan and Ella making Christmas cookies

Ella and Addison painting their Christmas gifts to each other

Ella and Addison's finished...so pretty!!

Christmas dinner out with Johnsons, Stricklins and Ritchies

Merry Christmas

September and October 2011

Hi all,

During our fall break from school, Evan and Paul stayed home while Ella and I traveled to South Dakota to visit my sister Lisa and her new baby Jaden.  Ella and I stayed with Lisa for a few days so we could catch up and love on Jaden.  While in South Dakota, we (Lisa and I) took a boat ride with our Aunt Charlotte, Uncle Elmer, Cousins Rhonda and Sean to spread our dad's ashes into the Big Stone Lake.  It has been eight years since dad passed away and it was time to follow through on what he had asked us to do.  It was the closure that was necessary.....we miss you dad!!  Prior to flying back to Atlanta, we spent an evening with Dawn, Larry and kids....so fun!!

On September 29th, I surprised Paul by renewing our vows at the church on our 20th wedding anniversary. It was very simple renewal with kids and Pastor Paul.  Happy 20th honey!!

See you in November.....

Little Jaden

Cousin Rhonda, me, Cousin Sean and my sister, Lisa

Ella feeding her Cousin Jaden

Whitney, Ella and Preston

Renewal of our vows

Halloween 2011
Ella is Ariel and Addison is Little Red Riding Hood