For Nana, Papa, Aunt Uta and Uncle Jim

Nana and Papa have been asking to see more pictures of the girls with their short hair. And Aunt Uta and Uncle Jim gave the kids a gift card from Target for Christmas. Well, the kids and I went to Target last night and Aly and Koco bought these dresses (and a few other items...Thank you!) and wore them to church. I sat the girls and Keegan down on the couch this afternoon before the girls went upstairs to play so I could get some pictures of them. So, here you go Mom and Dad. And thank you Aunt Uta and Uncle Jim for the gift card. We love you all very much!

Reading's for the Dogs!

Alyson and Kourtney read to therapy dogs at the local library this past Saturday. It's a big hit with the kids so we try to go whenever the therapy dogs are there.

In Short

Alyson and Kourtney had their hair cut a week and a half ago at their requests. Although it was hard for me to part with their long hair (no pun intended), they really like their new does, and it takes less time to brush in the morning. All plus' for everyone!

6 Posts-Good Luck!

I've updated our blog with 6 additional posts. Wow-great to have it all done! Hopefully you will enjoy reading our blog and won't become too bored!

Frequenting Frankenmuth

We spent a day and a half in Frankenmuth (Christmas capital of Michigan) only about an hour and 15 minutes away. It was our second time visiting the area since we moved to Michigan, but this time we got to see more of it than we did last time. It was the mid-winter break mini-vacation we needed. Bronner's is the world's largest Christmas shop full of tons and tons of Christmas decorations for purchase, and it's located in Frankenmuth. It's a fun stop. You could spend hours there or just a few minutes depending on what you want to see.

We didn't splurge on the hotel, but we did find one with a pool and a separate sitting area with a pull out couch. Our family is just getting too big for a traditional hotel room. Can't believe it!

Here's Kris taking it easy with Keegan in our hotel room.

Is there anything sweeter than the admiration a father receives from his son?

It's Officially a Winter Wonderland Outside

We had our first big winter storm just after Christmas, and everyone felt the urge to get out and play in the snow. So, while Kris took to our driveway, and the neighbor's driveways via the snowblower, the girls got out and did their best with their shovels. This also marked Keegan's first real snow, and the first time Ellary played in it as a mobile child, both experiences that needed to be documented!
Alyson and Kourtney couldn't wait to get out and sled between our house and our neighbor's house. There was barely enough snow to sled on, but they had a great time.

Kris Minus an Alyson

It has to be documented. There is no doubt! Kris has lost a total of 53 pounds in the last four months! He has also managed to keep the snacking and overindulging at bay over the holidays and has continued his running regimen in spite of the sub zero temperatures. 53 pounds! That's a whole Alyson. And now all of Kris' suits are too big except for, get this, his old mission suit from 14 years ago. Way to go, Babe. You are an inspiration.