Japanese Silk

Sometimes it's just good being the only granddaughter.

Sunday Outfit

Hope's Stroller

Cupcakes

Hope's Birthday

She turned 2 today!

Funny faces

Hope started making funny faces with me tonight. We had all kinds of good fun.

Hope striking a pose

Silly Kids

Mama's Birthday

Kath turned 35 on Saturday. So Gideon and I made Angel Food cake for her and the meal of her choice. She decided on Cheeseburgers on the griddle. I made sautéed mushrooms, too. I also bought sparkling grape juice. Kathee's mom and dad joined us for the meal. The kids, Gideon especially, we're really excited for Mama's big day!!!

Gideon's Advent Story

Each day, Gideon practices and re-tells the Advent story by moving his Nativity scene around to different places in the living room.  Then we have to sit while he tells us the story.  It's pretty awesome really!

The Parents

The Kids

Post Thanksgiving

Flashbacks

We noticed that Gideon was a bit out if sorts during the weekend. He was pretty clingy and wanted to observe (but not get in the mix). We oftentimes found him curled up in someone's lap away from the fray. We hadn't seen him act like this since in the transition in Addis.

Trip to John Deere Pavilion

We also went to the JDP. My good friend Adam Jones has a picture up at the Pavilion (this the funny look picture).

Cousin's Night Out

While the grandparents watched the Grandkids, the cousins and husbands went out for supper. Had GREAT discussion while eating great food at Woodfire Grill and dessert at Biaggi's. Such a fun night! Here is Kathee and her sister Sharon and Cousins Heidi and Lisa (sisters).

Playing Catch Phrase

We had tons of fun playing Catch Phrase together. We played guys against ladies and had a blast.

Hope and Dave and Lisa's eldest daughter K

Eating at the kids table

Hangin with Cousin W

Time with Grandpa S and Uncle Bob

Over Thanksgiving we had a "Meet Me In Moline," weekend. Kathee's sister and brother-in-law's family came up from Mississippi. Her Uncle Bob and Aunt Phyllis came up from Florida. Her cousin Lisa and Dave and kids came down from Minnesota. And her cousin Heidi and Jon and kids came down from Michigan. We had an absolute blast.
The pictures that follow are all from that weekend.

Hope's Toys

Why spend money on toys for kids when they can sneak away to the kitchen and play with Tupperware.

Kids Play

I love how well our kids get along.

Soccer with Gideon

Aside from watching the Cornhuskers with me, Gideon hasn't shown a lot of interest in sports. So, since Gideon has asked me the last two days to play soccer with him, I jumped at the opportunity.