Sweet Neil

We had a very hard day. We lost our cousin Neil at the young age of 5. Were not sure what happened only that God seemed to think it best to take him home. Please say a little prayer for my family. I can't imagine losing a child. I have often wondered why such bad things happen to such innocent people. I don't think anyone knows the answer to that. Thanks to everyone who has helped us through this tough time.

Hug your loved ones

We had a really bad scare yesterday. On the way home we were in a car accident. A car came into our lane and hit us pretty hard. My cousin Damon was driving and by the grace of God he held the wheel and avoided a roll over. I had one of the most awakening moments in my life at that moment. As we were being hit I stared at Maddie who just looked up with sweet trusting eyes. Everyone was ok physically but I think emotionally it is going to take a while. In those few moments of uncertainty I was so afraid that something was going to happen to my children, or to one of us adults. I am so thankfull that we were all ok and I just wanted to share this with you as a reminder that our lives are so precious and uncertain. Hug your babies every chance you get. Take a moment to tell your husband or wife that they are important to you. I don't want to sound like a Hallmark card but maybe that isn't so bad. I just want people to remember that everyday we have with each other is a gift.

Happy Thanksgiving

We all met at Aunt Vicki and Uncle Steve's house for Thanksgiving. It was really fun to see everyone this year. We had a great time and Aunt Marcia bought me a tofurkey and that was such a great treat. Aunt Marcia held Grey for a long time. He has a way of capturing your heart with one look in those baby blues.
Man the kids had a great time. Maddie and her cousin played for hours. They even missed dinner due to so much playing. We thought they would eat when they were done so we just let them play.
Grey and Cousin Derek. He is engaged now so maybe this was a little practice for the long awaited Cook heir:)
We had a great family vacation and a nice visit with family.

Snow Snow Snow

Maddie had her first real snow play. She was so excited and wanted to stay outside for hours. We played chase and Daddy and Maddie made dinasour tracks and hunted humans. I forgot how much fun snow could be and how good it felt to warm up afterwards.

An old friend in town

We were very excited to have an old friends in town this week. Maddie and Erin had their very good friend Jonathan visit. They picked up right where they left off a year ago. They were so cute and excited to see each other. We are still hoping that they will make there way back here to the big D. The kids loved having a little train ride.
Goodbyes were sad but they had a really good time.
Grey thought the whole day was fun. Grey has such a sweet spirit.

Mom first craft show

My friend Leeann and I participated in our first craft fair. We had a great time. I made a lot of items and I think it went really well. We didn't sell a whole lot but we got our feet wet and know more about what to do. The girls went with us and were great. It was hard to hang around all day. We had clothes, bows, shoes and jewelery.

Daddy's Birthday

We celebrated Joey's birthday at Grandmas house. Joey turned 35 years old. (old man) Maddie loves to sing and can't wait until her next birthday.

Lizzard Boy

Grey has found his tongue. He chews on it like his daddy and leaves it sticking out for a good part of the day. He thinks he is very funny.

My friend says he is probably going to get some teeth soon. He was wearing one of my favorite outfits today. It comes from one of daddy's members who brought it for Grey all the way from France.

Nana

We were so lucky to have Nana visit. She hasn't seen the kids in a few months. We went of course to Ikea and she and Grey had a great time. He liked to look in the the mirrors everywhere we went. He is a happy camper in the carrier
Maddie put on a puppet show. She had a few people watching before she got shy.
Nana didn't get a moments rest on her vacation. Maddie kept her busy. They were building a tower. Nana went home today and we will miss her very much.

Dressing up Grey

Nana was in town this week. We were busy organizing my house and I heard the door to Grey's room close. Maddie was in there with the baby. We opened the door to her surprise and Grey had a crown on. He was having a great time. Sweet Boy!!

Cousins

We had a very exciting week. A lot of family came in to town. Here is Grey and cousin Emily getting ready to eat. Grey is loving his finger foods. We went to a sushi place, not my favorite place. The kids loved to watch each other and we pretty good for most of the dinner. Grey was a little grouchy from a lack of a nap. Maddie is willing to try anything. This is squid and she ate about 5 pieces and loved it. This is Aunt Megan's favorite food. She also tried avocado, eel sushi and loved the wasabi butter.
This is a group of us outside the restaurant. It was fun to get together.
Nana had her hand full.
Maddie loved the horse.

Fun in the sand

Maddie had a fun play date with her friends. They spent some time outside which was a great thing to do before the cold weather hits. They loved digging in the sand. Brooke decided to do a little dance for me as I took the picture.

Bowling with Daddy

Maddie had her first bowling trip. Daddy thought it was time to teach her the game. She did really well and I couldn't help but think about her Grandpa Joe. He loved to bowl and I had a feeling that he was smiling from heaven as Maddie learned his favorite game. Maddie had to change clothes at school so she looks a little mismatched.
She was really trying hard to get the toss down. The ball was a little heavy for her. She ended up with the ever famous between your legs roll which worked just fine.