It's So Hard to Say Good-Bye

We had to say good-bye to our OBGYN Dr. Hoekstra. He and his wife are moving their practice to Oklahoma. Dr. Tim delivered Ellie and Michael and I had intended for him to deliver all of our babies. Oh well. He will be missed.

Our Resident Elton John

Poor Ellie

We went to an appointment and they had to check Ellie's iron level. The first poke didn't work so they had to it again. She did great but was concerned after the band aids were put on.

Sweet Mikey

Tiny Ellie

Silly Mikey

Ellie: "I'm riding a turkey!!!"

Ellie and Mikey went on their first carousel ride together. Ellie got on an ostrich and was so excited to be riding the turkey that we didn't have the heart to correct her. We were with some friends and she is yelling to Mommy, Auntie Shanoa and her friends Noah and Nea.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Here are some photos from our Thanksgiving Dinner. We had the Cusick family over and had a great time.

The turkey brine from The Pioneer Woman. This recipe is on Food Network's website.

SO Golden. It was super juicy! Brian was weary of the brine but approved after wards.

Brian's Mom's homemade stuffing with Brian's touch, the cranberries.

Green bean casserole. This was the worst I have ever made.

Gravy from the drippings. Brian had to rescue them before they burnt off.

MMMMM! Sweet Potatoes. Brian said that there should be equal parts brown sugar to potatoes. I stopped him.

Happy Birthday to my Love!!!!

Happy Birthday Brian!!! I love you with all of my heart! You are a great father, friend, and Priesthood holder. I hope this next year is filled with many great blessings. (Is that selfish since I will be benefiting too?)

Silver Bells

Before Thanksgiving, we went to Lansing for the Capital's Silver Bells celebration. My Uncle is in charge of getting the tree. We got together with him and my Aunt to watch the parade. Because he is in charge of the tree, he puts out chairs for the family that donated it. There were enough chairs for all of us to sit in front of the barriers along the parade route. It was awesome to be right up front and in chairs. We didn't have to worry about where Alexis was or how her legs were doing. It was perfect for Ellie and Mikey to see as well. Thank you so much Uncle Steve!

Mikey didn't like being in the stroller.

He had a better time when he was out.

Brian helped take down the chairs. What a boyscout!

This is Alexis at dinner after wards. She just kept doing this over and over. I guess what ever keeps you entertained and not bugging your siblings is fine with me.

The kids really liked the parade. We were glad and got really excited for Disney World.

Our Front Door - Christmas

Don't mind the diaper pail, we live here.

I just kept it simple. I used one of the center pieces I made for the Ward Christmas party and put it on the front porch. I really like it. It makes me happy to see it when I drive into the driveway.

Happy Thanksgiving

For Family Home Evening last week we made a grateful garland. I had Brian print pictures of things that we are grateful for and we talked about each one with the kids. It was fast and simple and had a gospel message. We are so grateful for all of our many blessings and all of our family.

Burp Rags

I made Burp rags for my one of my girlfriend's baby showers the other day and was commissioned to make some for another friend. She was going to give themas a gift as well. The first ones I ever made I had given this friend and she said that they were the best she has used. I was so pleased. So I added them to my store.

Ellie's Firsts

The other day Ellie went to the dentist for the first time. She did great!

Then last week Ellie got her big girl bed and put herself to bed for the first time. My heart about broke when she told me that she didn't need me or Brian to tuck her in. "I do it myself." oh boy...I made Brian take a picture of her sleeping that night.

She did fall out of the bed the next morning. I have since rolled up a blanket and put it on the edge. That has seemed to have kept her from falling since.

Grateful

I was looking through pictures and just wanted to share a couple that I really love right now. These photos also make me grateful for my family. I am grateful that my children get to know their Great Grand Parents. I was lucky enough to know all but one of mine and I got to have my Grandma Betts until I was an adult.

I love this one! It is so sweet! I love that Brian captures great moments.

This one makes me crack up.

This is my Grandpa Robert Doty. My mother's father. I see him in Mikey sometimes. I know that Ellie and Mikey might not remember this but I am glad we have pictures. I hope My family is around for my children until they are adults.

Learning to Love Michigan

Like I said before we are finding ways to love Michigan. Also like I said before one of the cool things of Battle Creek are the balloons.

We were switching bedrooms around and I heard a very familiar sound. I heard the roar of a balloon engine (that is probably not what it is called but oh well). I hollered  for Brian and he and Ellie ran out side. Boy we get excited easy. Right away Brian put the kids in the car and we were off for a balloon chase. That is fun. Ellie was so excited and was always looking for the balloon. We followed it all the way until it landed.

Fun times!!!