All things girl...

We have it on good authority that we'll be adding another little girl to our family! This is good news since Matthew had declared that he loves girls and hopes it's a girl! Now onto thinking of a name....

Christmas was spent at a friends church and then overnight at their house to celebrate Christmas morning and presents. The kids had a good time; Matthew, "now which one can I open?" and Ella Jane content with just one gift for 15min. then realizing that she had more to open. Some of the favorites have been EJ's new princess cell phone, purses, lip gloss and Matthew's movies; Mary Poppins, H.S. Musical and a beach ball decorated with the world.

Matthew discovering how fun a sink full of bubbles can be

Playing together

Ella Jane and grandma in DBQ.

Snow angels with grandma

Gingerbread houses

The start of the holiday season

snow...

it has engulfed us! At times it dictates our day even. "Sorry honey, they haven't plowed our street yet, and I can't get up the hill, can you get a ride home from work?" "Let's go sledding!" "Let's make a snowman!" "Let's go shovel the driveway!!" All these are common phrases in our household these days.

Jim is "on travel" as you Marylanders would say, next week and my mom was kind enough to fly out from Seattle to help me out while he is away. She flies in tonight and the kids are so excited to see her! I am too, she is going to help me get this place in shape, i.e. window treatments, remove wallpaper etc. Nice to have company when you are doing that sort of thing.

Merry Christmas!

Catching up on pics!

Fun after a recent snowfall

Who needs sleds when you have a basement full of boxes?

Matthew's funky carpet

My little beauty after getting into my makeup bag

This so cracks me up!

Our new house

Matthew cuddling up next to Ella Jane after having enough quiet time of his own

Field trip to the pumpkin patch with MJ's preschool in MD.

Another little lefty? I'm so proud.

I just love her expression

Wrapping up the end of an unforgettable evening at church...our farewell dinner: Oct. 14th

Suitcases presented to the kids which they LOVED, and still play with here in IA

Our beloved Lauren Jones

Uh, spy kids? I love this picture, it makes me laugh every time I see it. EJ doesn't know why she's leaning, only that MJ is so she should too. And MJ is b/c he likes to pose this way for pictures lately.

Our beloved Katie Jones!

Our beloved Liz!