Tuesday, January 17, 2012

New York Continued...

More of Christmas time in New York. We played our traditional white elephant game with my siblings which is always good for some laughs. Richie ended up with sardines, Charlie got an enema, and Eric got a Snuggie!
Here's Josh's present, a huge nerf gun. It ended up being hours of entertianment for the adults shooting the children. They loved it, and so did Danny. He couldn't stop laughing!

"No, no Josh."
Protecting themselves from getting shot.



Another gun game. Safari hunt or something like that. There were quiet a few hours of competition on here!

Aunt Katie getting ready for baby! Finding out the sex in a few weeks! So exciting!

Uncle Dan holding Ellie. Typical teenager. See how he is looking at dad like "why are you making me do this."
"Alright enough already."

"That's it, get her off!" Followed by a swift shove.

Rachel getting in on the gun fights.


Uncle Charlie the playground. The kids all had so much fun with "baby Zeke" as they call him, and with all of their aunts and uncles. Thanks guys. We sure love you all and are so grateful to you for all you continually do to help us and make the kids feel loved.
Colt and Poppy hanging out.
Me and Miss Ellie.

Gotcha!

Stamps and snuggles with Michelle.

What a happy girl! She is again such a good baby. Poor kid got a double ear infection two days after we got there, had a fever, a cold they whole time and started teething. But she was still pretty happy. Thanks Ellie!








And there was of course lots hours logged on the swing this trip too. As well as lots of pizza and some great naps. And 5 trips to the doctors. Rae, Liv, and Colt all came to New York on an antibiotic with colds and ear infections. Ellie got and ear infection and antibiotic while we were there and then the other three all got sick again with terrible coughs and ear infections again. So everyone left New York on antibiotics too! And we got everyone in NY sick at some point too! So sorry everyone!



Saying good night to Dan. The kids loved helping out with Dan. Olivia loved helping feed him and couldn't wait for him to get home to feed him. Colt liked it too, he chased Dan around with the spoon so most of it was on the floor by the time he got Dan to eat it.

Han loving her ipad and loved doing funny photos on it! Thanks for sharing all the time Aunt Hannie and for always being so much fun! You are the best!
Rae with her "pink"tails and her Pop.


Finally! A picture with everyone!

Monday, January 16, 2012

Christmas Morn'

We went to New York for Christmas this year. We had so much fun being there with all of my siblings. On Christmas Eve we went caroling at a nursing home in Farmingdale. Hannah played keyboard, Sammy played the trumpet, Rae and Livy had bells, and we all sang. Livy had the bells strapped around her waist and jumped up and down to the rhythm of the songs, it was pretty funny! Eric was in charge of the balloons that we handed out and Colt just had to look adorable! We are not very good singers at all but the people were so thrilled that we were there, and Dan loved the singing too. It took me a few minutes to choke back my tears before I could really sing. It is just such a sad sight in that nursing home. But I am so glad we could go and bring them a few minutes of cheer. Thanks for getting us going mom.  
After Santa came....


Christmas morning all together was crazy but so fun and exciting. The kids did so awesome at opening their stocking and one present and then leaving the rest for after church. But then it was crazy when we got home!!!
Rachel loving her barbies!

Livy and her new favorite things, dinosaurs!

Stop for church and a photo. Merry Christmas 2012.


Necklaces from dad, doll horses and dinosaurs from grandma and grandpa, ice skating doll outfits from Hannie, barbies from mom.


Sorry I didn't get a picture of you Colt with your favorite toy! You mostly hung out with Grandma and Grandpa and opened yours. You loved ripping paper off and didn't care what was inside. I think you loved your camping chair the most!

Hannie and each couple got an ipad from mom and dad. what an awesome gift! none of us had one yet. thanks mom and dad! we love it and someone around here he always using it!

Ellie had an ear infection and a fever and wasn't too happy on her first Christmas. Thanks for hanging on to her Katie! And for the cute winter accessories!

Zeke and Pop!

Thanks Hannie!

Some of the craziness! We missed Charlie and Michelle though. They didn't get in until the following morning. Rich, Erin and Zeke had just arrived at 6 am Christmas morning.





#1 Sister Bracelets

Aerial view

The boys hanging with Grammy.


Merry Christmas! Danny was awesome Christmas morning and sat on the couch with us the whole time! That is quite a feat to not have to sit on the swing with everyone!

I think he just loved having Richie home!

Babies 1st Christmas!



Loving the paper. One of her favorite things!

Cutie pie. Love that smile.

It was a fun morning and a great meal later. Ham, lasagna, clams, and mashed potatoes with sweet gravy. What else could I ask for. Merry Christmas everyone!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Family Photos

Thanks April for some great photos again!



I love all you guys. Hope you're enjoying the ride because I am!







Rachel 4 1/2 years old

Colt, 2 years old


Olivia, 4 1/2 years old

Ellie, 6 months old