Christmas Part 1

Hope you all had a great Christmas. We did! It was a whirlwind - here's just the beginning...

We opened gifts at home a few days before Christmas. Kailey got a Veggie Tales CD and a kitchen. She was thrilled with both!

Tuesday night we headed to the Paulsens. Kailey had to help everyone open their gifts! We all had a great time being together with everyone - it went very fast. Kailey loved her "presen!"

Early Gifts

Kailey has been getting mail! She's practicing up for Christmas.

First she got two packages from Josh and Deneen

It's a shirt!

She wanted it on immediately!

Then she moved on to the second package - a really cute three piece outfit

Mommy and Daddy got a very nice nativity set. But where are the animals?

Here they are! In Kailey's new pockets...

Then, today Kailey opened a card from Grandma and Grandpa P.

STICKERS!!

I read the card to Kailey. Grandma wrote about how proud they are of Kailey for using the big potty. When I was done reading, Kailey read it too. I heard her say "Grandma", "Papa", "potty", and "poop"! It was really sweet.

THANK YOU JOSH AND DENEEN AND GRANDMA AND GRANDPA!!!

Family Fun

I'm behind....over a week ago we spent time with my parents and my brother's family. We had so much fun!

Kailey and Grandma played the piano together

Grandma saved a Charlie Brown tree for the kids to help decorate. They had lots of fun with this! My niece's favorite part was putting the hooks on the ornaments :)

Then it was time for the nativity - if it involves babies, the girls are all for it

Kailey found a pair of reading glasses while we were busy with other things - we couldn't help but laugh!

The girls had lots of fun together. This is a preview of pictures to come when they can truly have sleepovers.

Of course my nephew got some attention too :)

Christmas Is Coming

Last weekend we spent some time decorating the house for Christmas. Kailey was a lot of fun during this process and wanted to help with lots of it.

She helped Daddy with the tree skirt...

Helped Mommy with the beads (gotta love that smile!)...

Put the tree topper on...

And helped with ornaments!

She constantly comments on the tree and lights!

Paulsen Thanksgiving

We had fun celebrating Thanksgiving on Craig's side at Cousin Stacey and Davids place. Stacey and David are expecting a baby in early January. We are so excited! Kailey loved looking at all the cows on the farm and little Guss, the Boston Terrier.

Grandpa and Gramdma P and Kailey

Fun with Aunt Diane and Aunt Amy!

The soon-to-be parents!

Kailey & David looking out the window at the cows on the farm.

We visited Great Grandpa and Grandma Riessen at Kailey loved playing with Missy, their energetic dog.

Kailey and Great Grandma Riessen

Family Fun!

We visited Aunt Amy this weekend and Grandma and Grandpa came to visit as well. Kailey especially loved playing with LB.

Kailey enjoying fruit snacks with Grandma and Grandpa.

Here kitty kitty!

Aunt Diane and Kailey with Grandpa's hat and Diane's gloves.

Five Years and Counting

Saturday was our 5th wedding anniversary! I can't believe it. We celebrated by staying in Nebraska City while Kailey spent time with grandparents. The weather was beautiful! We hiked at Waubonsie State Park (my favorite) and walked the grounds of Arbor Day Farm.

I knew five (or six) years ago that I had a pretty good catch, but I could not have imagined what a wonderful husband and father Craig would be. He puts up with a lot from me! Craig is a great listener, willing talker, and a strong person. He works very hard for our family. He is so supportive of my desire to spend much of my time at home with Kailey. I know God gave Craig a great sense of humor knowing how much I need to laugh instead of being so serious!

Things are never perfect since we are far from perfect. But the Lord has blessed us with determination and a sense of humor. :)

I love you, Honey!