Monday, January 24, 2011

Thanks for visiting Nani!

My Mom came for a visit this past week. . .she probably wasn't planning on doing sledding but true to her up for anything - adventurous self, she joined us on the sledding hill. . .much to the kids' delight!

Maia was delighted that Nani could watch her at her swimming lesson.

And Nani even jumped right in at an after school playdate with Maia's good friend and neighbor, Julianna. We made quite the impressive playdoh supermarket/restaurant. Thanks for coming Mom! We love you and miss you!

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Future Snowboarder?

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Saturday Morning Breakfast Guests

I love how the relaxed nature of Saturday mornings lend themselves to fun and creative times with the kids. What started as dressing up stuffed animals led to inviting these animals to breakfast. After breakfast the animals stayed for a tea party and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves!

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Friday, January 07, 2011

Christmas Vacation Part 2 - With the Seilback side

After a few days with Kelli's family in PA, we headed to Maryland to spend some time with Matt's family. All of his siblings live close to his parents so we got to see them all on a few occasions during our time there. Thanks everyone for making time for us and we look forward to our next time together.

The Seilback cousins (Jonathon, Victoria, Ethan, Maia and Caden)


A patient Daddy giving his little girl some shooting lessons.


Caden enjoying a toasted marshmallow. He enjoyed all parts of a smore independently but not as a sandwich.


"TO INFINITY AND BEYOND!!!" The past few days Caden and I have spent a fair amont of time playing Buzz and Woody. Any guesses on who is always Buzz????


We spent part of New Year's Eve around a campfire. Here are Jason, Ethan and Victoria roasting some hotdogs.


Enjoying a campfire with my kids. . .I could have sat there all night.


Maia learning the ropes of Poppi's tractor.


A little boy's dream!


No trip to Gran and Poppi's would be complete without a visit to Annie's playground. Here are two of my monkey's just hanging out.


After spending some time running around and swinging, we played some hide and go seek with the kids on this vast playground.


Matt's parents live close to a beautiful park so one morning we took the kids for a little hike. Caden was happiest on his Daddy's shoulders.

Mommy and her little hiker.


This girl could just hike all day.


Matt and Caden on the trail.


And of course there were some presents at Gran and Poppi's too!

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Thursday, January 06, 2011

Christmas Part 1 - Celebrating with the Huzzard side

We headed back East again this year to celebrate Christmas with both our families. First stop, Pennsylvania, to celebrate with my (Kelli) side of the family. 13 people (5 of which are 5 and under) in a cozy log cabin in the woods = lots of good times and laughter. It was a bit bittersweet as this will be our last time together for a while as my sister Lynn, her husband Nate and their little girl Abigail are headed overseas in February for mission work. While we are so exicted for them and grateful for their obedience to God's call on their lives, we will greatly miss having them around.

celebrating Abigail's 2nd birthday. . .she's wearing a dress my sister wore when she was 2!


Maia and Mitch - cousins and buddies

Aunt Lynn reading the Christmas story


Christmas morn


These lego-man headlamps were a hit with all the kids and provided lots of fun playing hide and go seek in the dark for both the kids and adults!


Maia and Abigail - the only 2 girl cousins need to stick together!


Nate, Lynn, and Abigail

Maia got this bug catcher vacuum/magnifier and vest for Christmas. . .this is her reaction to looking at the head of a walking stick that my Mom "saved" for her from the fall. Now that is a dedicated grandmother.


Our little clay nativity that most of the kids helped to create. . .I think that big orange giant is Joseph.



Caden and Mitch enjoying the snow!


Maia and Aunt Lynn making snow angels.

sledding fun!


My Mom and Dad with all their grandkids!

Maia with a captive audience for storytime.

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