Christmas

As always we were very busy over Christmas, even though I took an extra day off (we had 4 days instead of the normal 3 days). As with every year we take our camera but forget to actually take it to places for pictures. Maybe one year we might remember.

To start our Christmas weekend we stayed with my parents for a change (the Lundy Bed and Breakfast was a little full). We were treated to Imo's pizza for lunch (yum) and off to my grandparents for Christmas Eve dinner and the first round of presents. We all got some cool stuff. Jordan and I received some really good gift cards and Caitlyn got some toys and clothes. (I'm not going to list everything cuz it's a lot) She was very happy to get a new hoodie.

Next stop on Christmas Eve was Dale and Evelyn's house for presents round 2. Again some really good stuff. Books, clothes and some other things. Then the boys went down to play ping pong. (the first of many games this weekend)

Christmas day is the big day of eating for us. (I'm sure after reading this you too will be full to the brim) So to start we opened presents round 3 at my parents (more clothes, books, and toys). So here's were we tell you that our camera was in the bedroom and stayed there but Cailtyn got a v-tech kidz digital camera. You will see evidence of our budding photographer later. I will tell you that in a two day span she took 368 pictur

es and 2 movies. After presents were opened we had breakfast (french toast and bacon). Then to get dressed and head to Dale and Evelyn's again for lunch (turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, corn, cranberry salad, green, salad, rolls , cookies and fruit cake) and of course to hang out with friends. Our friends Jenn, Ray and baby Ephraim came as well as friends of the family Wayne and Betty. It was great catching up with all of them and of course more ping pong ensued. After that we had to head back to my pa

rents for dinner (BBQ ribs, hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, green beans, spiced applesauce, potato salad, deviled eggs, cookies and fudge) and opening presents round 4. Thankfully after all of this we were able to relax a little.

We all slept in the next morning, then we met up with some more friends (Toby, Jane, baby Duncan, Dave and Angie) for lunch and catching up. Then back for a nap for Caitlyn and the movies for us and Ryan, Christine, Alex, Ray and Jenn. The Muppets was an excellent film, completely funny. You know it has to be good when Jordan asks if it's one we should buy when it comes out on DVD. Then to end the day it was on to the ping pong championship of the world.

Finally to end our wonderful trip we met with Julie, Ray and Jenn for lunch on our way out of town. It was great to see every one (sorry to the one's we missed). I really am thinking I might have to try for a week off next year. We'll see. Now on to our pictures:

Our Xmas decorations at home. VeggieTales.

Kacey got a cupcake cookbook for Christmas:

Uncle Boy helped set up her princess castle:

I think she enjoys it:

And here she is putting some of her Christmas presents to work. Hooray for watercolors!

-kacey

Thanksgiving

I know it's been a little while since the last post so hopefully this will make up for it. We had a very busy Thanksgiving week, yes week. We started with Alisa and family visiting for the weekend prior. The boys and Caitlyn got along great. Which is a good thing since they were going to be with each other for the whole week. Here are the kids playing with Cailtyn's Mobigo. It was a giant hit with them all.


So Monday was our trip through the fog and rain to Bentonville Ar to visit a family friend and her family. It was a really nice short trip. She had an air hockey table that switched to a ping pong table and pool table. Jordan and Fredrick started right in on the ping pong. Although every one had a go at air hockey. It was too cute to see Noah and Caitlyn play since their heads just barely were above the table.






After tearing the kids (big and small) away form the air hockey, we were on our way to Tulsa Ok. Thankfully the sun was shining. We had another great visit with Great-Grandma and Great-Granddad. The kids even sat still long enough for a few pictures.





After one night in Tulsa we were on our way again, in the fog and rain, to Madill Ok. Once there we were able to catch up with family and friends.

Here is the Donnelly Family (Jordan's other sister and family).


The Cognard's fishing, before they got scared of the fish.


We were even able to get Evelyn to play games with us. Which it appears that she enjoyed.


One morning Granddad Lundy made his famous pancakes. Caitlyn's request was for Bob the Tomato and Larry the Cucumber.


We then headed to St Louis to pick up our dog (thanks mom, dad and boy). We went to a small birthday party for Xenia and then headed home. Over all it was a wonderful trip. I guess we will go again next year.

Halloween

So we had a great Halloween. Caitlyn had trouble deciding what she wanted to be until we were at the store. She didn't even pick out any of the things she told me she wanted to be (a witch, a princess or a pirate). So she was Tinkerbell. Isn't she cute?

Caitlyn started her day a daycare where we left her costume since they were going to have a Halloween party.

We did something a little different this year. One of our small group leaders had an idea of going to some of the local retirement homes for trick or treating. So we did, it was fun the residents really enjoyed seeing the kids in their costumes and even had some candy to give to them.

Our leaders are making arrangements to come back at Christmas for caroling.

I did take Caitlyn around the block when we got home. She had a good time. We have a lot of candy left over since we didn't give all the candy we bought away. Good news for me.

-kacey

When does Caitlyn listen?

Here's a conversation we had this morning, as Kacey was leaving for work, and Caitlyn and I are leaving for St. Louis for a few days:

Kacey: Be good for your daddy, and listen to him.

Jordan: Do you listen?

Caitlyn: She always listens.

Jordan: Who?

Caitlyn: Mommy.

Jordan: Yes, mommy listens well. I'm worried about Caitlyn, though. When does she listen?

Caitlyn (turning away and smiling) I don't know....

Here are a few pictures to tide you over til next time.

Just in case you didn't think Caitlyn was a normal kid, she does like to talk on the phone:

Read:

And perform for us. I'm sure she was singing "Twinkle Star" or "ABCs" for us here:

My dad let her go play in the rain, as she was requesting to. He thought she'd just stand outside for a bit, and then want to come back in. Those of us remaining dry inside chuckled at the idea:

I'm sure she didn't spend more than 30-45 minutes outside, anyway.

The yellow arrow in the next photos is to point out the flying monkey, which is kinda the point of the game we're playing:

-jordan

Caitlyn is sooo cute

The other day I had a headache and sinus infection (blah). Well I told Caitlyn to please be quiet because I didn't feel well. Here's the rest of our conversation. By the way Jordan was out of town.

C-You're head hurts?
K- Yes it does.
C- Go to bed.
K- I can't.
C-Why?
K- Who would make Caitlyn dinner or put her to bed?
C- Mommy don't go to bed I need you. (hug and kiss on head)

She is so sweet sometimes.

Caitlynisms cont

Jordan asking Caitlyn about lunch.

J: What do you want for lunch

C: Protein!

J: What kind of protein?

C: YOU! *fake bite*

Maybe we should rethink some of the ways we play with her.

My little Girl

So I know I have a girl and all but does she really have to wear a dress everyday? That's what she did this week. She also has been doing her own nails. She is actually quite good considering her age. She doesn't paint her hands or fingers. Here she is at it.

and her toes. She even picked out the color.

It was more fun when she picked out the black polish. I'm not sure where she learned that...

-kacey

The Zoo

Jordan, Dale, Evelyn, myself, Caitlyn and a small tag a long, Alex thought the trip was great but super hot. It has been a long time since I was in the children's zoo, I didn't remember pretty much anything in it.

We got to pet a hedgehog, a guinea pig, a rabbit and goats.

When I told Caitlyn we were going to the zoo she said she wanted to see zebras and elephants. So we made sure to hit those enclosures. We also saw other animals on the way between those two.

This is all we saw of the hippos.

Here are just a few random pictures from the zoo. Looking cool with her sunglasses and water.

and why did we bring the stroller?