Downhill...

...we are finally on the downhill side of the holidays! Not that I don't enjoy them. We had a very blessed holiday season- God has been very good to us!

We started off in Seattle the weekend before Christmas. We had our "Thorndike Christmas" with all of John's family. Our kids loved the time with their 6 cousins. They played and played and played some more! We stayed at Rod and Elizabeth's (John's sister) and their 4 kids -Thanks Rod & Liz! After our Thorndike Christmas it was back to work for John and Christmas party and events for the week.

Sunday before Christmas we had our traditional Christmas Eve get together at my Grandma's. The kids had fun opening presents and being crazy!

We went to our candlelight service on Christmas Eve and then, since Papa was working, Nana slept over at our house. My mom and dad spent Christmas morning with us- we had so much fun watching the kids open their gifts.

Here's a funny little story about Jeremiah....on Christmas Eve, I asked him if he wanted to leave Santa a snack for when he comes with all the gifts in the night. Jeremiah said that he needed a healthy snack, so we peeled an orange for him and also gave him a glass of milk-ok, and a truffle for his sweet tooth! Then, because the reindeer might be hungry, we set out some muddy-buddies. Earlier that evening he told me that we needed to go to the "shopping store" to buy a chimney and a fireplace so that Santa could get in, I told him he could find a special way to get in and not to be worried! Anyway, we put out his snacks - after I convinced him that they didn't need to go outside....and he was so surprised the next morning when they were nearly gone!

Santa brought Jeremiah his first bike and Alison her first play-kitchen!

If you didn't notice, I didn't send out a Christmas novel this year. I have really taken to heart the importance of simplicity in my life at this time. God has done some amazing things for us over the year, a new job and training for John, new baby, new car and lots of loving relationships. I know that those of you who have kept up on reading our blog know what has been going on with us and have been keeping us in your prayers. Those of you who haven't can always catch-up! If you receive a Christmas card from us this year, you are one of the few-so feel privileged!

Thank you to all of you who sent us cards, gifts, and emails. We are so blessed by all of your friendships and love. We pray that God will continue to bless all of you over this new year and for many, many to come.

Until next year...hahahahah......love and God's grace to you all!

MERRY CHRISTMAS...

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WE ARE HAVING A BLAST AS A FAMILY TODAY AND WE PRAY THAT YOU ENJOY TIME WITH YOURS!

More pics and an update on the holiday coming soon!

Seattle...

...and now we are home! The kids and I picked John up at the Seattle airport on Friday afternoon and then spent the weekend with his family. The kids loved the airport, by the way. I think Alison smashed her face against the window in the breezeway as hard as she could so she could look at all the cars going underneath it! John had a good trip, but he was ready and happy to be home with our family.
We had a really nice time visiting and having our "Thorndike Christmas". The kids had a blast playing with all their cousins.
Before we left the Seattle area, we were able to have lunch with "Uncle" Adam, John's good friend and his fiance Rippel. It was nice to finally get to see them since we've missed catching up over the last few visits.
Finally before getting on the road, we made one last stop to see the love of Jeremiah's life...Bella. Bella is Dan and Elizabeth's dog and is absolutely in love with "his" Bella. We also did a little shopping...and more shopping!
We are very happy to finally be in our own beds and yelling and screaming and playing in our own home...so comforting.
Now, the next adventure is Christmas. Oh, the fun we'll have!

Princess dresses, cake and melt-downs...

Hosanna has been officially dedicated! And, Alison is now 100% Two! We enjoyed having our family and friends join us on Sunday for Hosanna's dedication, followed by Alison's 2nd Birthday party.

The dedication was very nice. Pastor Carney did a great job. We really appreciate he and Maria as our pastors. He had a very good and relevant message. It's always nice to have our family join us in worship with our church-family.

Alison wore her 'princess dress' that was given to us by a good friend. She loved to twirl around in it and of course, it was pink! She enjoyed her pizza and cake and then....crash! All the sudden we were overspent and READY for a nap! She is enjoying all her gifts and is playing and sharing them with Jeremiah.

I've been enjoying the snow. But, now it's just cold an dirty looking so, it can go away for a while! I took Alison over to Walla Walla on Monday for her check-up and we had to drive 40 mph because of the ice! I should have stayed home! Everything went well though, she is a whopping 29lbs! The doctor is very pleased with her growth and development.

Jeremiah has his preschool Christmas program tomorrow night...I can't believe it!

We will be heading to Seattle this weekend for our Thorndike Christmas..actually John will be meeting the kids and I there because he is at some training in Tucson right now....long story. I am excited for the kids to get to play with their cousins and to just see all the family. Pray for our safe travels!

Extra long...

...it has been a very long weekend. We switched internet providers and had some major issues with our pc, so...no internet until today. I finally feel like I am back in touch with the world!

Our big excitement for the week was all the snow that we got. In total, I think about 4 inches fell. It was here for a couple of days and then rain showers washed it all away overnight! It's 65 and windy now.....
The kids had so much fun playing in the white stuff. Alison loved to eat it...ewe. Jeremiah was a pro at building snow castles and snow men. Mommy took them for a few red-wagon rides thru the snow, until my arm was ready to fall off(we didn't have a sled)!





Alison has been spending lots of time helping me in the kitchen. She loves to get out all my measuring cups and utensils and "bake" with me. The other day I was making noodles and she decided to 'help' with the flour....


Jeremiah has been doing great in school. He loves it! He has been learning to write his name and other letters. He informed me the other day that his birthday was in January...as if I didn't know. :)


Hosanna is so busy growing. I can't believe the pounds that girl has been packing on! She is also talking up a storm with her cooing and smiling lots too!


John and I have been keeping busy with the usual...he has work, which he still loves and I have the kids...YAY! We have lots of fun things coming up these next couple of weeks so stay tuned....same time, same bat channel....hahaha....!