Nieces and Nephew Rock!

I was just realizing today as we were watching Annie and Riley, while their mom and dad enjoy a date night, that I brag about our little nephew and nieces all of the time. I guess when I talk to people that have kids and start talking about them, I automatically think about the kids in my life and how much of a joy they are in our lives and so I can't help it! And what a great opportunity to be part of their lives. Kids watch and observe so very closely so it makes us think about how important of a role we, the adults, play in their lives! I hope and pray that these kids will know God and recognize the importance of how to be and live real as they experience life and the realities of this world that we live in. As long as my heart is true in genuine love as I live my life for Him,  my actions will ultimately speak much, much louder than words. With that, I hope that my life can set a good example for them. Anyway, just a thought running through my head. 

Waiting ever so patiently
 for some PIZZA!

Riley "hiding" as we played hide and seek.
He would close his eyes thinking
 he wouldbe more hidden! 

I didn't realize what a hit this snowman
would be!

My turn with the snowman!

Okay, bored with the picture taking.

Decorating the Tree and Bowling

Bowling with these little girls means lots of laughs! EXPECIALLY when you capture the facial expressions and body potision on camera.

The week after, all three girls stayed over to help us with our tree decorating. We thought we would try a little creativity with Ally and Sierra so Chuck and I made a craft store run and found little wood balls perfect for making little snowman. We panted the balls white the night before so that they could be plenty dry. The next day, Chuck spent a couple hours drilling and gluing so that these little guys would stay together before being handled by little girlies. While Chuck was doing the hard part, the girls and I strung the pasta noodles that I had dyed the night before for some lovely tree garland.

When the snowman were ready,
we let the girls have at it with adding
 color and detail to them.  

Valerie actually stayed with all of us the 2nd night. We'll wait another year or so before tackling the crafts. She enjoyed playing with a decorative snowman while the other two played together. It was so sweet watching her pretend it was her little baby and telling him "NO" and giving him a spanking.

It was time to break out the silly string before returning the kids to their mom and dad.  As you can see, it was a fun mess to clean but with Sierra and Ally's eagerness to help made for an enjoyable cleanup time.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

         
 

Early Christmas

We spent the morning downtown sipping a hot coffee while playing our early Christmas present game to ourselves, Ticket to Ride-Nordic Countries.  This is my attempt to capture a nice pit shot with Chuck. It's hard for Chuck to pose normal after I ask him too but I suppose it's all the more memorable.  ;)

The next day, we headed over to the Parma Shooting Academby. I bought a Living Social deal for a little education on handguns and for some practice shooting. We had a great experience! We had to buy our own ammo so it does add up fast but it gives you an idea of whether or not you want to continue to work your way for a concealed weapons permit.