Firsts

This little miss rode in her big girl carseat for the first time

And this big girl got her first haircut

9 months

So I have gotten Santa hat pics with all my kids and thought those would be the perfect 9 month pics for Miss Peyton.  Obviously she had other ideas!!  She will not keep anything on her head- which is the reason you don't see her wearing all the adorable hair pretties that Kate did at this age. 

Even with no Santa hat or hair pretties- you still are adorable!  You have definately grown and are eating very well.  You love all your baby food- we haven't found one you won't eat yet! You still love your Mommy alot but are getting better with Daddy.  You continue to get a lot of attention especially from your big sister.  She constantly makes sure you are taken care of and have everything you need including lots of stuffed animals and blankets!

Small Group

Seven years ago we were invited to join a small group at church.  We never imagined how it would change our lives.  It was one of the best decisions we have made.  Over those years our group has changed numerous times.  Five years ago we were asked to lead our own group.  With hesitation we accepted, and again God has blessed our efforts.  Our closest friends are all people that either are in our group now or couples from past groups.  These are the people we do life with.  They have been here for us in so many ways over the years. 

Last weekend our group went to Bucca di Beppo for dinner for our Christmas party.  We had a great time evening of adult time. This picture hung on the wall by our table.

We also had a white elephant gift exchange.  The hot item was a 1978 handheld football game.  Mike and Amy were lucky enough to take home the Off candle set that Jerry and I gave.

Thanks to all these wonderful couples for all you do for us. Its so great to be able to share life you.

Cousins

Mary and I grew up together.  Her mom and my dad were twins and we lived 10 minutes from each other.  We saw each other all the time and were really close growing up.  We have kept in touch as we both graduated high school, went onto college and got married.  Her family visited KC last weekend and we kept her two kids for the evening.  The kids had so much fun together.  And the best news is they are moving to KC next month so hopefully we will see more of them.  

I have got to find some pics of Mary and I at this age because these two look just like us!

Mary text me later and summed it up perfect - It's nice to see that some things don't change even after 30 years!

Christmas

This is my favorite time of the year.  I love the lights, the music, the Christmas movies, the baking, the wrapping.  I love teaching my kids about the birth of Christ and the joy of giving.  I only wish this season didn't go by so quickly!  These are random pics from the last few weeks. We took the kids to see the lights on Chicago street.  They are so neat- they tell the story of Jesus' life in lights.  We have done some baking, had friends over to make a gingerbread house.  The Santa bus visited our house last week too!

Basketball

The boys had their first basketball game tonight.  They are playing on the same team and Jerry and our friend Scott are coaching.  It was so much fun to watch them. 

Tree