Wednesday, December 26, 2007

The Belly:-)

A few of you have inquired recently about my expanding form. So here are a few pictures - I'm finally looking pregnant and not just chubby:-) (A big shout out to sister, Hil, for sending a box stuffed with maternity shirts - yeah!!!)

Monday, December 24, 2007

New "stuff"

A few of our favorite things. . .
The new play phone is great, but the Chex Mix - now there's something to get excited about:-)
Sharing? a moment. Anika has been playing for hours with her new paper dolls (clad in her new dress up gown and jewelry, of course).
Posing with her new denim dress and sweater.
Anika loved putting together her new puzzles.

Christmas Eve morning

Since Christmas around here gets quite hectic with Daddy preaching and other obligations, we decided to make Christmas Eve our family celebration and gift-giving day. Anika walked down the stairs this morning and said, "Presents!" Then she ran in to wake up Daddy. Daddy asked her who she thought left the presents. "I don't know. . . I think GOD!"
"Come on, Mom & Dad! There are presents waiting."


Christmas cookies

Anika and I baked and decorated Christmas cookies on Friday with help from Auntie Dana. Anika has certainly improved her technique from last year!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

The Restaurant Business

Our basement is transformed since we moved most of the youth group couches last night, but the kids are enjoying the extra room. What fun!!!

Anika is into the restaurant business. "You'll have the soup!"

Saturday, December 15, 2007

The Newest Wicker

If you would indulge us, we would like to introduce you to the newest Wicker:-) We had an ultrasound yesterday and I must say that I was more amazed than ever. I'm not sure if the hospital technology has improved or if I'm better at seeing the pictures or . . . The technician did say that one reason we got great pictures was something about the ratio of amniotic fluid to baby size or something like that. Regardless we were so blessed to see a healthy, active baby. (No, we didn't find out the sex).

Friday, December 14, 2007

Papa's Here

Anika and Andrew can't get enough of their Papa.


Fixer, Upper

Lloyd's dad is visiting for a few days -- not just for pleasure; we are putting him to work on our bathroom. There was a leak which caused our tiles to become soft so we needed to get it fixed before we sold the place. Now we wish we had done it years ago and enjoyed it ourselves:-) We put up really pretty and clean wall panels - mildew resistent! Here are a few shots of the progress. Dad is putting the finishing touches on it yet.

A View from the Sky

Lloyd took a recent, whirlwind trip to Ripon for 24 hrs or so. He shot a couple of beautiful pictures of Mr. Rainier from the plane. (I'm sure going to miss those mountains!)

Monday, December 10, 2007

Christmas Parade

Another Lighted Farm Implement Parade has come and gone. The kids really enjoyed it this year. It was quite cold but we bundled up as best we could and enjoyed the hot chocolate that our church handed out. It was a beautiful night and the snow began to fall just as the last float passed us by.


Church volunteers handing out free hot chocolate:

Anika and Andrew sat with their good friends Ryan and Tyler:

The kids favorite float was this steam tractor dressed up as Thomas the Train!