Pepper's 4yr Preschool Christmas Program

On Thursday morning, December 19th, Woodland Preschool had its Christmas Program. Pepper had been rehearsing the songs at home for weeks and was very excited to perform. 

So excited!

Ms. Susan and Ms. Bobbie's whole 4yr class.
Antonio, Lafe, Pepper, Adelle, Kyliegh and Grace

Best moment captured!!!!

Hazel being super helpful while I was trying to take pictures.

She loved the music and even sang along to the ones she knew.

Pepper's masterpiece from school.

So, so proud of this little lady. She is doing so well in school and is such a fun person to hang out with. Pepper can definitely drive me crazy sometimes but I'm so glad to be her mom!

Here are all the videos from the program:

Morgan's 1st Piano Recital

Later on Saturday the 14th, Morgan had his first piano recital. His teacher, Sarah Maier, asked if I would prepare something as well. I picked "O, Come All Ye Faithful," from the book Hymns Made Easy and sang while I played. It was a good thing I did all 3 verses because the first one was pretty rough. Morgan didn't seem nervous at all and did a fantastic job. All of the children seemed more excited than nervous and it was a lot of fun. Sarah is a vocal teacher as well as piano so we had a variety of music to enjoy.

(Ignore my back-fat...thanks, Cody for the great view.)

Jon and Sarah Maier. Sarah is due with her 1st baby girl any day now!

Addison Smith goes to a magnate school for the arts playing his violin. His sister Ellie takes piano lessons with Morgan and Sarah asked him to join us as well.

Little Hugo Benson was the youngest performer and student. He is a little younger than Pepper and did such a great job.

Lowes Children's Christmas Workshop

On Saturday morning, December 14th, we took the kids over to Lowes for their kids workshop. They were building Christmas trains. Morgan and Pepper were pretty excited and had a fun time. Hazel...well, she was there!

Two seconds before this Hazel was smiling at me with her glasses on. Such a frustrating picture taker!

Working hard and looking good!

Handsome carpenter.

I love this picture of her. She makes me smile.

This was our busiest Saturday in December but I'm glad we took the time to let the kids do something new and fun. Hazel may still be a little small for some activities but it sure is fun being together as a family!

Family Photo Session Fall 2013

Back in October our talented friend Laura Perkins took these family pictures for us. We did it at Smucker's campus on a Wednesday afternoon at 5pm before dinner. Not our greatest decision because all the kids were falling apart, especially Hazel. But we managed to get some great shots despite the fact that I was ready to fire my kids and kick them out of our family by the end!

Love this one!

My favorite!

After, we took the kids to Dairy Queen for dinner and treats before dropping Cody back off at work so he could finish up a few things. It was a crazy afternoon but I'm so glad we make a point of capturing our family as it grows and changes every year. I'm sure it won't be any easier next year with a 4th child:)

Random November and Thanksgiving

Here's a random collection of iPhone pictures from November and our Thanksgiving weekend. The last night at Cousin Robin's house Hazel conveniently lost our camera so all I have are the few pictures I took on my phone. She's such a helper!

Hazel on a typical morning. Always dressed for success!

Took this one to the mall to run off some wiggles. She was excited about this duck, even despite the fact I refused to put money in it.

Morgan helping Cody clean the roof and gutters. Mom was not excited about this and was happy when everyone came back down to the ground safely.

Gary and the kids came over one Saturday morning to help with our massive leaf clean up. Thank goodness they came because it would have taken forever without Gary and his leaf blower!

After I raked up this pile, I told the kids they could play in it. They were happy to oblige. 

So happy I got this shot!

This little brown-eyed girl just makes me smile.

After Bekah finished dance classes, she joined us inside for movie time while the little girls napped.

Hazel on another morning setting up a little lunch for her teddy.

The girls helping me do my hair.

I love having girls!!!

THANKSGIVING!!!!

As always, we love, LOVE, love spending time with our cousins. We were all so excited to spend a few days with everyone at Robin's house. Ali did Pepper's hair and then got her to pose with her. These two make me smile!

Ali did my hair as well. I tried to take a picture of my 14 week pregnant belly. Guess I'm not very good at selfies.

The day after Thanksgiving we took all the kids, minus a napping Hazel and babysitting Antonio, to see Frozen.

We LOVED it! Everyone thought it was fantastic and we have been singing the songs ever since. Pepper can't wait till we can buy it and watch it over and over again.

Brothers!
Trying to take a decent picture of Khan is probably one of the most frustrating tasks! Good thing I love him.

Hazel's breakfast Saturday morning. 

Saturday morning before everyone headed off Khan and family passed out some Christmas presents since none of us will be together this year. 

Not the greatest photos and I'm still sad that Hazel lost my camera but we had another great time getting together with Cody's family. We are so lucky to have them close!

Random moment captured of these two playing together. Such a great big brother.