It’s been a while since I’ve posted, for a good but at the same time ridiculous reason. Our four and a half year old computer’s memory was failing. I couldn’t even upload pictures from my camera without maxing out the memory and having to delete files and/or programs in order to get pictures up! This is partly due to the age of the computer (I think 4 human years are probably 25 computer years!) and also because we had over 20,000 pictures stored on our computer–stored numerous times in various programs–Pictures, Windows Gallery, Picasa, Zoombrowser. I’ll take the blame for this–we got our digital camera two days before Emma was born and I never really figured out a good organizational system for photos before life got too busy to take a day or two or more to figure that out. Anyways, our computer officially died 2 weeks ago and now we are the proud owners of a new one–a fresh start toward organizing all of these precious images!!
So, here are some photos of Christmas…finally…
We traveled to Oostburg for Christmas. What we noticed this time was how the cousins were really at the ages where they loved playing together. We saw this especially between Emma (6) and Aubrey (2 weeks shy of 5). These two hit it off. Aubrey left the day before we did and Emma was so sad! We found little notes around the house that said “Emma and Aubrey” with hearts and birds (Emma’s love) drawn all over them. So precious. We never know how the ages will line up and how their interests will either, but it was so beautiful to watch.
Emma lost her 2nd front tooth in church the day after Christmas. Curt was in the midst of being called up to speak at the church’s “Moment for Mission” because they support InterVarsity, and as he was getting up, her tooth fell out! He got to announce her lost tooth from the pulpit–it was pretty sweet! 
Claire received her heart’s desire for Christmas–princess accessories, gowns, crowns, shoes…this girl will sing throughout the day, mostly princess themed songs. I always have to smile when I hear her sing from the Little Mermaid, the song that goes “Up where they walk, up where the run, up where they play all day in the sun.” She thinks that the song is in Spanish and sings (pronounced)…”Athweyde run, athweyde walk.” She’s usually singing this full volume, with vibrato, while she is focusing intensely on a craft or project. Our house is rarely, if ever, quiet. Sometimes, even with this, it does feel peaceful though.
I really wanted a cousin picture to put up on our picture wall. This is what we got…remember, 7 children 6 and under (pic is minus Olivia who didn’t want to be photographed
Sledding on the mountain of snow from the church parking lot!
This year in lieu of gifts, we siblings went out for an evening and spent some non-kid time together. Definitely something we’ll do again!
After Oostburg, we spent 3 days in Chicago, just the five of us before continuing on to Iowa. We stayed at a hotel downtown, enjoyed the pool, Navy Pier, and Michigan Mile, and lots of hanging out as a family. It was restful and connecting. We’re hoping we can do this again–Chicago is so beautiful at Christmas time.
Nice view from our 34th floor room.
Then, we traveled on to Des Moines, where we were greeted by Mom, Dad, Reuben, Heidi, Eden and Harper and a delicious salmon dinner and presents when we arrived! Here are these two boys–each of them such characters, yet in such different ways. Being 4 months apart, we’re sure that they will create some great memories in the years to come!
The girls in their Christmas PJ’s.
Levi is quite the Mommy’s boy. Anybody who has experienced him around me and then not around me will agree. He loves to cuddle. Loves to sit on my lap while I read, even if it isn’t to him. He is definitely my little buddy…allllll dayyyy longggg…… Maybe this is because he is beginning to experience what it will mean for him in his life to have 2 older sisters. The most recent “game” they have played with him is to tie a long string around the wheel of one of his favorite cars and have one of them place the car on the floor and draw his attention to it. When he becomes interested, and goes for the car, the other girl who is hiding around the corner with the other end of the string yanks the string, the car moves, he chases it, they laugh and giggle. He screams in frustration. It is really quite humorous…!
Special moment between Great Grandma and Snow White.
At the Waveland Cafe—yes, Emma does have birds in her hair. They are everywhere…Emma’s most recent prayer…”Thank you God for everyone (she lists everyone she can think of)….but especially Nana. That’s right, especially her. Amen.”
We had a wonderful 9 days of travel (wonderful even though the flu made its rounds). We loved seeing most of our family members and spending some time away from home.
And now, to some recent days around here…
I should have known not to be concerned about my girls becoming too focused on Princess Barbies. This is what I found Emma creating a “story” around during her rest time. It was pretty entertaining–Barbie being held captive by dinosaurs and lizards. That’s my girl.
We’re taking almost daily trips to the Wilcox Park hill for sledding. This is the first year, with the kids ages, that they’ve really enjoyed this. I love those winter rosy cheeks.
We’re off to a good start of 2011…these 3 little kiddos definitely keep us busy, focused, laughing, crying, praying, and yes, of course crazy sometimes.
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