Easter on the Land

 Cutie + Cousins

Ellison (2), Mac (9 months), Anderson (2.75), Alekzander (6)

CW Egg Hunt 2016

 Praying with Daddy before the egg hunt

 Checking out his loot

{Ignore the candy ... Look at those blue eyes!} 

Brotherly love at its finest

Merry Christmas 2015

This year has been full of joy and excitement.  Normal errands turn into adventures that are often loud, messy, and a little crazy with two boys in tow.  Anderson (2) has earned the nickname "The Tank" and is tough and independent but also remains a mama's boy.  Alekzander (6) is a confident Kindergartner and a friend to all. He is learning to read and memorizes Bible verses every week.  These two are sweet and sensitive, loud and lively, and caring and kind.  We are excited to celebrate Jesus' birthday this year and cannot wait to see what joys 2016 will bring.

Hockey Player

Our tough hockey player

sporting a Boston Bruins jersey, 

a Nashville Predators helmet,

a Team Canada hockey stick,

and hand-me-down snow boots!

Every treat Anderson got was his new favorite; 

rather than put it in his bag, he would carry it in his hand

while saying "Bick-or-Beat" at the next house

where he could barely grab his new treat.

The helmet greatly slowed and inhibited his 

ability to eat his treats though he wanted to so badly!

{Post Trick-or-Treating ... hanging on to his treasures:

An empty raisin box from the beginning of the night, 

a lollipop that lasted the entire mile loop, 

and 2 choice chocolate candies}

Broncos Player

 {Pre-Trick-or-Treating}

 {Post Trick-or-Treating}

Halloween 2015

Alekzander picked the theme for our Halloween again this year:

we were to go as a Sporty Family.

We excitedly played our parts as the golfer, 

the runner, and the hockey player.

He gave himself the role of Broncos football player.

Andrew's golf bag doubled as the candy overflow bag

and was filled pretty quickly as we have some

extremely generous neighbors!

The wagon was transformed into a Penalty Box for 

our Bruins hockey player.

One little girl asked what it was for, and I explained 

that it was like a time out spot for hockey players

when they were 'bad' during the game.

She immediately asked if Anderson was bad!

Poor guy definitely was not bad - just a little overwhelmed.

Both boys were surprisingly calm and passive trick-or-treaters.

Anderson actually preferred to stay in the wagon most of the time,

and Alekzander said he would rather stay with us

 than run ahead with his friends.

Both situations were quite agreeable to me

as I know future years will look much different! 

I cannot wait until next August when 

Alekzander assigns our next family Halloween theme.

{Please let him include us in his costume plans next year too!!}

CW Parade 2015

Everyone loves a parade.  

Especially one with a volunteer fire fighter who offered 

to bring out a truck when his shift was over.

And especially one with free ice cream post-parade.

Wagons, strollers, bikes, and scooters...

Red, white, and blue...

Patriotism, community, and humidity...

Happiness in the 'Wood.

Easter Hat

TK Family Homework :: 

Create a/an Spring/Easter Hat for the Easter Parade

Our very literal, Jesus loving 5-year old wanted to make an Easter hat.

Easter to us is not about an Easter Bunny hiding eggs.

We celebrate because Jesus died on the cross for our sins

and rose three days later so that we have access to Heaven 

and can stand forgiven, from grace upon given grace, 

before our Heavenly Father one day.

{This good news is something that we can celebrate all year long.}

To help teach this truth, we bought Resurrection Eggs two years ago.

12 eggs filled with symbolic trinkets that tell 

the story of Jesus' last few days on Earth.  

Alekzander can explain and order each trinket and tell the Easter story.

It was his idea to illustrate the symbols for his 'hat.'

We worked together and created a hat

which he proudly during the entire Spring Festival/Easter Egg Hunt.

His statement of faith did not go unnoticed at the YMCA

whose mission is to put Christian principles into practice 

through progrmas that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

We were so proud of his heart and his hat.

Preschool Easter Egg Hunt

CW Egg Hunt

The first Egg Hunt of the 'season'

...where the eggs were plentiful

and the neighbors were friendly.

 Egg hunting is serious business

 ...and best done with a friend!

A Visit with Santa

You have to put your name on the nice list.

Santa will check it twice though.

{First year penning his own name} 

 Pretty successful!  

No tears, though Anderson was not particularly impressed.

{Alekzander later pointed out that we didn't tell Santa what Anderson wanted.

Luckily, I think the old guy has a special connection with babies,

and knows exactly what they want.}

Telling Santa his Christmas wish :: a red scooter.

Santa initially heard "red skittles," but we were able to clarify.  

And to clear up any confusion, Alekzander drew a very clear picture of his wish.

Incredibly proud Mommy & Daddy moment - 

Alekzander flipped his paper over and drew out his Christmas wish ...

{unprompted & unassisted}

Apparently there were no red crayons available 

to add detail to the scooter, so on his own, he spelled out R-E-D. 

{Yay Mrs. Meaghan & TK}

Mailing his note