Sean's Surprise

Ethan worked very hard the last 2 weeks on a surprise for Sean.  We kept it a secret and all Sean got to see were the tall columns.  He said that "dad is building a castle", so we told him yes dad is building a castle for a very special person.  On the way to town one night to get paint Sean asked when we would get to give the castle to the special person and we told him very soon.  We asked who he thought the castle was for and he decided we were building it for "Aunt" Michelle.  So we went with it and told him he was right we are building it for Michelle and we will deliver it to her on Friday.  He was sad but asked if he could visit and play on it after we gave it to her and we told him of course he could.  

Friday we set up the "castle" for the very special person. 

Odds & Ends

Things are back in full swing at our house.  It seems each day passes faster than the previous. Ethan and I are busy with work and the kids keep us on our toes. The weekend before last Ethan and I left the kids with mom and took a night away to officially celebrate our anniversary.  We love our kids but boy was it nice to get away and even experience complete silence.

This past weekend the kids, mom and I headed to Eastern Montana.  Mom officially sold her house so we finalized the paperwork.  I think she is happy to have the burden off her shoulders but feels strange to no longer have a home in the Rosebud community.  

A trip "home" wouldn't be complete without taking in some Dogie basketball.  Sean really didn't want to sit through ball games again but getting to play with cousin Bryan eases the pain a little.

We also stopped to visit Papa Jim's.  Sean had a wonderful time going on adventures with Richelle and Larisah, watering horses and shopping in Billings. Mikayla and I hung out at the house napping and having a lazy day. 

Sean moved up a level in swim class and is doing more "swimming" on his own.  He was very excited when they got to use flippers the other day and he loves any chance to jump into the pool. 

 He carries his excitment for water over to the tub as well.

 Mikayla is a firecracker and such a diva already.  I wish I could capture all her facial expressions but there are just too many and they are gone by the time the camera comes out.  She says a few words here and there but still point and yells to get what she wants. We know the words are in there as she will say them once but then never again.  She can understand everything you say to her but getting her to communicate with you is hard. The other day she said "gargage" (garbage) when pointing to a dirty diaper.  Her other latest words are ball, sorry, and I love you. 

 So cute yet so sassy!  She is keeping the pig tails in a little longer each day.

Happy New Year

We rang in the New Year with a stomach bug.  Sunday night when we got home from Whitehall Mikayla got sick, it hit Sean and I later that night.  Sean and I got a bad strain because we fought it all week. 

 Ethan and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the 2nd but we will have to save the real celebration until another day.  The good news is hopefully the year can only get better from here!

While Sean and I were sick.  Ethan and Mikayla cleaned up after taking the tree down.

 Mikayla took care of her babies, changes their diapers and tucked them into her crib.

 Grandma Barb is endlessly trying to come up with a solution for her out of control hair.
This is her classic "cheese" face.

 Grandma Barb is working hard to get her to keep in barrettes. 

 And even gave her a "spa day" and tried curlers in her hair.

Christmas 2014

The month of December kept us busy with activities and travelling.  We enjoyed spending time with friends and family and enjoying the season. 

Lisa and I got together for our annual ornament making session.  As we reviewed the almost 9 years of ornaments we could see when husbands and kids came into our lives as the ornaments have become less intricate over the years.  I love this tradition and the memories each year unpacking the ornaments bring. 

Gwen fell asleep in her car seat when we went to get craft supplies.  Lisa brought her in to the house and put her by the tree.  Sean looks over at her as we are eating dinner and says "Awww, she like a little present under the tree".  

 Our tree.  Mikayla loved decorating. 

 My two precious gifts.

We celebrated with Lisa, Mike and Gwen the week before Christmas.  We enjoyed a wonderful evening visit and Sean really liked his Kinetic Sand present.  

The Friday before Christmas Grandma Barb, the kids and I headed to Forsyth to watch Shaunessy and Mickey play basketball.  The kids and I also stopped in Hysham to visit Papa Jim. 

The kids and I enjoyed getting bundled up and riding around the ranch with Papa Jim. We checked on the cows and tried to find some deer, Sean was very bummed we didn't see any. 

 Mikayla, like her mom when she was little, can fall asleep as soon as the vehicle starts moving. Dad always reminds me how I would get in the tractor with him and by the time he got to the end of the field I would be asleep.

Sunday we headed to Kyle's house to get settled in for Christmas. The kids, mom and I enjoyed spending time with Kyle and getting ready for Christmas at his house.  Ethan joined us on Christmas Eve, luckily the big snow storm held out until Christmas Day. 

Indiana enjoyed the fire and Sean was glad that Kyle had a chimney for Santa to come down. 

 The holiday wouldn't be a holiday if Grandma Barb and the kids didn't make and decorate sugar cookies. 

 Mikayla thought the cookies were yummy, yummy.

Mikayla helped Uncle Kyle decorate his tree. 

 Taking a break from shopping. 

 Grandma Barb took Sean on the Scheels Ferris Wheel.

 Enjoying some Sponge Bob with Uncle Kyle.

 We had to wake Sean up on Christmas Day.  He wasn't sure if he wanted to get up or not and didn't seem to care that Santa visited. 

 He warmed up to it once he opened his eyes and saw the goodies. 

 Santa brought the jungle animals he wanted!!

 Badger enjoyed her presents too. 

 Mikayla wanted to help Uncle Kyle and Cami open presents. 

After presents we enjoyed a fabulous dinner, games and drink.  It was a wonderful time. 

On Saturday we headed to Whitehall to celebrate with Grandma Linda and Papa Ron. 

Sean picked out a present for Sam and was very excited for him to open it.  Sean even wrapped it and it had to be in How To Train Your Dragon paper. 

 Once again Mikayla wanted to help everyone open their presents.

She loved her new shopping cart.

 Sean did a little fishing while we were there.