1st Camping Trip

 

This past December we decided that we wanted to get a camper for our family.  It's something we've talked about for years and knew that we would one day get one, but after some talking we decided that this was the perfect time in our lives.  We figured life will only get busier as the kids get older and get more involved in different activities, so let's do it now.

 

We had a beautiful weekend in January when the weather warmed up a little bit, so we called up some friends, booked a campsite, and ventured out.  We only went 10 minutes from home, but the campground was beautiful!  It was Pilot Knoll campground on Lake Lewisville, it was a perfect place to try out the new camper and learn the ropes a little bit.

 

Our sites were beautiful; we were right on the lake with a little bit of grassy area to play as well.

 

Our friends brought some kites, so when the wind picked up we quickly grabbed those kites and let them fly.

We also did some fishing, biking, and hiking.

 

The biggest loving on the littlest.

 

Hey cutie!

 

Roasting marshmallows was so fun!  Hannah could not wait for this part of the day, but then she took her first taste and got sticky goo on her fingers and she was done with marshmallows.  Heehee, silly girl!

 

This boy loved his first camping trip as much as the rest of us!

 

The kids thoroughly enjoy their bunk beds.

 

Fishing with my girl.

 

Even daddy snuck in a few minutes of fishing.

 

Isaac fell in love with our friends dog...he would have taken her home if he could.  I don't blame him, she's beautiful and so sweet.

 

The first camping was a definite success!  We learned a few things, we had a blast, and we started the countdown until the next trip!

 

Chapel

 

Luke's Pre-K class led chapel one day in January, so Hannah and I went to watch this group of cuties.

Luke was the flag holder on this particular day...it was a surprise to me, and it was so fun to watch him stand proudly waving that flag.

 

Hannah left me to sit with her favorite, Mrs. Hall.  She absolutely adores her!

 

Luke's teacher read a sweet book about a snowflake, so the class made beautiful snowflakes to hold up as she read.

 

I am incredible grateful that I get to be a part of these moments with my kids...it was a special day.  I am so thankful that we have found another wonderful school for my little ones; one that teaches them about Christ and helps to grow their love for Him as they learn academics as well.

Christmas 2014 - part 2

We started our Houston Christmas with a party at Oma and Opa's house.  The kids were so excited to see everyone!!!  We had a nice time visiting, exchanging gifts, and enjoyed a delicious dinner!

 

 

Hannah and Colton

 

Hannah and Tante Soo Jin

 

The BIG guys

 

The next day we went to Emmy and Gumby's house to celebrate Christmas with the Griffin family.  It was a sweet afternoon of gifts, lunch, and fun time with family.

 

Daddy and Luke

 

Isaac was the trash man this Christmas...every gift exchange we could count on Isaac getting a bag and picking up all the trash for us.  I love his servant heart.

 

Daddy and Gumby

 

The girls!

 

Aunt Ana and Isaac

 

We even had a day to play with Taylor, she and Kristin came to Oma and Opa's house to play for the afternoon.  The kids had a blast, and the grown ups enjoyed the time to visit.  Everyone was sad when it was time to leave.

 

Me and my parents...I'm so thankful for them!!!

 

CHRISTMAS 2014 was busy, but so fun!  I am thankful for the love surrounding us and the time we had to share with everyone.  Life is definitely different now that we live up north, but it sure makes the time together sweeter.

Christmas 2014

 

Dressed up for the Christmas Eve Service at church.

 

 

Making Jesus' birthday cake...a Christmas tradition.

 

Isaac got to come to big church for the Christmas Eve service.  He did great, sat nice and still, and listened so well.  He enjoyed the message and loved the songs!

 

Silent Night...his favorite part of the service was definitely holding the candle.

 

 

We let them open one present on Christmas Eve this year...

 

...so exciting!!!

 

Christmas morning!!!

Isaac was the first one up and he had to wait almost an hour for Hannah to wake up!

 

Batman PJs!

 

A real watch for our big guy!

 

He needs this warm hat for this cold winter!

 

Frozen coloring kit for our Frozen loving artist.

 

A giant box of princess barbies!

They all enjoyed this one...they had to name each one.

 

Both of the boys got remote control helicopters, after all that is what they told Santa that they wanted.

 

This Christmas was much different than past Christmases, but it was very special.  We really enjoyed having a quiet Christmas Eve; going to church and then we went out to look at lights before bed.  It was a sweet day with my precious family. 

Christmas morning was not too crazy, the kids weren't up too early, Isaac had to wait for Luke and Hannah to wake up.  Daddy made us yummy Rudolph pancakes to start our morning, then we opened stockings, before heading to the living room for the big gifts.  The kids were very excited, but not too crazy, so it was a lot of fun!  After opening gifts we just played and enjoyed the time together.  Then we had a quick lunch and hit the road for Houston to visit the rest of the family.  It was a perfect Christmas Eve and Christmas morning!

North Park Trains

My kids love trains, especially Luke, he loves everything about trains. We had heard about a train display that was set up in a mall and thought it would be fun to check out.  It was much more elaborate than I ever imagined.  The kids enjoyed looking at every detail and watching the trains go by.  It included scenes from many of the big cities in the USA, so it was fun to talk about all the different places.

This was a memorable family outing, a special one, and I hope it becomes an annual tradition.