Christmas in Roswell...and a few other pictures

Well, I am finally getting around to posting our Christmas Pictures. This year, we went to Roswell to spend Christmas with Greg's parents, grandparents, and sister and her husband. We had a great time...once we got there! Yes, we were some of those people stuck in the Dallas airport on Christmas Eve! Because of Greg's schedule, we had to leave for Roswell on the 24th. I was very nervous about traveling on Christmas Eve, that something would go wrong and we would miss Christmas, but we didn't have a choice. I thought, if we can just get out of Indiana and to Dallas, we will be fine. What did I know. As we were waiting in the Indy airport, I noticed a TV that had the weather on. They were talking about a BIG snow storm. I didn't pay much attention at first and then noticed that the map looked like Texas. I then realized they were talking about Dallas! Oh no! After being really upset, frustrated and delayed...I relaxed and realized, that there was nothing we could do and to just let it go. I was so grateful that Michael was only 2 and wouldn't miss Santa and all of the Christmas festivities, since he didn't really understand them anyway. I couldn't imagine what it would have been like if he had been 6 and freaking out because Santa wouldn't know to come to the Dallas airport.

Well, we finally made it to Dallas and found that our flight to Roswell had been cancelled. They re-booked us on a flight to Albuquerque and Greg's sister booked us a room at a hotel near the airport. Our flight to Albuquerque was delayed for several hours and didn't leave until 1:00 am central time (2:00 am eastern, our time). Of course, Michael stayed up the whole time. Thank goodness he was very good as long as he was being pushed in the stroller or running around. He didn't want to sit or lay down AT ALL! While we were waiting it out in Dallas, I noticed that Michael had a rash. I first noticed it on his neck, then on his stomach, then all over. We later discovered that they were hives....more about that later. Finally, at 3:00 am mountain time (5:00 am eastern and Christmas morning) we settled in bed at the Courtyard Marriott in Albuquerque. What a night!

We woke up around 9:00 and went down to the lobby for a warm breakfast. It tasted so good after a day of airport food!

Michael eating breakfast Christmas morning, 2009!

Then around 10:00, Greg's Dad and JoJo's husband picked us up for the 3 hour drive to Roswell. We got to Roswell at 1:00 pm Christmas day. So much for my ideas of how our Christmas would be. But that didn't matter. We had a great time once we got there and it was great to be with family. I told Greg while we were waiting in the Dallas airport, "at least we are together. That is what is important". Everyone was so glad once we got there and anxious to start opening gifts!

Michael seeing what Santa brought him!

A putting green!

All of the loot!

Another one of his favorite gifts! A Steelers helmet!

On Saturday, Michael's "rash" had not gone away, so I called the doctor. They told me that it was probably hives, but they wanted him checked by a doctor. So, we spent 3 hours in the ER on Saturday. Finally, they confirmed they were hives and had no idea what brought them on. We got some meds and then were ready to start enjoying our time there!

This picture really shows his hives

(cheeks, neck, and hands)

After Christmas, we went backed to Greg's parents home, where everything was ready for Michael. Becky ordered a rubber mat for him to play on, since they have all tile in their home. It was like a play ground just for Michael! She also had a CD full of Elmo songs that Michael just loved. He learned to turn on the CD player and turn the volume WAY up! He likes to listen to Elmo loud! She also had some rhythm sticks for him to play with and a whole bunch of activities!

Puppy ears made by Grandma

Frosting chocolate cookies with Elmo decorations!

It snowed in Roswell too, so Grandma and Michael built a snowman

We also went to the New Mexico Military Institute

where Michael got to swim and play basketball

On New Year's Eve, we had some noise makers. Michael was having a hard time blowing his and making noise. I noticed that he was blowing through his nose, so I plugged it. When he realized that made it work, he thought he had to plug his nose all of the time. It was pretty cute and funny!

After New Year's Day, our fun trip was over. And wouldn't you know it, we were delayed on our way home too! This time it wasn't so bad. Michael was really a great kid through it all. Below is a picture we took at the Memphis airport. What a cutie!

Once we got back to West Lafayette, we were greeted with more snow. It was freezing, but I wanted Michael to have a chance and get out and play in it. It was 15 degrees, so we really had to bundle him up! They only stayed out for about 5 minutes and were welcomed back in to some hot chocolate! Yummy!

My boys bundled up!

Watching Daddy make a snow angel.

Michael wasn't interested in trying it!

Giving me a thumbs up!

Well you made it through this long post. I hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Getting Ready for Christmas

We are so excited for the Christmas season! I am proud to show you that Greg and I were able to fully decorate our house this season - in spite of Greg being gone so much of December. Anyway, I thought you would enjoy seeing the fruits of our labor! :)

Michael and I sure have enjoyed it! Merry Christmas!

Little Man ready for Church

Merry Christmas!

"Mom keeps telling me not to touch the tree, but it is so hard to resist!"

Thankgiving in Bama!

Well, once again, I am behind on updating the blog. But I think I have a good excuse...it being the Christmas season and all! :)

This year we spent our Thanksgiving in Alabama with all of my family. It was a blast to go see where Kit, Lib and the boys live. Everyone in my family had already visited, so we were excited to see what all of the fuss was about! :) Well, we were not disappointed! We had so much fun and let me tell you - the South really knows how to eat! We went to Lamberts - Home of the Throwed Rolls for Josiah's birthday! There you eat until you can't move! They actually throw rolls at you, the size of a LARGE grapefruit - so watch out! Then there are people coming around with pots of food - mac and cheese, fried okra, fried potatoes, and more... I can't even remember all that was passed around. And all of that was on top of your entree! I had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans. When I was finished, you could hardly tell I had even touched it. That is how much food there was! But it was so good! While we were there, they announced that is was Jos' birthday and a few people came by and gave him some money. I think he got about $3 worth. He was thrilled and so cute! It was just like the South to be so gracious and help make a sweet little boy's birthday even better!

At Lamberts - check out the size of the rolls!

(Mack, Gunner, Liberty, Sydnee)

The rest of the gang at Lamberts

Jos opening his birthday presents

We were also treated to a low-land boil by Kit, Lib, and Mack (Liberty's brother). We had shrimp, potatoes, corn on the cob, and green beans. All you can eat shrimp - that's what I am talking about! YUMMY! Then Kit also deep fried our Thanksgiving Turkey! So good! It makes my mouth water just thinking about it!

Kit and Mack deep frying the Thanksgiving Turkey

**They look like a couple of good ole' boys throwing back a few ;)**

Our Thanksgiving table

While we were there, we rented a house on the beach. The water was too cold for my liking, but the kids didn't seem to mind! We even rented some kayaks so the "boys" could go out and get a closer look at the dolphins. It worked, Parker, Mack and Jos were able to get within a couple of feet of some dolphins! Greg was so jealous!

Our house was the blue one

Mack and Ellee

Michael sitting on Greg's sand castle

Parker, Jos and Mack getting the kayaks ready

Greg out on a solo voyage

The boys!


Michael showing us his golf swing while on a walk along the beach.


Ellee and Michael


In deep thought - perhaps he will be able to solve the healthcare problem?

Another cute picture!

The best part of the whole trip was being able to spend time together. Michael loves his cousins! It was so fun to watch him jump in and wrestle with the boys! He already knew Parker and Ellee very well and loves to visit and play with them. But this was the first time he had seen Kit and Liberty's kids since he was 9 months old. Greg and I laugh that Michael and Gunner had a love/hate relationship! They were so intrigued by eachother, but were quick to squeal if either of them did something they didn't like. But, they proved to be great buddies and Michael is still talking about Gunner! :)

Little Buddies

(Gunner and Michael)

Wrestling with the boys!

Me reading Thanksgiving stories during Family Home Evening


Parker and Michael wrestling

(Parker was great with the little boys!)

All and all, we had a great time together as a family. We have so much to be grateful for! The Lord has blessed our family beyond what we deserve. I am so grateful for this Holiday Season when the world stops to remember the birth and life of our Savior. May we all strive to carry that spirit in our hearts all year long.

All of the Grandchildren

(Michael, Parker, Ellee, Gunnison, Gavin, Jos)

Busy Fall

****Well, I started this post before I left for vacation and just finished it now. It is a little outdated, but here you go. New posts to follow soon! ****

A couple of weeks ago, we drove to Columbus, OH to celebrate Parker's birthday. He turned 12 and in our church, boys receive the Priesthood at this time. So, we had lots of family there. It was so fun to see Grammy and Papa, Dale's parents Tom and Marlene, and my sister and her family.

For Parker's birthday, we went to dinner at Kobe Steakhouse. It is a Japanese steakhouse, where they cook the food in front of you. Not only was the steak AMAZING, it was so fun to watch the chef entertain us with his slicing and dicing. Michael was particularly impressed and applauded him whenever he did something amazing. Then all of a sudden, we heard some drums and it was two Chinese dragons putting on a show. At first, I thought Michael would be scared, but of course he wasn't, he loved it!

Michael and Ellee at Kobe's

Michael and Ellee with the Chinese dragon

Watching the dragon

(Michael, Ellee, Marlene, Tom)

Fascinated by the chef

Before we left Sydnee's, we went to church and we took a picture of Michael dressed in his Sunday best! He is pretty cute, if I do say so myself.

I also had to add these pictures taken at Michael's doctor's office. This time they gave us a hospital gown to dress him in while he waited for the doctor. I guess it was because it was so cold that day. Anyway, I thought he looked adorable, so Greg took a couple pictures!

Do you feel a breeze?

Then this past weekend, we went to the Purdue/Michigan State football game. Michael really likes football and enjoyed every aspect of the game (see pictures and video below).

With Greg before the game

Watching the pre-game warm-up.

(when you go to the game with Greg, you take in the whole event!)

Future football star!

Tackled for a loss

Boiler Up!

Taking it all in....