It's a bedtime tradition that began with Little Nutbrown Hare, and each night we try to outdo the last...I love you to the moon and back...to the beach and back...to the mountians...and one of my favorites, "to Jesus and the angels" and back...We never imagined we would be saying, I love you to Africa and back...it seems like the furthest imaginable place, but yet in God's perfect timing, we plan to go.... to Africa and back!!! And when we get back, we will have another little cheek to kiss goodnight...please keep us in your prayers and enjoy this journey with us!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Our Snowy Weekend...


We started out Sabbath morning by enjoying doughnuts and coffee/ hot chocolate
Trying to decide if this is going to be fun or not!
The snow is really pretty...this was the view of our house from the front of our property when we took a ride on the 4-wheeler around the yard.
It's just not the same when it's less than 20 degrees but it was worth a try!
Yes, we did actually ride around (all 3 of us at once) on the 4-wheeler! It's part of living in the country I guess!
We attended Avery's 3rd birthday party that afternoon, before heading inside to celebrate we all took some time to enjoy the snow together. It was fun seeing the kids all play together in the snow, although we had to sneak in some sled rides too!


Macey and Emmaline were so cute going down the hill on the sled together, but getting an action shot was too hard to get! I can't imagine why...

Saturday night we got together with Ty (from daycare) and his parents...Emmaline just loved seeing him and hanging out. Whenever we talk about him she says "Ty's a good boy"... and "he gives me hugs"...so cute!

This morning, bright and early, she was ready to head back outside!
Our little "snow angel"

Daddy is so proud!

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Our fun month of December!

I can't believe December has already come and gone...the holidays are such a busy time of the year but so much fun! Emmaline is at such a perfect age to really take it all in and just enjoy everything. Here are lots of photos to catch everyone up on what we've been up to...
This one just makes me laugh...there is no doubt that Emmaline is TWO! She's very proud of dressing herself (I just love it when an outfit comes together!)
We spent an evening taking pictures with Santa with friends Ethan, Avery and Macey. Here the girls are just hanging out by the tree.
"Santa's okay if I don't have to look at him!"
"Now he's definately in my personal space!"
Picking out the perfect tree...Emmaline sang "O Christmas Tree" over and over on the way there. So cute
We decided on the 1st one that she had pointed out right when we got there...that was easy!
Getting ready to go to church
Another week getting ready for church, she looked at the tree often and said "Good pick!"

Getting ready to go to Opryland hotel to see the lights with Chad's family. She was wearing a Rudolph shirt and that evening when we put it on I started to sing "Rudolph the red nosed reindeer" and when I listed the reindeer's names she added "and Dixie and Dallas" (Mom and Dad have two of Dixie's "puppies" named "Donder and Blitzen") she wanted to be sure not to leave out Dixie and Dallas!

Once again Sabbath morning in front of the Christmas tree...I just couldn't resist the photo opportunities!
This is a dress that Aunt Cheryl gave to her, she called herself the "Christmas princess" when she put it on and just twirled and twirled.
One of my favorite Christmas traditions...making Christmas cookies! Emmaline thought this was a lot more fun than just playing with play-doh!
Mmmmm....the shirt says it all!
While my parents were in town, we went to the ICE exhibit at Opryland, this year the theme was Charlie Brown which Emmaline just loved! It was amazing to see the artwork...
This was a slide made of ice that Emmaline had so much fun going down...
Family picture...it was 8 degrees in there so we were glad to be bundled up!
After being in the cold for about an hour we headed out through the ice tunnel...
Warming up by the fireplace after looking at the lights outside of the hotel. Emmaline is so lucky to be able to have both sets of her grandparents in the same place at the same time so often!
Decorating....
and sampling "Santa's cookies"!

Spending time with cousin Lyla on Christmas Eve. They are so fun to watch together.
A Christmas Eve picture in her new Christmas pajamas...
Santa came and not only left lots of gifts, but filled the stockings too!
Picking out the first gift to open on Christmas morning...so overwhelming!
Trying out a new stethoscope on daddy...

Trying out a new apron for cooking...
And trying out both...what a multitasker!
Santa left something for everybody...
Once again...on the way to church (this time Nauna and Papa took Emmaline with them and Chad and I had the morning to relax!) I had almost forgotten what it was like to just sit in front of the fireplace and drink an entire cup of coffee in one sitting! Ahhhh
Christmas with the Litchfields...Each year it is such fun chaos with everyone opening presents at the same time! (in contrast for me growing up we opened presents one at a time then waited to look at/play with each before moving on the the next) It's fun now doing it both ways!
I think cousin Tessa likes Chad's Lowes gift card...I'm sure her daddy wouldn't mind if she ended up with it!
Sunday after Christmas we had brunch at Bob and Debbies (which was absolutely delicious!) It was nice to see Rob and Christy whom we hadn't seen in over a year.
Mmm...
Just hanging out (in the princess cape of course) with Montana our new "outside" cat!
New Year's Eve...celebrating by eating a cupcake with Avery! What big girls!
Happy New Year!!! Emmaline at midnight...


We wish everyone the best in the New Year! We are reminded each day of just how fortunate we are and thank God daily for His blessings! Happy 2010!!!