Thursday Playdate

had so much fun we stayed for dinner!

Seems like we had a playdate every day last week...so much fun! On Thursday we met our sweet friend, Ashton (and her sweet mom, Cheryl) at Jumpin' Beans. We were having so much fun catching up that we lost track of time and ended up staying until bedtime!

They are actually adopting a baby boy (Alex) from Korea so we just can't wait to get our boys together and let them play too! We can't wait to hang out again soon!

Let the Crafts Begin!

buds

glue, glitter, and yarn...oh my!

stringing stockings

"the stockings were hung by the chimney with care"

kinsey was SO excited to have addison sit with her...
but addison just couldn't wait to get down:)

Last week we were super busy having a great time with lots of friends! On Tuesday we went over to Beth's house and made stocking ornaments with the kiddos and then hung out while they played. The hours went by way too quickly...can't wait to do it again next week!

from college to kids

the girls

Stephen and Kinsey, Braden and Hope


Lauren and Cailey

Alicia and I have been friends since my freshman year of college. We've had some awesome times together and were super close friends. She was always a great example of Christ for me and such a sweet person. YRMWAVS:). This past week we met up (after going WAY too long without seeing each other considering we live in the same city:) and the kids played while we caught up. Our kids are the same ages as each other so it works out really well! We all had a great time and can't wait to do it again...SOON! Love you, Lish!

**I was super tempted to put some college pics of us up but couldn't find any good ones:)**

waiting....still waiting.....STILL WAITING

That's the news on the adoption. We've been waiting since last Monday to even BRING the child abuse clearance paperwork to CIS. AGA hasn't done it yet but we're SUPER hopeful that today will be the day that it will be faxed AND Brian will hand deliver it. A week. A WHOLE WEEK. We were originally told that we'd have our approval by now, but seeing as though it hasn't been sent for approval that didn't happen. Here's hoping that it will FINALLY happen today! I know a week doesn't seem like a big deal to people not going through this, but since it's been weeks since this fiasco started and we have two MORE weeks to wait (at least) once the paperwork is approved before moving on, it seems like an eternity. Thanks for praying.

Piano Man

Braden sat and watched Poppy play the piano the whole time he played. He would watch his fingers and really seemed fascinated. It won't be too long before Braden starts taking lessons and he can't wait!

I can remember LOVING hearing my dad play the piano. I'd dance around or sing the words to the songs whenever he played. As I got older I can remember him playing at night and falling asleep while listening to it from my room.

Now it's the kiddos turn to listen and dance around while he plays. Love these memories!

Happy 40th Anniversary Nonny and Poppy!

Outside at Nonny and Poppy's

It rained a TON while we were in MD and has been raining a lot in Raleigh this fall too. Every evening it seemed to clear up so the kids would head out for some play time. Nonny and Poppy live on a great cul de sac where the kids love to ride their bikes and chase each other.

my cookie monster

love this girl.

my giggle monkey

love this boy.

first thing in the morning

love this girl.

Parade Day!

it was SO much warmer this year!! we brought blankets just in
case but didn't really need them.








shining happy faces!

i was hiding kinsey's 'hair cut job' with
her saucy hat:)


love to see that true happiness on her face!
this was by far her favorite year at the parade. cailey
keeps asking when SHE can be in the parade:)




kinsey was having a GREAT time....


until the costumed characters made their appearance! they
could seriously be on another block but she'd peek her head around
and RUN for us at first glance


it was sad for me to see her enjoying herself
so much...until the characters came!


my happy girl with daddy..her protector:)




Cailey ran out into the street everytime
someone (anyone...even band parents)
went by just so she could shake their hands or give
them hugs.








gotta get the 'bok bok moo' float!

it was SUCH a joy to watch how excited Cailey
was the entire parade. she truly had a GREAT time!

We had a great time going to the parade as a family! Cailey was SO generous...everytime she would get candy, stuffed animals, or other tokens, she'd immediately looked around for a child who didn't get anything and give hers away. I was so proud of her! She was absolutely THRILLED to have a giving heart.

Braden had a blast too and couldn't wait to see what was coming up next. He hung back and just took it all in but was sure to announce each group that was coming by. He loved the cars, GIANT shopping cart, police horses, and drummers!

Kinsey had a GREAT time sitting with all the kiddos and watching everyone come by. She spent the first half of the parade excited...and then went to sit with daddy for the second half so she could feel safer when the characters came by.

After the parade we went out to lunch and came home to decorate the tree. How nice it is to come home from Thanksgiving to a house that's already decorated!

hot cocoa before, during, and after decorating the tree!

you can really see kinsey's hair (that she cut)
sticking up in the front/side
in this pic. man i love that smile!