Ballet Class

It was a COLD day and since Lauren's ballet class is in Miss Ahna's garage, we kept her sweats on and notice her tutu as well.

I had to take video of their "free dance" time. This is at the end of class, they all get to do what they want and show Miss Ahna what they have learned. It is too cute and usually brings lots of smiles and laughs to me and the boys' faces. Most of the time they just walk around looking at each other and in the beginning this is what Lauren did, but then she warmed up and did many, many twirls. You'll notice how she stops to talk to the boys because they are telling her to dance.

More Snow as Mimi visits

Will the snow ever end?? Don't get me wrong, it's beautiful and the boys always want snow, but I think we are snowed out!! Another weekend of church being canceled, it was a bummer. At least Mimi was hear to have fun with us!! She got in right before the snow started!!




It's snowed most of the day on Saturday. While it was snowing we all went outside to play in it. Lauren helped Mimi clean off the cars.



The boys were having fun playing "star wars" in the snow and then a snowball fight with Mimi. Thankfully Sunday warmed up and the roads ended up being fine by the time Mimi left. Sorry Mom, I know you didn't want me to take your picture with your hair like that, but I don't always remember to take pictures while you are here. Thanks for coming all the way up in yucky weather to visit us!! We love you!! Like I said, after you left the boys said, "It's not the same in our house without Mimi!"

Playing in the snow with friends

The next day after the snowstorm all weekend, (Monday) February 1, we went sled ridding with our great friends. Robin, Leigha, Aaron and Zack Kempf. Lauren and Leigha loved swinging in the snow.




Robin, Leigha and Aaron.




Aaron kept scaring Robin, the hills were pretty steep and we didn't want the boys crashing into the homes and pond nearby. It actually warmed up this day and the boys all took off their jackets because they were sweating. I have to brag which I hope I don't do too much. Josh was talking with some boys and I wasn't sure what was going on, so like a protective mother that I am, I asked, "Josh what's going on" and he said "Mom, I'm just asking them if they know Jesus!" I was proud but taken back a bit, since Josh isn't always my outspoken one. I just pray that as they grow up to be teenagers this will still be heavy on their hearts, and they will have the courage to witness and not be ashamed of Christ!!





It was a fun day and a fun time with great godly friends!! I'm so thankful that the Lord allowed Robin and my path to cross. We met at the boys Christian school years ago, when Zack & Josh were in K-4 together. Robin and I were both pregnant at the same time with girls. Zack & Josh were in the same K-5 class the next year. They now attend our church and homeschool just like we do. Just wish they lived right around the corner!!

Snow...

Josh trying to shoot hoops in the snow.

Our first snow storm that we've had in years. We got 8" and the kids played in it all weekend. It started on Saturday and didn't stop snowing until Sunday morning. We had to cancel church, which I hate to miss church, but it sure was nice to be "snowed in" and slow down our pace of life. We had fun playing in the snow with our kids, sleigh ridding, sitting by the fire, and just having some quiet. When snow falls it reminds me of what a GREAT God we serve that creates such amazing beauty. It also reminds me how God has made us white as the snow (cleansed us from our sins) by His blood. Thank you Lord for your beauty that you've given us through your creation and through your Son, Jesus Christ.

Lauren got out for a few minutes with her brothers to play in the snow. And then she was done, but the boys were in it all day!!




Shaun got out to shovel our driveway while it was still snowing. Good idea but wrong time, it snowed more and covered our driveway again.

Caleb and Lauren.

Lauren loved playing on the playground in the snow. She wasn't up for sled ridding much. She went down once and she was done.

The boys had fun sled ridding down some pretty good size hills with their friends, Jesse and Logan. We didn't realize that a golf course in our area has some pretty good sledding hills.

The boys were sled ridding for two hours and went back again after a break for another two hours.

Rachel & Craig's Wedding in NY

Lauren and I traveled all the way up to Rachel & Craig's wedding, while Shaun stayed home with the boys. It was fun to hang out with Mimi & Poppy, Aunt Sarah & Baby Nate, and Gigi. It was great to see Aunt Deb, Uncle Pete (my Mom's brother), Matt, Rachel and Rebecca.



Matt walking Aunt Deb down the aisle. It was a beautiful wedding and church building.





Rachel and Craig. I loved Rachel's dress and her hair!! She was a beautiful bride!! I didn't get the greatest shots but I liked this one. Sarah got way more and way better shots.



Sorry Sa, I had to steal your picture from your blog of us!! Love it!! My beautiful sister Sarah!!




Loved this one of us as well!!





Love this picture of Lauren! She loved watching everyone dance. She would even get up and dance in our little corner near our table, but wasn't up for going on the dance floor. I think it was way too many people for her.




This was one of those pictures that my sis had taken with her camera. Had to post this one as well because we rarely get a picture with our Mom and Gigi (my Mom's mother).




She finally got the courage to get out on the dance floor at the end, when Aunt Sarah and Mimi took her out. She wouldn't go with me, and by this time it was almost 9pm.









Aunt Sarah and Nate.




She also loved to play with baby Nate when he wasn't in Mimi's arms. Sorry I am not keeping up with my posts monthly. Time just flies by and life gets way too busy.

Christmas Time at The Brown's

The "girl" cousins, Paige, Lauren and Kaleah.




My mother-in-law's amazing Christmas lunch spread. Way too much food!!




Christmas night the kid's opening up their gifts.




Lauren got the "12 Dancing Princesses" which she now watches everyday.
And she keeps talking about one day marrying a "prince". Thanks to Aunt Virginia for this!! Just kidding. And I told her she needs to grow big like Mommy, which she says "Mommy I am big now." I have also said her prince needs to be a prince that loves Jesus!!




Aunt Christa always buys the coolest gifts that the boys love!!








All of the Brown's and Bauer's.




Sister-in-laws.




All the cousins, Paige, Lauren, Hudson, Kaleah, Caleb and Josh.




The boys!!




Josh had my camera and I found many pictures taken by him. He took this one but I loved it, so I had to post it.




This was Christmas Eve and we decided to open all of the gifts from Grandma and Grandad. We saved the Aunt's and Uncle's gifts to the kids so they had something to open on Christmas day.




We brought our Wii knowing Grandma bought the boys Mario Kart. I think the adults had way more fun though. This is Uncle Peter and Uncle Matt.




Lauren trying to be patient as each cousin opened up a gift in age order.




The boys were pumped about Mario Kart.




When we got to Grandma and Grandad's house there was already snow on the ground about one foot. The boys were outside playing in it the whole week. A few days before Christmas, they decided to go to a nearby Christian Camp ground where there are awesome steep hills to sled down. They had a blast while I stayed home with the sleeping little ones. Above is Josh sledding with Paige.















My studdly husband, sporting his "retro" 90's outfit.













Love the hair Josh!!



The snow kept the boys so entertained. It brought back memories of my childhood. I use to be out playing and sledding in the snow with my sister's for hours. We would come in to warm up for some hot cocoa and then go back out. The boys were out all day and would even go back out at night. They had a blast!! Thanks Grandma and Grandad!!