Around the House

Josh is getting into everything around the house.  All of a sudden he must have grown because he is reaching things on counters and opening drawers he could never get to before.  The other night Kevin was putting away Christmas decorations in the attic and turned around to find Josh climbing the stairs after him.  We were both shocked!  These stairs are far apart and steep!  Kevin got underneath him and watched (without any help) him climb all the way up.  Not sure if that is the best thing to teach our 15 month old, but we were just too impressed.  Josh has also started to show a real affection for Maggie.  He is always following her around the house, sitting down next to her, and then scooting his bum up against her fur.  Finally you'll see a picture of Josh "hiding" out in the dryer.  I took the clothes out and put them on the bed only to walk back and find him inside.  Good thing I'm a procrastinator and the clothes had been done for a while so the dryer wasn't hot.  He was having a great time inside his Josh sized cave!  And that's the latest from around the house!

Big Helper

Josh is helping with the yard work like a good boy.  Check out the boots.  And yes he is still in his pajamas.  What a life!

Happy New Year!

I guess it's time to post our Christmas craziness now that things have started to settle again.  We enjoyed many days celebrating with family from all sides.  Our first was the Kennedy Christmas which was overflowing with kids of all ages running around.  I loved the chaos and Josh really loved watching and trying to interact with the older boys.  You'll notice from the picture the matching aprons we are wearing which is one of my favorite Kennedy traditions.  Each year all the women make some article of clothing to wear together.  

We also had the most wonderful treat of seeing a dear friend from Dubai.  Wale was in town on business and stopped by to spend the day with us.  Of course he brought Josh a soccer ball to go with the matching uniform he sent earlier in the year.  His British roots are determined to make Josh a soccer player!

Christmas morning we spent as a small family: Kevin, Josh, and me.  It was a nice relaxing time to stop and praise God for the gift of his Son, our redeeming Savior and reason for this season.  We did a few gifts for each other including cowboy boots for Josh.  (All mule riding cowboys must have boots) He wants to wear them all the time so be sure to check his feet on any pictures in future blogs!  Later that day we spent with Kevins family and cousin Owen!  The boys got matching "horses" from Pa and Nana which were a BIG hit.

Christmas night my parents flew in and spent the week with us.  They spoiled Josh rotten with everything Nemo including a real fish for his bedroom.  We killed the first two fish in just one night, but the newest fish has lasted now a whole week!  My parents spoiled us too by giving us many date nights.  Kevin and I went out to dinner a few times, saw a movie and visited the Houston Science Museum Body Works exhibit.  Overall it was a wonderful time and a real reminder of how blessed are to have such great families.

Family Photos '08

We met with a wonderful lady from our church last week to take family photos.  Here are some of the pictures (of course we saved the best for Christmas presents, so you can't sneak peak Grandmo!).  A big thanks to Rachel and I encourage all of you to check her out at www.portraitplayland.com

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I Remembered!

I remembered the camera last night...yay!

Josh doesn't really ride yet, it's more like sitting with an occasional step or two...

but he loves it anyway!

This is Gayla.  She isn't as tall as the mule I ride but she has LOTS of spunk!

This is Mary Jane.  She is sooo stubborn which is why I ride her.  Kevin's dad teases him that he can't handle her. Ha!

The Best Hill Ever

Thanksgiving Weekend

We spent the this Thanksgiving weekend with a wonderful couple from church, the Suttons, in Bandera (a small hunting town just west of San Antonio).  Josh had a great time exploring the great outdoors and his daddy had a great time hunting.   Thanks Suttons for a super weekend!