No school due to snow

We woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow and ice. But it was enough to cancel school today. It was not that much, but we did have fun playing outside for a while. The girls packed a ziplock bag full of snow to save. For what, I do not know???

Madelyn and Mary Kaitlyn with their bag of snow.


Mary Kaitlyn running away from Madelyn because Madelyn has a snowball.

This picture was taken on the table out back of the house.

Madelyn and her "Buddies" perform on stage

Madelyn and her "Buddies" theater group performed their BIG show. The whole show centered around American Bandstand and the 70's. Madelyn's group sang the songs "Happy Together", "YMCA", "Shake Your Groove Thing"," Celebration", and "American Bandstand". They also sang "We Are Family". Madelyn had a little solo in this song. All the children had little solos in one of the songs. They all did GREAT! There was also a special appearances by The Brady Bunch, Sonny and Cher, and Donny Osmond. Madelyn looks forward to doing this again next year. Mary Kaitlyn will have to wait until she is 6 to join this group, but she is already ready.

Madelyn after a dress rehearsal.
Madelyn showing off her glasses from the "Happy Together" song and her sailor hat from "YMCA."

Madelyn's sign on her chair backstage. It helped remind her where her place on stage was for each number.

Madelyn on stage after the show.

Mary Kaitlyn and Madelyn

Madelyn and her friend, Emma

Madelyn singing her solo during a stage rehearsal.

Boy are we LOST!

We hosted our 2nd Annual LOST party. There are only a few days left until LOST starts season 5. We all got together and watch the final 2 episodes from last season. We started the night off with dinner. This was follow by a test that covered last season. Brad missed the least questions. Our children had a great night playing together. There was even a talent show to end the evening. It was a great night with great friends and fellowship. Now if we could only figure out what will happen next on LOST!!!

Parker, Ty, Madelyn, Emma, Mary Kaitlyn, and Caroline
Frank and Jamie decided that 2 heads are better than one when it comes to test taking.


Courtney is really concentrating!

Brad and Amanda feel confident in their LOST knowledge.

Jeff, Sara, and Jimmy. "Who is Naomi, Ray, or Charlotte?"

Christmas in January

We celebrated Christmas with my family in January this year. My dad had surgery in December and had some complications. He is doing much better now. Below are some photos from our gathering.

Mary Kaitlyn, Mama Ann, and Madelyn
Joel, Mama Jo, Mary Kaitlyn, Papa Joe, Mama Ann, Madelyn, Jimmy and Leisha

Madelyn, Mary Kaitlyn and Mary Kaitlyn new lifelike cat.

Madelyn, Mary Kaitlyn and I got to visit with some old friends.

Mary Kaitlyn, Mama Ann, Madelyn, Mama Jo, and Papa Joe

Kidzpraise at Church

Madelyn and her friends play the "over/under" game at church with toilet paper. After MANY unsuccessful tries, Madelyn's team finally won. The toilet paper kept tearing and they would have to start all over.

New Year's Eve 2008

Jimmy and I enjoyed an evening out with good friends and good food for New Years' Eve. We went to The Melting Pot Restaurant with Jeff and Sara. While we were out, Madelyn, Mary Kaitlyn, Emma, and Ty stayed at our house with some sitters. Madelyn's goal for the night was to stay up all night. She made it until about 2:15. Mary Kaitlyn stayed up until 11:30. Madelyn's other request for her "all night" New Year's Eve was to have a "midnight snack." She chose chips. She and I camped out in the den and watched movies.

Madelyn and Emma share some "girl talk" in Madelyn's room.

Madelyn and Emma playing with My Little Ponies

Ty and Mary Kaitlyn playing Perfection

Christmas 2008 with family

Below are some snapshots of our yearly Christmas get-together. The girls had a great time visiting with their cousins. Everyone got along SO well! Each night was one big slumber party in the den.

Mary Kaitlyn, Pappa, Nana, and Madelyn

Mary Kaitlyn, Hunter, and Brandon

The Whole Family

The girls: Haley, Madelyn, Sarah Katherine, and Mary Kaitlyn

Doctor Mary Kaitlyn and Army Sergeant Brandon

The Enchanted Forest

The girls love going to The Enchanted Forest each year. This year their favorite trees were the Disney Princess tree, Hannah Montana tree, and Under the Sea tree. Of coarse, they wanted their picture taken in front of almost every tree. Each picture with its own pose to go with the tree. This trip to The Enchanted Forest has become an annual event for us. Below are a few of our snapshots.