Four of a Kind

New Year's Eve 2011

2012-02-05T12:35:00.000-06:00

Playing the Kinect

They made it till midnight.

We spent this New Year's with most of John's family. We spent the night at Roger & Dee Dee's. The kids had so much fun playing dress-up and running around till midnight.

Random Photos from the past month

2012-02-04T20:51:00.003-06:00

Her Cheesy Grin, but look at all those teeth.

This is Alivia's favorite spot to sit. As soon as she hears the fridge door open she comes running and takes a seat.

The kids have moved on from Angry Birds they are now addicted to Temple Run.

Wearing Daddy's Shoes

Hudson is always feeling left out when the girls match, so I found him a shirt that matches one of Alivia's dresses.

Ella dressing Alivia up in some of her clothes.

Alivia playing on my phone. She loves to turn on the music and dance around.

Hudson and Alivia love to play together and wrestle.

Our kids are early risers and as soon as Ella woke up, Alivia asked her to read her a book.

The kids all playing on Hudson's bed pretending to be asleep.

Ella our Little Author

2011-12-15T21:22:00.005-06:00

Ella's Book

(in case you can't read her writing I will interpret)

The three Girls went to take a walk
Chapter 1 The girls go on a walk. On the walk Avery said
I see something it looks like a deer. They run is fast as fast as they could.

Chapter 2 Run for your life. They were run for their life. Ella said how about will go this way.

Chapter 3 Go for the short cut. They went for it Haley saw the deer.

Chapter 4 Got chased again. So they run and run and finally they stop.

At Ella's school they have different centers that they can go to for free time. Ella's favorite is the Art Center and she created this little chapter book. I think it was pretty good considering she did it all by herself and she is only 6.

Decorating for Christmas

2011-12-02T07:28:00.006-06:00

Alivia dancing in the chair.Showing off their hard work. They really did put almost all of the decorations on the tree.Setting up the villageThe kids love to add their own decorations to the tree and usually they are pretty funny. So far I have found this remote control (for Hudson's car) that he put in the tree and Alivia put her pacifier and some crackers in the tree. I guess no one will have a tree like ours.

The kids always love to help decorate the house for Christmas and this year even Alivia was able to help. Another thing they love is dance to around to Christmas music.

Thanksgiving/Christmas 2011

2011-12-02T07:17:00.002-06:00

Well right after we got home from Hutchinson we had all of my family over for Thanksgiving and early Christmas. We all had a really good time for some reason I didn't get a lot of pictures but it was a great time.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T06:44:00.004-06:00

The guys playing football after lunchElla going down the zip line backwardsHudson going down the zip line.

We spent Thanksgiving in Hutchinson. The weather was amazing considering it was the end of November. It was hard to catch up with the two older kids. They were always on the go playing with their cousins. They really enjoyed the new tree house that was just built. And we finally got Hudson to go down the zip line by himself. Alivia did pretty well with all the chaos running around and I think Gramma even got to see her sweet little personality. It was a great time for all of us and of course we all ate too much food.

Kids & the Camera

2011-11-20T14:36:00.004-06:00

I did take this picture. I tried to get one of the three of them smiling.

The kids had fun playing with the camera today and taking goofy pictures of each other. They decorated their little tree and started taking pictures of themselves in front of their tree.

Fun at the Mall

2011-11-20T14:25:00.004-06:00

Big Night 2011

2011-11-20T13:58:00.006-06:00

Our Church has a Fall Carnival every year in September. This blog is really behind but here is the fun our kids had. It was very hot but the kids had a great time with all the rides, games and food.

Hudson's 4th Birthday at the Zoo

2011-11-18T21:51:00.005-06:00

Hudson's best Tiger faceStopping for a snack

We spent Hudson's birthday at the Zoo. He loves going to the Zoo and seeing the polar bear and all the animals. So we had a great day, great weather and great friends to share the day.

Hudson's 4th Birthday at Great G & G's

2011-11-18T21:14:00.005-06:00

Great Grandpa pushing Ella on the swingTaking a walk around the big pond

We had Hudson's first 4th birthday party at my Grandparents house. The kids love spending time with their Great Grandparents and playing outside on all their land. I didn't get many pictures of Hudson because he was too busy playing outside with his older cousins.

Pumpkin Patches 2011

2011-11-18T20:46:00.009-06:00

Running through the corn mazeNana & Alivia in the corn mazeRiding on the train

Second Pumpkin Patch

It was really cold out so Alivia was content sitting in the stroller with her blanket.

Hudson proud that he made it through the obstacle course.

We had a busy month in October and went to two different pumpkin patches. The first time we went as a family with Nana. It was a lot of fun and perfect weather. The second pumpkin patch was a playdate for preschool aged kids. It was a freezing rainy day but Hudson still had a blast. Alivia was happy just cuddling with her blanket and watching Hudson play.

Our weeks lately

2011-11-18T19:06:00.001-06:00

Alivia loves being with Ella and Ella loves to do things with Alivia, here they are making door hangers.

Hudson is sharing cheerios with Alivia one morning while they both watch cartoons
Ella's first Hockey Game

Playing in the leaves

It has been awhile since I have blogged there are many reasons. The first of which is our camera has been broke since our trip to Colorado and the second reason is we are always busy. But here are some pictures from my phone of what we have been up to lately.

HOOT, HOOT Alivia turns ONE!

2011-09-29T10:56:00.010-06:00

Our Birthday Girl!
She was really getting into opening her presents

Alivia and her boys, Brett & Cooper

Enjoying her owl cupcake

After her party we found Alivia relaxing in her chair in her room.

Our baby is now one, where has the time gone? We celebrated with two parties. Her first party was on her actual birthday. We invited friends over for a little party. She had a lot of fun opening her gifts and eating her cupcake. Her second party was a family party. She knew exactly how to open her gifts this time and dove right in to her cupcake. I think she was a little overwhelmed because when her party was over we found her relaxing in a chair in her room. Alivia is a wonderful, happy, and loving little one year old. She is a perfect fit into our family.

Thank you God for our Sweet little Alivia!

Alivia 1 year & Hudson 4 year pictures

2011-09-07T09:51:00.004-06:00

Alivia was uncontrollably crying so we had her sit on my lap and covered my legs with the sheet and flowers. We still didn't get a smile but no tears.

For those of you who know Hudson this is a perfect picture of his personality.

I know he isn't 4 for another month but we were there and who knows when we will get back and he was willing to have them take his picture.

Ella our 1st Grader

2011-09-07T09:39:00.004-06:00

Ella & her teacher Mrs. McDonald

Wow I can't believe Ella is in 1st grade already where did this summer go. She was sad for summer to be over but she is glad to start school and see all of her friends again. She has the same teacher from last year. Which we just loved her so excited that she gets her again this year.

Alivia 11 Months

2011-09-07T09:32:00.002-06:00

Yep she is 11 months old. She is a pro at walking now and is starting to move really fast. She is such a happy little girl. She is still going through the stranger anxiety stage. Alivia loves eating all kinds of food or at least she will try anything at least once. Her brother & sister are spoiling her by giving her anything and everything she wants. Which is sweet but doesn't work great when it comes to sharing with other kids. We love our little Alivia she is a great happy baby but again we are still hoping she starts sleeping a little better.

10 months (only a month late)

2011-08-19T11:57:00.005-06:00

She loves carrying things around especially Ella's purses.

This is way behind considering she is almost 12 months. But when she was 10 months here is what she was doing. She started walking. Also she started preferring actual food versus baby food. Smiling is just about her favorite thing to do. She loves playing with her brother and sister and is still very ornery. She will give you a little smile when she is doing something she shouldn't be doing. I think it is kind of cute now, but I know that she will be always keeping me on my toes. What a joy and blessing is our little Alivia!

Camp Gramma Colorado 2011

2011-08-17T19:16:00.013-06:00

Mountain View from our meeting roomThe kids listening during our twice daily meetings

Me on the ZiplineJohn jumping off the zipline doing the supermanA deer right outside our room

We had Camp Gramma this year in Estes Park, CO. The kids were on the go all the time. Even though we didn't get many pictures of Alivia she was a great happy baby, even though she didn't get naps. It was a great time with lots of great memories.

4th of July 2011

2011-07-07T06:36:00.011-06:00

SaturdayAlivia playing with her little friend AddieHudson playing with poppers

Our two sweaty kids

Ella loved the sparklers

Some of the kids sitting still to watch fireworks (but it didn't last long).

Sunday

Running after parachutes

Caught oneSprinkler fun at our Second 4th of July Party Monday

4th of July at World's of Fun

Alivia loves fireworks. She would giggle and clap.

The kids watching the fireworks

Fireworks at World's of Fun

We had a busy but fun 4th. We started the weekend with our first party on Saturday at my Grandparent's. The kids had a blast running around their big yard, playing with their cousins and shooting off fireworks. Our second party was at our friends house. The kids had fun running around through the sprinklers. On the 4th of July we spent at World's of Fun. We had never stayed when it was dark so it was fun to see everything all lit up at night. So we stayed to enjoy the fireworks. Well by the end of the weekend we were exhausted but we all had fun.

Fun at the Pool

2011-06-27T20:14:00.003-06:00

Our girls both love to swim but Hudson just loves to sit on the stairs and play. But Uncle Roger convinced him to let him take him around and Hudson loved it and became Uncle Roger's little swimming buddy.

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-27T20:10:00.002-06:00

We spent our Father's day relaxing and showing John how much we appreciated what a great Dad he is to our family. We love you!

Alivia 9 Months

2011-06-18T11:16:00.006-06:00

Eating a French Fry

Crawling around with a pizza crust

She loves to put everything in her mouth & then crawls around

Alivia is now 9 months. She is growing up too fast crawling and getting into everything. Very close to walking and she has taken a couple of steps already. Loves to stand on her own and walk around the furniture. She loves to eat whatever we are eating and doesn't really care for baby food anymore. She has become a big beggar and will come over to anyone who has food. She still has only two bottom teeth. Loves to jabber and talk all the time. We took her swimming for the first time a couple of weeks ago and she loves the water. Her big eyes and big smile can just melt any one's heart. She is so sweet and precious.

Ella's School & Swimming

2011-06-06T20:01:00.002-06:00

Ella has started her own school since her school is over. She already has two students and they both love to sit at their desks and listen to her teach.
Alivia's first time in the pool.....

.....and she LOVED it. She is such a water baby.

Our Little Graduate

2011-06-06T19:37:00.006-06:00

Ella receiving one of her many awards.

Our proud little Graduate

Ella & Hudson with all her awards.

Ella's Kindergarten graduation was a very small little assembly. Her awards were Passing her Kindergarten sight words, Reading between 50-99 books (She read 90), Faithful attendance award, Turning in homework on time, Passing all Kindergarten requirements and the one she is most proud of the Fashion Star award. She also got all + 's (the scale is + or -) and 3's (on a scale of 1-3 and 3 means exceeds requirements) on her report card. She loves reading and really loves math. I hope that she keeps enjoying learning. Ella loved her teacher and her teacher is moving to first grade next year and she really hopes she can have her again next year. I can't believe we already have a graduate. Yes, she only graduated Kindergarten but it won't belong before it's high school then college.

Fort's, Fort's, Everywhere I look are Fort's

2011-05-30T14:06:00.005-06:00

Hudson made a fort while Ella was at school for him and Alivia.

The kids have been really big into making forts all around the house lately. It is cute that they like to all play together. I know it looks like a mess but I try to overlook it because they are having so much fun.

Field & Track Day

2011-05-30T13:45:00.007-06:00

Going down the big slip and slide........All the way down

Fill the bucket sponge race
You can tell how cold they all look

Sweet little Alivia cheering Ella on

Wrestling the alligator

Riding the tricycle around the cans

Throwing the hoola hoop around the cones

Ella's school had a Field & Track Day. They were suppose to spend most of the day outside but the weather didn't cooperate. It was high 50's in the morning and rainy in the afternoon. But they were able to get in most of their activities before the rain.

Alivia giggling

2011-05-19T12:41:00.002-06:00

Alivia 8 Months

2011-05-11T06:59:00.006-06:00

Her sweet little smile

If you look closely you can see one tooth and another one coming in.
She loves to crawl and she even crawled under the ottoman and then she got stuck.

Getting pictures of Alivia is getting harder because once I try to take a picture she starts crawling towards the camera.

Our little sweetie is 8 months old. She is really growing up too fast. She has been crawling for about the last 3 weeks and she is becoming and expert in getting into stuff. Also she has been pulling herself up on everything and so we had to lower her crib. Alivia is a little sweetie but she does have an onery side. Your sleeping is still a work in progress with you walking up two times a night. Big Brother Hudson has become the Alivia police and he will make sure she doesn't put anything in her mouth. Ella is a great big sister and still loves to always match Alivia. Can't believe another month has flown by.

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-08T21:08:00.004-06:00

What a great day Mother's Day. God has truly blessed me with so many wonderful things. John wanted to make me a Mother's Day dinner so he got up early and put in a roast so it could cook all morning while we were at church. He did a fantastic job it was delicious. John and the kids also surprised me with some very beautiful flowers. It was a great and relaxing day spending time with my family. Thanks to John for a fantastic day.

Happy Easter 2011!

2011-04-25T10:05:00.012-06:00

Me and the kids

John and the kids

Hudson was already so tired after church he fell asleep on the way to Nana's
Alivia and her new Easter Bunny from Nana

Tried to get a picture of the girls in their matching dresses. But I waited to late and Alivia was tired.

Three little Easter Bunnies

(Hudson was saying cheeeeesssseee)

Hudson finding eggs at Mom'sElla finding eggs

Alivia during the Easter egg hunt

She decided she didn't like the feel of the grass anymore

The kids with their Easter Baskets

Finding eggs at home

I love our very expressive kids

Well we had a fantastic day celebrating our Risen Saviour. I loved hearing both our kids tell us the real reason we celebrate Easter. They both told the story of Jesus dying and rising from the dead but they both told it in their own age approriate way.

We started the day very early and went to church and had a great time of worship. Then we headed to my Mom's for lunch and an egg hunt. Then in case we hadn't had a long enough day we ended with Easter baskets and another egg hunt at home.

Big Sister, Big Brother & Little Sister

2011-04-21T09:26:00.006-06:00

Hudson-3 years, Alivia-7 months, Ella-6 years These days they fight as much as they get along. So when they wanted to take a picture of just the two of them and I had to take it to show they really do love each other.

Ella picked out all their outfits today and then she said let's have a photo shoot. She kept asking for different poses and wanted me take a ton of pictures.

Alivia at 7 Months

2011-04-13T18:30:00.005-06:00

Loves to take out her bows and destroy them. Or stick them in her mouth.

Sweet smiles.

Her backward crawling pose.

Then she sits up by herself and claps. She is so proud of herself.

I am not sure what this face is for.

She has been sucking on her thumb lately. I hope this will pass once she gets her tooth in.

First time in a swing and she loved it.

First time down the slide but she wasn't quite sure about the slide.

Another month older. She is getting more mobile and crawling backwards. I am not ready for her to start crawling forward she is already getting into everything. Although she is very close to crawling forward. According to Ella, Alivia can say 7 words. I am not sure about that but she does say Ella, Mama & Dada. Has discovered that she can go from laying down to sitting up all by herself. Alivia has a very sweet personality and is always smiling. She is still not sleeping through the night. She is getting a tooth which is earlier than her brother & sister (who got there first tooth at 9 months). Loves her family and gives us all big smiles when she sees us and has even started giving us kisses.

Hair CUT!!!!

2011-04-10T20:01:00.004-06:00

Before After

Well Ella needed a haircut and she decided that she wanted to give her hair to Locks of Love. She got 11" cut off. It was a little shorter than she had expected. But now she really likes her hair. I think it makes her look adorable.

Ella's 6th Birthday Party

2011-04-10T19:43:00.005-06:00

The girls anxiously waiting to pick out their outfits

Getting her nails done

The girls singing Karaoke Ella striking a pose at the end of the Fashion Show

The girls striking a pose

The girls giving us some attitude

Blowing out her candles on her Rapunzel cake

After cake and presents they played some Twister Hoopla

Well this was the first year that we had Ella's party somewhere besides home. We went to a place where they got their hair, nails, and makeup done. Also they had a fashion show and karaoke. The girls all had a lot of fun and it was alot of fun watching them strut their stuff on the fashion runway.

Ella's Second "6th" Birthday Party

2011-03-21T09:43:00.005-06:00

One of her many presents she received

Papa even got Hudson a present

Three cute little bunnies

We have a tendency to have month long birthday celebrations for our kids. This was Ella's second party with her cousins.

Happy 6th Birthday Ella!

2011-03-21T08:56:00.005-06:00

Birthday Princess
Sweet Sisters

All three kids in their green at the start of our busy day. I am thinking it is almost impossible to get a picture with all three looking at the camera.

Can you tell she opened this present first thing in the morning?

All the presents from Gramma & Grampa. It made for a fun day of opening a few presents throughout the day.

Finally she got her Lalaloopsy.

Blowing out her candles

It was a very busy day full of plans from the birthday girl. She said she wanted a big breakfast with all of her favorites and even Hudson's favorites. After I got this big breakfast made they took a couple of bites and said they were full. Then after opening some presents we got ready for the day and headed out to Pizza Street to meet her friend Gwen. After pizza Gwen came over to our house to play with Ella all afternoon. Ella chose Culver's for dinner and then she wanted to watch a movie. Which was then followed by opening more presents and cupcakes. It was a great day and Ella enjoyed a day where she got to make all (well most) of the plans. After all your birthday is only once a year.

An update on Ella just so I want forget. She is a great big sister to her brother and sister. She loves kindergarten and her teacher. She is learning great and is now reading first grade words. Spelling tests and Math are her favorite things besides the fun activities like gym (which she use to not like). She is loving that she can now read some books. She is truly a blessing and I love her loving and giving spirit.

Leprechaun Trap

2011-03-21T08:50:00.002-06:00

Hudson's trap is on the left and Ella's on the right

This was our first year to try an catch a Leprechaun. It was quite successful, well almost. We caught one but he escaped and left behind a chocolate gold coin. Ella said she even saw little leprechaun footprints.

A Fairy Spring Break

2011-03-15T19:43:00.004-06:00

Alivia dressed as Tinker Bell
Terence, Tinker Bell & Vidia

I took two pictures to get everyone looking

One more of our cute little Tinker Bell

Ella decided she wanted everyone to dress up and she picked out everyones outfits. She loves to dress up and now so does Hudson. (Except we make him dress up like a boy). This was just one of our fun days during spring break.

Nurse Ella

2011-03-12T09:40:00.004-06:00

At school Ella's class is working on a book about what they want to be when they grow up and Ella said she wanted to be a nurse. She really was excited she even went around the house fixing our boo boo's and then she gave us all bills and even really made us pay her.

Alivia Mae at 6 Months

2011-03-12T09:16:00.005-06:00

This is an old picture of Ella at 6 months in the same outfit as Alivia is below. Everyone always asks who she looks like so here both our girls are in the same outfit and I didn't even notice that they are both grabbing their shoes.
Alivia is loving sitting up now. She is becoming a real pro. She still has her moments when she falls backwards especially when she gets excited. She is not crawling yet (thankfully) but if she sees something out of reach that she wants she can get it.

Trying food (besides oatmeal) for the first time. I decided I would trying making baby food this time. It turned out really good and it was fun to make. She tried peas for her first food. The other two kids hated anything green (and they still do) so I knew that she had to try peas first. At first she wasn't sure ......

.... but then she was reaching for more.

Well our youngest is already 6 months. You would think having two other children I would remember how fast time goes but it still always shocks me. I think with each child the time seems to go by a little faster. Alivia is definitely spoiled by everyone in our house. If the kids are around they hate to see or hear her cry. So they do whatever they can to make her happy. Hudson sits next to her in the car and he is able to get her to giggle so much. She is having a little trouble with stranger anxiety right now which makes it hard sometimes when family visits. We are extremely blessed with three happy, healthy and loving kids.

Fun with Grandma & Grandpa

2011-02-16T10:46:00.005-06:00

If only Grandpa could come to every game to get Hudson to sit still.

Grandpa, Grandma, Alivia & Ella after the game

The kids always love to see their Grandma & Grandpa. Ella was really excited that they got to see her cheer. Since John works Saturday's I am usually trying to keep Hudson in one area, watch Ella cheer and keep Alivia happy. So I was really excited that Grandpa actually got Hudson to sit still.

Happy Valentine's Day 2011!

2011-02-16T09:26:00.007-06:00

Ella saw a picture in one of my magazines for this Valentine's boat called the Love Boat. So she really wanted to make it.

Trying to get a picture of the two of them and the Love Boat. I asked them if they could give each other a hug and this is what I got.

One side of Ella's Valentine's Boat

The back of Ella's Boat
Alivia's First Valentine's

Our little "sweetheart"

Ella showing off her face painting from school.

Our handsome little Valentine

We had a great Valentine's day as a family. Ella went to school and had a great party. Then when John got home we had a nice dinner and watched a family movie. Ella & Hudson decorated the table with a whole lot of hearts all over the table and I love you napkins. The kids and I had even made individual heart shaped cakes for dessert but we were all too full to eat them.

Winter Playdate Fun

2011-02-12T09:44:00.005-06:00

Jump, JUMP!

2011-02-09T09:58:00.003-06:00

She loves to jump and spin.
So cute but look at that ornery smile.

Blizzard 2011

2011-02-09T09:42:00.004-06:00

Start of the blizzard

Our driveway that John shoveled by himself. Which we had a snow blower. Next year we might have to invest in one.

Well we have had a lot of snow this year. With a lot, a lot of snow days. But the kids have been having a blast.

Alivia at 4 Months

2011-01-27T11:55:00.009-06:00

Her brother and sister feeding her.

Alivia's face after trying her first bite of cereal.

Well now that she is almost 5 months here is an update on Alivia at 4 months. She is such a little cutie and loves to smile, sing and talk. Her sleeping is still a work in progress. One day she will sleep through the night. We tried cereal for the first time. Her brother and sister fed her but she didn't really like it. She is weighing in at a 14 lbs 7 oz and measures 24.5". She is turning into a Momma's girl and is getting just a little spoiled. Her big brother and big sister absolutely love her and she loves to play with them and listen to them talk. She also loves to sit on her Daddy's lap and watch sports with him and she loves to cuddle.

Snow FUN!

2011-01-12T20:43:00.007-06:00

Look at that sweet little face showing me her snowball. Then after I took this picture she thought it would be funny to throw it at me.

Hudson showing me how big he made his snowball (and No he didn't throw this at me).
Ella decided it would be fun to have a snowball fight. Here Hudson had just been hit in the face by Ella's snowball, but he didn't really seem to mind.

Because he got her back with an even bigger snowball.

Making Snow Angels

Hudson tried making Snow Angels but then he couldn't get back up.

They both loved sliding down the slide into the pile of snow.

Well the kids have been looking forward to having some snow to play in and we now have plenty. Ella has been out of school for the last three days so she has had plenty of playtime. It also helps that one of her best friends lives only two houses away.

Christmas 2010

2010-12-27T20:38:00.008-06:00

Alivia loved sitting in her bumbo seat and watching her brother and sister open all their presents.

Alivia's cute little Christmas Pajama's

Hudson helping open some of Alivia's presents

I love how animated our kids are when they open presents.

Alivia and her new clothes

Santa brought her Pocahontas

Hudson loved his new Buzz Lightyear

Alivia almost gets lost in all the wrapping paper

Too much fun and no nap makes Hudson an extremley tired boy. He fell asleep in the living room watching a Christmas Movie.

Christmas Red Riding Hood

Ella & Alivia in their matching outfits.

We stayed home this Christmas which was a first in eight years. We actually spent Christmas Eve out in Kansas with all my family. Then Christmas Day we spent the day at home. It was a nice relaxing day. The kids missed playing with all their cousins but they enjoyed playing with all their new toys.

Christmas with Mom 2010

2010-12-27T08:05:00.004-06:00

Alivia our cute little Candy Cane
All (but one) of the kids and Holly waiting for all their presents

Hudson opening

Ella very excited about her new books

Alex & Ella both really wanted these Rapunzel dolls

Alivia opening her presents

Just too much fun. It wore her out watching the kids open all their presents.

We had our second Christmas at my Mom's. The kids and adults had a lot of fun opening our presents.

Santa, Rudolph, and Cookies

2010-12-27T07:51:00.005-06:00

Pictures with Santa
Ella telling Santa what she wanted for Christmas

Even though he was a little scared Hudson still told Santa what he wanted for Christmas

The Gingerbread house that they made. Hudson I think is on a sugar rush in this picture. He spent more time eating the candy then decorating the house.

At Ella's school they had Reindeer day. Ella wanted to be Rudolph and so of course so did Hudson.

We had a lot of fun making all kinds of different cookies. We made 8 dozen cookies and 2 dozen Reindeer cupcakes (sorry not any pictures of the finished product). Alivia was a good little baby and sat in her seat and watched us decorate.

Our Christmas Family Pictures 2010

2010-12-26T09:12:00.002-06:00

An Elf, Two Reindeer and a Candy Cane

2010-12-14T10:01:00.004-06:00

Our Elf and Silly Reindeer
The older two kids were dressed like Reindeer when they woke me up this morning so I had to dress Alivia in her Candy Cane outfit and get a picture in front of the tree.

So Sweet!

The cutest Candy Cane ever!

Alivia Mae 3 Months Old

2010-12-13T11:46:00.004-06:00

Our little 3 Month Old

Our sweet girls. Ella is always wanting to wear matching outfits with Alivia. (This outfit is not an exact match but it's close enough.)

Our little girl is now three months. She is growing up so fast. We have had some new firsts this month Alivia rolled over from her tummy to her back for the first time, can sit very well in her Bumbo seat, and loves to giggle and is a constant talker. Her sleeping is going really well she only wakes up a couple of times a night cries and then she goes back to sleep. She is a fantastic little eater and is such an easy going extremely happy little girl. Recognizes her Mommy, Daddy, Sister and brother. Which the kids just love when she is gets so excited to see them.

Our Week in Photos Dec 5-12, 2010

2010-12-13T11:38:00.005-06:00

Our cute little "Bear"

Ella writing a letter to Santa for her and Hudson.
The two of them with their letter.

Her letter completely written by Ella. She did ask for a little help with spelling.

Thanksgiving & Early Christmas

2010-12-01T12:14:00.003-06:00

Hudson got some more Trains

Ella is really trying to learn to read so she got some presents to help her learn.
Alivia looks really excited to be opening her presents

Trying out her new Christmas present

Well after a busy Thanksgiving weekend in Hutch we hurried home to have my family over for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The kids were really excited that they got to open up some Christmas presents early.

Thanksgiving in Hutch

2010-12-01T11:43:00.010-06:00

Trying to get a family picture
Alivia's First Thanksgiving

Alivia and Gramma

Alivia meeting Great Grandma Tucker for the first time.

Hudson loved playing Barrel of Monkey's with everyone, especially Grandpa.

Ethan & Ella waiting for Thanksgiving lunch with their Kool-aid moustaches.

The table all set with some really hungry kids waiting to eat.

Usually it's the adults on their laptops, but this time it was the kids playing Webkinz.

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Hutchinson. The house seemed a little empty with only 16 kids out of the 24 grandkids. It was a great time with family and of course with great food and we even did a little Black Friday shopping (which I will never do again).

Alivia 2 Months Old

2010-11-08T12:56:00.005-06:00

Well I can't believe it but she is already 2 months old. She is getting her own little personality. Alivia loves to smile and talk (a true girl already). She is growing so big and she weighs 11 lbs. 4 oz and is 23" tall. We are still working on sleeping through the night. She usually wakes up 2-3 times a night. When I go to pick her up in the middle of the night she starts smiling and cooing at me and it makes losing sleep all worth it. What a blessing she is and she is loved so much by her big brother and big sister.

Our littlest Pumpkin

2010-10-31T19:57:00.005-06:00

Her scary pumpkin face

Halloween 2010

2010-10-31T19:43:00.006-06:00

Princess Jasmine & Buzz Lightyear
All three kids dressed up

Princess Belle

Ella freezing outside trick or treating

This year the kids chose to be Princess Jasmine, Buzz Lightyear, and Princess Belle. It was quite chilly so the kids were not wanting to stay out to long trick or treating. But they still had a lot of fun and got quite a bit of candy.

Carving Pumpkins

2010-10-31T19:35:00.004-06:00

Working on the Mickey Mouse pumpkin

Ella was really excited to carve pumpkins this year and she even asked if she could clean the pumpkins out. They each chose what they wanted on their pumpkin. Ella chose a spider web and Hudson wanted an H. Then they both agreed to do Mickey Mouse on the big pumpkin.

Our little Seven Week old!

2010-10-25T14:30:00.006-06:00

(Now she is eight weeks but these pictures are a week old)

Our Little Boy turns 3!

2010-10-25T09:43:00.004-06:00

Ella and Hudson (1 day old at the hospital)
One

Two

Three

Our little guy is Three! Wow, these past three years have gone really fast. He is such a kind wonderful little boy. He loves both his sister's so much. He loves anything to do with cars and loves anything Ella likes. He loves to help with anything and is definitely still a Momma's boy (which I love). Hudson you are such a wonderful blessing and your sister's are lucky to have such a sweet, kind and loving brother.

Hudson's Third Birthday Party

2010-10-24T11:24:00.011-06:00

Our "Cowgirl Jesse" and "Cowboy Woody"

Loving his outfit from Papa

Opening presents

Blowing out the candles. He was afraid the candles were going to burn down the house.

He started with a fork, but decided his mouth worked better.

Getting ready to start the Horse races

Hudson is losing the race but he doesn't care he's still having a blast.

Horse races

Pin the Tail on Bullseye

Hudson wanted to have a Toy Story party this year. So we had his favorite foods Pizza, Mac-n-Cheese (Toy Story shape), and Jello. His cake was a Buzz Lightyear and Woody cake. Then he opened his presents. His facial expressions are hilarious. We then played horse races and Pin the Tail on Bullseye games. He had so much fun and it's not even his birthday yet.

September 2010

2010-10-24T11:01:00.006-06:00

All three kids just hanging out together

First Bath (Yes, this was a month ago)

First Matching outfits
First Smiles (well one of the firsts)

First time playing cars. Although Hudson was a little disappointed she couldn't actually play.

First time to take a bath all together. They were very excited to take a bath with Alivia.

Our two girls in their robe and slippers

All three kids after their baths.

I have been falling behind in my blogging, so I am now trying to catch back up. These are pictures from the past month of September. It was full of big milestones.

Princess Party 2010

2010-10-24T10:47:00.005-06:00

Our two little Princess Belle's

Ella wanted to get her picture taken with Belle

Well it was time for the annual Princess Party. Ella loves going to this every year and especially to have some girl time with just Mommy. It was of course full of fun Princess activities and Ella had a blast.

Pumpkin Patch 2010

2010-10-24T10:35:00.003-06:00

Duck races

Hudson's Pumpkin

Ella's Pumpkin (not really, but she liked it)

We took the kids to the pumpkin patch a couple of weeks ago. They had a lot of fun feeding the animals, playing on the playground, doing a corn maze, hay ride and finding a pumpkin. After a long day at the pumpkin patch we had a snack of warm pumpkin donuts which were delicious.

Big Night

2010-09-16T11:42:00.006-06:00

Riding on the train

Our church had a big event on Sunday night called "Big Night". It was a lot of fun the kids had a blast playing games, riding rides and of course eating popcorn, cotton candy and sno cones.

Who does she look like?

2010-09-13T09:49:00.003-06:00

Ella 1 week old
Hudson 1 week old

Alivia 1 week old

You be the judge. Here is the kids all at the same age around 1 week old.

Introducing.........

2010-09-09T08:53:00.010-06:00

Alivia Mae Neir
6 lbs 14 oz & 19 1/4" long

Her little hands.

The kids first look at their new sister

Alivia & her Daddy

Ella giving Alivia kisses

One very proud BIG sister. She loved that Alivia had dark hair just like her.

Coming home from the hospital (she is wearing the same outfit and blanket that Ella came home in)

Well we were all set up to be induced on Tuesday August 31st. On Sunday my water broke (I know that now but didn't then) and I was having really bad contractions but it was the middle of the night and I didn't want to bother anyone so I just decided to wait and see what happens by Monday my contractions had died down and I had too much stuff I needed to get done before Tuesday. Then when we arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning they had told me that my water had broke and I really should have come in on Sunday. Thankfully the baby seemed to be doing fine even though my water had broke 36 hours earlier. Then after only pushing one and half pushes at 2:43 pm we welcomed our beautiful healthy baby girl into the world.

First Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-18T18:39:00.005-06:00

Enjoying the pampering.
Getting a manicure and pedicure.

She got matching flowers on her fingers and toes.

My big girl ready for kindergarten.

Ella & Hudson too cute!

Walking to school

Ella in her class. All smiles before the crying started.

My little girl started kindergarten today. When we dropped her off in her classroom she started to cry. Thankfully I don't think she cried for very long. It was pretty sad to have her gone all day. Hudson missed her but he enjoyed having Mommy all to himself. Even though she started the day crying, when I picked her up she had a big smile and had a great time and loved telling me all about her day.

Happy Birthday!

2010-08-10T10:44:00.005-06:00

Me and my sweet kids

Giving the baby big hugs!
My delicious surprise cake.

Hudson really enjoyed the cake (as you can see).

I had a great birthday! John got up with kids to let me sleep in and then he made me a great breakfast. The rest of the day I spent playing with the kids and relaxing. Then dinner and cake and ice cream.

Trains, Mail & Dogs

2010-08-08T19:59:00.008-06:00

The kids saying "All aboard".

Serving food in the kitchen

Little "Dog", Big Dog

Going down the slide

Cutest Little Mail Carrier

Ella loved delivering the mail to all the different mailboxes.

Pictures from the past couple weeks

2010-07-13T20:50:00.004-06:00

Ella & Hudson playing school. Ella is really into trying to teach Hudson.
One morning before church the kids were sitting on the couch and Ella was reading a book to Hudson.

Playing Library and using remotes as their scanners.

Our crazy little sleeper.

I had to get these pictures on here too show how cute they are when they are getting along and playing good together. They both have such a good imagination and come up with such creative little games.

Swimming Party

2010-07-13T20:39:00.004-06:00

Our little Miss Cautious finally went down the kiddie slide.

Hudson started eating the cake with a fork but finished with his hands.

Ella, Lucy and (the birthday girl) Gwen

Saturday we went to a pool party for Ella's friend Gwen. It was a hot day perfect for swimming.

Another 4th of July 2010

2010-07-13T20:26:00.004-06:00

Family Picture

The guys shooting baskets in the barn before starting the show.
Hudson, Alex and Ella ready for the show.

Tristan & Austin enjoying watermelon and fireworks.

Ella enjoying the sparklers, but Hudson didn't want anything to do with the sparklers.

Since it was raining on 4th of July. My family rescheduled their fireworks for Friday night. The kids were really excited to see another fireworks show.

Camp Gramma 2010: Saying Goodbye

2010-07-13T20:19:00.003-06:00

One last jump
Thanks for everything Grandpa.

Meredith and Ella's favorite way to say goodbye.

Driving home Hudson loved reading his books.

Well Day 4 is the official end of Camp Gramma. The kids had a blast the entire week, and me well I was completely exhausted.

Camp Gramma 2010 Day Three

2010-07-10T18:56:00.010-06:00

Riding the tram at the zoo. Our group took up the entire tram.
Hudson wanted to sit with Gramma & Grandpa.

The kids at the museum.

The girls posing with a tractor at the zoo.

Visiting Great Grandpa Tucker's Grave.

All the kids at Grandpa's church. Grandpa asked Ella to say her memory verses from the week.

Hudson raised his hand and wanted to say his memory verse. I wish I had gotten it on video.

The kids singing songs.

One more time on the bridge.

Bonfire

Enjoying Smores.

Doing the Zip line in the rain.

Wednesday was a very busy day. We started the day early and had breakfast and then we headed to Salina to go to the Zoo and Museum. The kids had a blast at the zoo and museum. On our way home we stopped by and saw Great Grandpa Tucker's grave. Then we headed to Grandpa's church for the kids to perform and talk about their week at Camp Gramma. After church we headed to the bridge one last time and then home to the bonfire. It was a very exhausting day and after the bonfire I was ready to go to bed but the kids were ready to enjoy some more fun. Ella loved the Zip line and trampoline.

Camp Gramma 2010 Day Two

2010-07-08T20:23:00.014-06:00

One of the kids favorite things to do every year is to walk on the bridge and try to get the cars to honk.

Hudson trying to get some cars to honk.

Gramma and the "little kids"
Gramma and the three youngest "campers"
Ella went fishing but she didn't catch anything and after about an hour of trying she was done.
Taking a water break.

In the short break we had Hudson enjoyed the kiddie pool. Like his sister he thought safety first with his baby boat.

Our group (minus Hudson) at the farm.

Feeding the goats.

Hudson and Grandpa taking a break with a snack.

The little one's watching the chickens.

Feeding the chickens.

Meryn and Hudson riding on the wagon.

Day Two: We spent the day taking the little kids to the bridge to overlook the highway and try to get the cars and semi's to honk. The older kids went fishing but since we had a few kids who wanted to see where they were fishing we stopped by and Ella was able to try fishing. Then after a quick lunch and some swim time we went to the farm. Hudson was a little timid at first but after awhile he loved watching and feeding the chickens. We ended the night watching a great Christian movie.

Camp Gramma 2010 Day one

2010-07-08T19:57:00.010-06:00

Playing Dodge ball
Ella jumping rope
Hudson playing with Meryn

Running the track
The kids and some of the grown ups tried kicking a field goal. John had worn flip flops so he kicked barefoot and was the first (of only two) to score a field goal.
Still eating outside despite the 4" rain

Grandpa & Gramma with all the campers

The girls camping in the basement since there was over 4" of rain in the backyard.

Everyone getting their New Camp Gramma shirts

Well, it's that time of year again. Yep, Camp Gramma time. There was 22 of the 23 grandkids (well 23 of 24 if you count our little one). This year due to all the rain we had to have a change in plans and have the kids "camp" inside. The boys slept in the garage and the girls in the basement. But I don't think they minded to much. They did have a blast playing in the swamp that was once the backyard.

On our first day of camp we had a change of plans and went to the Gym and Football field. The kids all had a blast running around playing dodge ball, kick ball, trying to make a field goal and some even ran the track. It was nice to have John there for the first day but he then had to go back home to work.

Happy 4th of July!

2010-07-05T21:04:00.008-06:00

Tried to get a picture of our family and had to settle with these individual pictures.

Little "Firecrackers"

The kids lighting snakes

Watching the fireworks

We spent the 4th of July in Hutchinson.

Happy Father's Day 2010

2010-06-20T08:09:00.002-06:00

The kids hand prints (Yes, I did let them paint their hand prints themselves)

The kids love to do crafts. So here are some more they did for their Daddy.

Ella's

Hudson's

Happy Father's Day to the greatest Dad our kids could ask for. We love you and hope you have a great day. And Happy Father's day to all you other great Father's.

Day out with Thomas

2010-06-05T11:27:00.006-06:00

All Aboard

Ella was really excited to ride on Thomas the train.

So excited to be riding Thomas.....

...... and then they kept blowing the whistle. He stayed like that for most of the train ride.

The kids with Thomas the Tank Engine.

Hudson was just as excited to see Sir Topham Hatt as he was too see Thomas.

At the petting zoo Hudson wouldn't let the animals eat out of his hand only out of the cup.

So then Ella wanted to feed them out of the cup.

Well it was the hottest day of the year so far and we decided to go see Thomas. The kids had a blast and Ella even said it was more fun than she thought it would be.

Memorial Day 2010

2010-06-02T13:14:00.004-06:00

Cheesy Hudson & Alex playing the bean bag toss game.
Having a picnic with their babies.

Playing the 3 hour wiffle ball game.

Ella getting pushed on the swing by Amanda.

Hudson helping hold up the net.

Ella again being pushed on the swing but this time by Great Grandpa.

Getting ready to play "flag" (which turned into tackle) football.

We spent the day at my Grandparents with all the Cousin's, Aunt's and Uncles. The kids had a blast playing and running around their big yard. John had a lot of fun playing the longest wiffle ball game ever and some flag football and I just kept busy chasing after the kids. It was a great day but I could have used a little cooler weather.

Daddy & Ella Royal's Game

2010-06-01T14:27:00.006-06:00

Ready for the Royals game with Daddy
Riding the carousel

Playing Mini Golf

Playing on the playground

Hitting a "Homerun" at the Little "K"

Some of the guys were going to the Royals game with some of their sons, but John wanted to take Ella and so she wouldn't be the only girl her cousin Meredith came to the game. The two girls had a blast playing in the kids area but they did make time to watch the game.

Last Day of Preschool

2010-06-01T14:19:00.003-06:00

Ella & her teacher Mrs. Cornick

Ella & Gwen

The last day of preschool they had a pizza party and got to bring pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, wear slippers and have fun watching a movie. I can't believe I now have a Kindergartner.

Ella's Preschool Graduation

2010-05-19T09:04:00.006-06:00

Ella posing with the Little Angels Learning Center Sign.

Hudson wanted to pose with a sign just like Ella.

Nana, Ella & Cheesy Hudson
Our soon to be Graduate

Singing......

..... Lord I Lift Your Name on High

Getting her Graduation Certificate
(Yes, it is extremely blurry. But it's the only one we got and I am NOT liking this new camera)

They were suppose to stop and pose with their certificate, but Ella must have forgot.

The Preschool Graduates enjoying some cookies and drinks.

WOW! I can't believe Ella is already old enough to graduate from preschool. I am not ready for all day kindergarten in the fall. She did a great job singing Lord I lift your Name on high and saying her memory verse "Sing Praises to the Lord Ps 9:11". I think she was a little nervous getting her certificate because she flew across the stage. Hudson really enjoyed seeing Ella up on the stage and he kept saying her name and clapping. It was a really great night and we are so lucky she was able to go to a Great Christian Preschool.

Big Wheel Day 2010

2010-05-19T08:48:00.005-06:00

Ella & Lexi on the race track
Fixing their cars at the Garage

Riding the bus

Ella going through the Drive-Thru

Stopping in to get a cookie

Hudson's favorite thing was to play in the garage and "fix" his Big Wheel.

Thank goodness I had the stroller the kids were too tired to walk or ride.

Even though it rained all morning the rain stopped and Big Wheel day was still on. Ella was very excited to ride her big wheel around. Last year on big wheel day she loved filling her bike up with gas and even one time she said she ran out of gas. Well this year instead of running out of gas her Big Wheel broke down and she had to push it to the Garage to get it fixed. She has a great imagination.

Hudson even got to join in on the fun this year and had a blast. On the race track he got plowed over a couple of times but he didn't mind he just hopped back up and started riding again. His favorite was the garage with all the tools so he could work on his Big Wheel.

Walt Disney World 2010

2010-05-15T14:17:00.013-06:00

Welcome to .........

....... Disney World!

Posing at our Hotel

Driving cars they are both crazy drivers, and they love it.

Buzz Lightyear, Ella, Cowboy Woody & Hudson

Ella riding the Goofy ride her favorite.

Hudson was tall enough this time to ride Ella's favorite ride.

Hudson & Ella with McQueen

Hudson, Ella & John with Tow Mater

Strapped to a rocket

Mother's Day 2010!

2010-05-15T12:26:00.004-06:00

Lunch at an authentic Japanese Restaurant.

Mother's Day Present from Ella.
A card & plate.

Just Because

2010-04-13T19:12:00.001-06:00

Hudson Sleeping

2010-04-13T19:04:00.003-06:00

When Hudson finally goes to sleep you never know what will be in his bed with him. He definitely loves his freedom.