What a trip

We are finally back from our trip to Michigan. We had a great time despite the plane rides, illness and cranky kids. The kids had so much fun with Grandma and Grandpa, Uncle Kevin and big brother Jon. Aaron LOVED the snow and was very sad to leave. When I asked Aaron his favorite thing on our trip, he said "sledding down the hill at Aunt Kim's house and building a snowman." I also really enjoyed sledding with the kids and watching their faces going down the hill. Our other memorable moment was waking up at 630 AM on Xmas morning when the power went out. We let the kids open their stockings in our room by candlelight and flashlight. Then we bundled up and ate breakfast in the dark. We waited until about 830 when it was light enough to see the presents to let them open everything. The power came back on around 4 PM, just in time to eat dinner. Luckily, the stove was gas so we were able to cook everything. It was really nice to enjoy Xmas day with the whole family with no other distractions. We all played with the toys, played games, curled up to stay warm and just enjoyed being together. Thank you everyone for making this such a fantastic trip.

First time in the snow.

Hard time walking in the snow.

Eating snow

Eating more snow

First snow angel

Help!

Trying to stay warm

Throwing snow at me after telling him to stop eating snow.

Catching snowflakes.

Sledding down the hill at Aunt Kim's

Hanging out with Big Brother Jon

Xmas morning in the dark

Diva

Having fun with Daddy

This boy loves his legos.

Here Comes Santa Claus

From our recent trip to the mall. Aaron insisted he HAD to sit on Santa's lap in case Santa forgot what he asked for. Lauren took a little more convincing. Luck for her, we had a very patient and friendly Santa!

Playing Catch Up

Sorry we have been MIA for so long. We are all finally recovered from whatever strange illness overtook our house! The kids are happy to be out and about again. Aaron is doing so well in school. Lauren is talking more and more everyday. She has become quite the tantrum thrower! Watch out for her. The dogs really have become the best of friends. Too bad Cooper has taught Nika the bad habit of digging holes in the yard.

Lauren posing for pictures!

Story time together

Look who's got a Big Boy bed!

Aaron's preschool sang at the church. He's trying to help his best friend Tristan to not be scared!

Singing on her "Stage"

This is why you do not leave knee high panythose lying around!

Introducing.....Cooper

 Day One: Hiding

Warming up to each other

Best friends already

Meet the newest addition to the Killingbeck house, Cooper (formerly know as Hoover). We changed his name to Cooper since Lauren kept calling him Coover. He came to us via Baja and we were told he is a lab and Xolo mix. He has nice soft fur, but has some spots on his skin like the Xolo. We think he may have some whippet in him too. He is getting along with the kids fine. Lauren really likes him. Nika is SO happy to have a new friend to play with. They spend all day running around playing chase and tug. We are very happy to have him with us. Cooper looks forward to meeting all of you!

12 Days of Christmas Giveaway

You don't want to miss out on this.........


Cinnamon Stick Boutique

Trick or Treat

Aaron & Lauren had a great time on Halloween having dinner with friends and then off to get candy. They filled their buckets really quickly. They both had a lot of fun going up to doors and saying trick or treat. It amazes me sometimes how much Aaron has grown up and how much he has learned at his new school. He went up to this older boy and said "I really like your costume." Later I told him how nice that was and how it gave us all a "happy heart" which is something they say at school when the kids use their good words.

Thanks Nana for the amazing ladybug/butterfly cape. We are going to be seeing that a lot. And thanks for Aaron's cowboy vest and "boots." He loved his costume. Thanks to our wonderful friend Dana for making Lauren's tutu, check out her site, she sells such cute stuff!

Pre Halloween Fun

The kids had a great time at our Halloween party. The gooey eyeballs and the vampire teeth were the biggest hits! Then we had fun cleaning out the pumpkin and coloring little pumpkins. (Sorry about the weird layout, I can't seem to fix it tonight and I am too tired to try anymore!)

Bike Rodeo

A few weeks ago, Aaron's school had a bike rodeo. In our case, it meant a scooter rodeo since Aaron does not have a bike. During school they talked all about bike safety. Then, all the kids lined up with their bikes and one scooter, and did laps around the "course". Every time they came to the stop sign, they stopped and got a point. At the end their were able to pick out prizes. They also got to stop anytime and get a snack and "Wash" their bikes. Aaron had a great time, especially washing his scooter two times. Lauren even got involved pushing her stroller around.

Aaron praying before the big race.

The first lap

Lauren trying to catch up to Aaron

Aaron "Supervising"

Having fun washing the scooter

Pumpkin Time

Last Monday, we took a trip to Bates Nut Farm. It was quite a drive and the kids were a little disappointed because the pony rides and petting zoo were closing when we got there. But we made the best of it. They loved the hay ride, but they really got into the maze and finding all the stamps. They each picked out a small white pumpkin to paint.

Aaron searching for the next stamp.

Posing in the hay maze

Can you believe this backdrop is real?

Super girl

On the way to the car