Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Gift for my Dad



This year we made my dad a photo collage for his car lot.
We printed and framed the pic above. We went to his carlot one evening and took pictures off all kinds of things. When we got home we cropped, trimmed and rotated to make Willoughby Auto Sales.

It was a fun gift to plan and make.

I think I might make one for us next.

Santa meets Jesus

Monday, December 22, 2008

Christmasy Stuff

I love Christmas time. We have so many traditions that we 'must' do each year.
Tonight we went to Lakes Park to ride the train. It was freezing cold. (60, but it was high 70's earlier in the day). We sang (alot) along the way. I wonder if people wished they were on a different train, or were they happy to be with happy albiet loud people. Ty and Logan walked right up to Santa. Ty hadn't wanted to go near him any other time this year. Ty asked for Team Geo Trax. Who would have thought? :)
Logan said he wanted Money. (Randy taught him that.) When they were done Ty told me he wasn't afraid, he is a good boy. He knew I was proud of him.
The big girls got their turn too. Emily told Santa she wanted a warmer blanket. Smart kid. (Remember it was freeezing!)
Somehow they convinced Grandma to push them. They were so cold.

Ty said this present was his bed and wanted to take a nap on it. Katie thought that sounded fun. They think the wrapped presents are fun. Wonder what will they think on Thursday when we unwrap them all.

Emily is so excited about everything Christmasy this year. I love her spirit.
These are out of order. Arrgh.
After the Christmas dinner at church we went out to Briarcliff to see the lights.
Ty and Logan loved the jack in the box. I love their happy smiles.

Tay and I bought Katie and Chloe matching dresses. I thought we would get the perfect hair, perfect dress, black patent leather shoes picture, but.....well sometimes life is more like this picture. No shoes on some kids. Only tights on one kid. Dirty faces and dresses. Oh well. They looked adorable! :)
Our little foursome looking might cute! :)
I was teasing Isaiah and Sarah. When these two were younger they were the noisiest kids ever! I used to tell Keela she should get Isaiah's hearing checked. The boy didn't know how to whisper! We were glad he could join us for dinner.
The girls sang with the other girls. They did a beautiful job.
I taught Junior Church in Ty's class Sunday Morning. The Christmas Tree hats were begging for a picture.
I think it is kinda funny that Ty is holding a GeoTrax magazine. He doesn't leave home without it! :)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Our Visit to Michigan



Better late than never that I get these pictures posted.




We had a great time in Michigan. It was a quick, jam packed trip with lots of snow!




Sarah loved the minivan we rented. We went through the drive through and she paid and picked up the food through the back seat roll down window.




We rented a motel in West Branch with Kristy and Kari's family. Santa was there on Saturday morning, so some of the kids jumped out of the pool and ran to get their picture taken with him.


There was a great open area that we used for meals and game playing.




Katie did get to swim, but was always wanting to get in for more. She loved having a little freedom to walk around and explore in the indoor area.












Emily is sharing her vast pool knowledge with Elizabeth. Sadly, I must admit that they beat me.




Umm. I don't think you are supposed to be up there Emily.


The pool was very nice. Warm and big enough for all the wild and crazy kids! Our kids had a blast visiting with their cousins.



We also had a chance to visit at Kristy's house.


Sarah loved their dog, Chloe. She now says she wants a pug for Christmas. Santa doesn't do dogs.



Kristy was gracious enough to let the girls take a turn on the horses.





I love this picture.



Katie enjoyed Mammaw's steps. She would torment me by wanting to climb up them. She was a little nosy at Mammaw's. house. She even reset her answering maching so that it is now set in a different language. Oops.


The girls loved the snow!


We went to Greenfield Village with Robin, Mary, Ethan and Sadie. We were all determined to go, but it was very, very cold. Mark, Mary, Sarah, Ty and Sadie left early. Robin, Emily, Ethan and myself braved it to the very cold end. There was ice skating, warming stations, model T rides, Santa and lots of other fun things to see and do.


















We exchanged gifts with Mammaw while we were there. Ty and Katie loved her tree. I think they managed to do some redecorating of the lower branches.


Sunday night we went to Shaun and Mary's house for dinner and games. Ty still talks about wanting to go back to Ethan's house.




We also visited with Robin for Pizza and Holiday Charades. Lots of fun!



Mark took the girls sledding in downtown Ypsi. My mom and Uncle Ron took us there when we were little.
We had a wonderful time at the Lions game. Mark is a big Lions fan and is trying to convert E, S, T and K. Sarah loved the claw and I must admit we do have some awesome cheerleaders that were showing their Lion Pride.
Ty enjoyed mimicking the concessions people. It caused quite a few laughs in our area.






One last one for fun! This was at a rest stop and the snow was so irresistable that we had to take a picture!