New Year's Eve

We went to a friend's house for New Year's Eve. Before we went, we told the kids we were going to our friends house and we'd be staying up until midnight. They never knew that people celebrate on New Year's Eve by staying up until midnight. They were so surprised and SO excited that they were going to get to do this! 

We had dinner and then the kids watched a movie while the parents played a game. I thought for sure some kids would fall asleep during the movie, but everyone was still awake at midnight. 

We are looking forward to a new year!

Thanksgiving Day

I am thankful for each day I get to spend with my family and Thanksgiving day was no different. We spent the day with Aunt Stephanie's family in Combine, TX. I loved watching my kids run around and play in the big backyard. They fed the neighbor's horse, raced each other, made a dirt-leaves-twig salad, played with a box and washers, and took the family's two boxers for a walk. 

There was plenty of food, football games and good conversation. We had smoked and fried turkey. Karis only like the fried one, Makena only liked the smoked one and Kyle knew no different and may have preferred the ham over both. The sweet potato mash was definitely their favorite -- "Mom, is this dessert?" "Mom, can we have this at home??" (the sweet potatoes I make for them are not drenched in brown sugar, butter and marshmallows!). 

 

Kyle declared no more pictures of him!

It was 7 o'clock and the girls were still going strong, but it was time to take our little mister home. He didn't take a nap on this action-filled day. We thought for sure he'd fall asleep before we pulled out of the driveway, but he stayed awake for the hour drive home -- singing "Jingle bong, jingle bong ... mumble mumble ... hey!" to the tune of Jingle Bells. It was a sweet end to our Thanksgiving day and the start of the Christmas season!

4th of July

We went to our city's 4th of July celebration. They had lots of food vendors, live music, bounce houses and a train ride. We saw people from church and one of Karis' preschool friends. It was definitely the place to be!

Showing off their patriotic dresses from Aunt B!

We got there early to get in line for face painting, one of Karis' favorite things. There was still a line, so what better wait to pass the time than to enjoy some Italian ice.

No face painting for Kyle.

  

Flower girls

Mirror image!

Despite hearing balloons pop left and right, we got in a long line for a balloon. Unfortunately, Makena let her balloon touch the grass and hers popped shortly after she got it. It was so sad. 

By that time, it was close to 9 pm and Kyle was getting a bit loopy (his bedtime is at 7:30 pm). Derek dropped Kyle and I off at home and he took the girls back out to watch the fireworks show. The girls stayed up 'til 10:30 pm. With such a late night for the kids, Derek and I got to sleep in until almost 8 am the next morning!

Thanksgiving 2012

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Hong clan.  It was a smaller turnout than usual, but we enjoyed catching up, talking about how the kids have grown and eating good food.  I'm glad we were able to spend Thanksgiving with our extended family before we left.

 

Aunt Karen printed out lots of old photos of the family and used them as centerpieces. It was fun to look at them and talk about them.  Below is a photo of me with my mom and sister.

Derek shared some thoughts about giving God what we have so he can multiply it.

Fun in the Sun on Labor Day

We spent the last day of summer soaking in the sun!

Litte girl.  Big pool.

Can you tell Karis is having fun??