It feels like Christmas was forever ago, but New Year's was yesterday. We are already in knee-deep in February and we are back into school, classes and "everyday" days.
I was just looking through some pictures of last year and (finally) finishing up Liza's baby book this afternoon. It's true what the old ladies in the grocery store tell you about raising littles, "The days are long, but the years fly by!". Liza is definitely out of the baby stage and now a toddler, as much I don't want to admit it yet. She is such a delight right now despite the ear-piercing volume she likes to maintain as of late. Owen is super cute with the things he comes up with and Blake and Seth are doing well with school and helping me out around the house.
Here's a little of what we've been up to since our last post in December...
We all doted over baby Ryan (Kate's 3rd), so sweet!
One of the highlights was both cooking together and of course, eating together.
Clark not so sure about the whole sharing thing and Liza's not concerned with personal space at all.
We got a quick tour of Noah's store in Kansas City. Pretty cool stuff!
Blake in the warehouse.
Not seen in the picture is Micah with a Batman mask on and tormenting poor Clark.
The cousins!
We tried to get picture of everyone looking and smiling, but...
Blake reading during Bible time. I think Seth is yawning in this picture.
Some sort of tragedy has occurred. Most likely someone has picked up a toy she didn't know she wanted until this moment.
The sisters!
The kids table for the week. A rowdy bunch these.
Home again, home again, jiggety jig.
We celebrated our Christmas together the morning after we got back from Kansas. The thought of opening presents made the ride home a little easier. :)
You know you've had a fun Christmas, when your living room looks like this afterwards.
The same day, we packed up again and went to Nana and Gan Gan's to stay the night for our Fox Family Christmas celebration.
All in all we got to celebrate Christmas three times! Super spoiled for sure!
Back home, a new year begun and school started up again.
Our October kittens have really grown up. They are starting to venture outside more and hopefully, by summer will be mostly outdoor kitties.
We had a big snow a few weeks ago! Well, "big" for the Carolina's that is. :) Owen is still waking up and taking in the glory of it all!
Putting away the last of the Christmas decorations and just had to get a picture of our demented gingerbread man before he was tossed in the trash.
Owen is enjoying what he calls "his school" lately, which means he goes into the school room and pulls out any activity he wants and does it.
Liza has discovered pockets, how to get undressed, and she loves to change her shoes multiple times a day.
Owen got a very special present from Pops Shoemaker a few weeks ago. If only he can keep Liza from sitting on the back, it should last for a good long time. :)
Hot cocoa date with Mommy. :) A rare treat!
Updates...
Micah and I had the privilege to join the other elders at our church on a yearly retreat to the mountains in January. It was very refreshing and nice to have a time to make plans ahead for the church body. We are enjoying being a part of the leadership team at church.
We skype with Scott in Japan every once in a while and he is doing well. We were bummed to not have him with us at Christmas, but maybe next year. He is enjoying his job more and getting used to the climate and location more and more.
Jonathan is officially out of the Navy and just started his new job with an intelligence agency in Maryland. He didn't have to move and actually still works in the same building as before, just not for the military anymore. :)
We have signed Blake and Seth up for baseball this Spring! They are super excited. We have been holding off in taking the plunge into organized sports until they were a little older and it's hard to believe that time has come. Should be fun!
Micah has been super busy at work this month, which is good, but sometimes leaves him feeling a bit "brain fried" by the end of the day. Thankfully, playing with the boys in the evening doesn't require much brain work, so it works out well. He gets to unwind, I get a break, and the boys get to play with their favorite playmate!
Funnies...
"Owen, did you run into Liza on purpose?" Owen- "No, my shoulder did."
"Did your shoes track that mud in the house?" Owen- "No, Blake's shoes did" (He was wearing Blake's shoes) :)
"I might get busy and fall down" - Owen (instead of "dizzy")
Blake- "Can you speak Russia" Owen- "Russian" B-"Can you speak Chinese?" O-"Chinese" B-"Can you speak Italian?" O- "Italian"
Owen regretfully... "Mommy, I like you, but (sigh) Daddy ties my shoes tighter than you can."
Hope you all are doing well!
Love,
The Foxes
