Eighteen months

Eighteen months ago today, we met you for the first time. It's amazing how much you have accomplished in such a short time. We are so proud of you, and we are so proud to be your parents! We love you so much!

He's certifiable!

Billy is officially board certified in family medicine! He took a day-long exam the Thursday before Ellen was born, and he received his certificate from the American Board of Family Medicine in the mail today. Congratulations, Dr. Billy!

A party and some snow!

Saturday, Nannie took the kids to see their cousins, Jackson and Evan play basketball. We then met up at our cousin Jordan's 2nd birthday. It was held at a local volunteer fire station, so the kids got to climb on some real fire trucks. They all had a blast! I didn't get picture of the birthday boy; he wouldn't stand still long enough for me to snap his picture! We left there to meet Billy's Grandma at Billy's mother's gravesite. It would have been her birthday too. We then went out to dinner with Grandma. Oh, we had some tired kids in a crowded restaurant!!

What's up with this hat?




We woke up Sunday morning to the first (and likely only) snowfall of the year! Rebecca, spotting the white stuff from her window, came downstairs shouting, "It's snowing in my room!" Check out the fashion footwear: plastic shopping bags! You have to do something to keep those feet dry! The kids came back in for a hot chocolate break and then headed out again. I wasn't feeling well so Ellen and I stayed in where it was warm!





Since snow was covering the roads also, we opted not to drive to church that morning. After a big weekend, we all settled in for a Sunday afternoon nap. We overslept and there was no way to get everyone ready to make it to the evening services. Forgive us for being lazy slacker parents, God! Billy did hold a little Bible study for the kids.

My little protectors

Playing dress-up has become almost a daily activity with the kids. Seeing a little princess prance through the house has become such a common occurence that I have not stopped to snap a recent picture of either of the girls in their finest attire! I couldn't resist these of the boys. They really get into their roles!

William the Great


Henry joins in with his best Power Ranger pose.


Vivian decides to be a Power Ranger and William demonstrates the stance.


I think she's got it!


No post would be complete without the obligatory baby picture! Look how she is growing!

Be Mine

I was able to be at all the kids' Valentine's Day parties except for Vivian. Hers was on Wednesday and that is the day that I take Rebecca out of school for occupational and speech therapy.

Here is Henry making a candy necklace.


William waits patiently for his valentines.


Together again. The boys are in different classes, but they go to lunch around the same time.


At Rebecca's party. Actually, the whole family went! Vivian really enjoyed sitting next to Rebecca.


Rebecca's kindergarten class


This weekend Billy and I went to a couple's retreat with about 20 couples from our church. We watched a DVD series, entitled "Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage," by Mark Gungor. It was hilarious, and we both learned a lot about each other. Billy surprised me with flowers and balloons. He had them delivered to our hotel room before we arrived.
(I hate this picture of me! Now I see where all that weight is that I see on the scales!)

Spa services available

Daddy gives great pedicures!


Getting the "royal" treatment


I'm thinking the mullet might need a trim.

Inseparable

Now eight weeks old!