Happy Birthday Eli!

My dear friend Leeann gave birth to her second child on Tuesday, the 27th. Eli Thomas Arnold weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. Big Sister Anna Parks thinks that her brother "Ewi" is just pretty cool!

Leeann is such a great mom, Eli is so lucky, he has no idea! Like all babies, he was so loved even before he arrived. He and his brother are very special to me, and Jack and Anna Parks are great buddies! I'm sure that Jack will have lots to teach little Eli. Like how to make cow sounds, to ride a tractor, and push the buttons on the TV! Anna Parks will make sure that he knows how to take care of her babies, but he just better watch out or she'll be pushing him around in her new double baby doll stroller!

Here's little Eli fast asleep about 6 hours after he was born, isn't he handsome! The nurse said that he's a stout little guy, he just knows what he's in for with his brutal big sister

Christmas Eve

For as many years as I can remember, our family has been attending the Christmas Eve candlelight service at First Presbyterian Church. This year was no exception...

Here is my own little family, me, Blake, and our precious Jack!

About 4 years ago, my mom decided that we would go out to eat after that service. Well, we discovered that there were NO acceptable restaurants open on Christmas Eve, I don't know what we were thinking! So, we ended up eating at Bonanza and vowing to make better plans in the years to come. That's when Blake and I started having everyone to our house for dinner after church. Carolyn and her family go to the Peiserich's on Christmas Eve to celebrate with them, but this year they stopped by on the way. Jack and Elizabeth posed for a quick picture... (right after Uncle John sampled Blake's turkey!)

Blake's deep fried turkey was enjoyed by all, but I'm pretty sure that Jack's favorite was the Christmas Tree Cake that Aunt Jane and Uncle Joe brought for dessert! He even shared it with Judy and Olivia!

Blake and I love hosting this bunch on Christmas Eve, it is a tradition that we look forward to every year.

(Aunt Jane, Gran Dan, Blake, Uncle Joe, and Nan)

Jack got his groove on...

Now, Jack has quite the personality. While sometimes shy and reserved, he has this uncanny ability to capture the attention of all those around him. One example, his performance on the dance floor at Blake's company Christmas Party.



He and Mason Sifford really tore it up!

Getting Started

What a fabulous way to "remember", all of our memories! I just discovered blogging, so it's time to give it a try. This blog will be dedicated to the Blake Laniers, and all of our extended family and friends! The Blake Lanier family starts with Blake and Kathy. Together since October of 1992, married in June of 1999. 13 years! Jack joined our family in 2004 and has been nothing but joy (well, you all know there are those moments)... But we LOVE him dearly! He is truly our "little man". I hope that anyone who keeps up with us here, enjoys seeing little tidbits of our lives.