Good Friends Start Early

Jack and Ryley had the biggest time together today! We started out at the duck pond and fed the ducks lots of bread, even though they weren't very hungry ducks! Then, our attention turned to riding the tractor at Gran Dan and Nan's house. They were absolutely adorable driving all over the yard! They took turns driving around, stopping every now and then to blow a few bubbles. There was much waving and yelling of "bye bye" like they were really going somewhere!! These two little boys are destined to be great friends, just like their daddies. Luckily your moms introduced your dads to each other, and they instantly became friends. I can only hope that your personalities allow you to have tons of fun together, while keeping each other safe and happy. I pray for you both as you develop those personalities and become such unique, individual, amazing little people. You ended the day washing away all that grime with so much splashing the bathroom was flooded!

Race Day

WOW! I ran my first race ever today! This race started as Leeann's "kickstart" to her post baby body. She actually ran this thing before Eli was even 3 months old!!! She is truly amazing, as was the experience. The 4 of us, including Leeann's friends Suzanne and Tracy ran the Little Rock marathon as a Relay Team. So, we all ran between 5 and 7 miles to complete the entire marathon. It was great! The weather was cold and drizzly, but it was awesome. I can't say I'll ever run a whole marathon, but even a half, but by gosh, I did 6.2 miles and thought i was an Olympic Athlete! Here are some pics of me finishing my leg and post race with our medals!

Two Years Old!

Life with a child has truly been the most challenging, and blessed thing that I have ever experienced. Jack, you are the most amazing little man, he shocks and amazes me every day! We celebrated his 2nd birthday surrounded by tons of friends and family. Jack is blessed to have friends of ALL ages, he was thrilled they all came out and shared his birthday with him! Jack, you challenge me to be your savior, your best friend, your teacher, your everything. I love you more than I ever imagined possible. Even after you say "mama" for what feels like the billionth time, when you finally go to sleep and get quiet, I remember how much I love you! I look forward to every challenge that you face and overcome, and pray for your happiness. You are amazing and can conquer anything!

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)