Disney

During our trip to Disney, we went to all four Disney parks (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom). We also went one night to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" at Magic Kingdom, where they served hot cocoa/cookies, and we had "front row" seats to the Christmas parade. While we were at the parks, we saw many shows (Finding Nemo, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Playhouse Disney, Indiana Jones...), got to meet all the characters from Mickey to Pooh, Joe got to ride lots of roller coasters (by himself), and Abby took all her naps in the stroller at the parks. Needless to say, we have tons of pics that I won' t bore you with. I will, however, share a few of my very favorites with you! We had a great time, and Abby was pretty excited and overwhelmed with all that was going on! I had also never been to Disney before, so It was fun for me, too! I battled morning sickness that grew increasingly worse as we were there, so that made it hard on me at times...and I couldn't ride any of the "fun" rides. Over-all, though, we had a blast and can't wait to go back again one day with ALL of our kids!

Happy Birthday Jeanna

I'm doing a little blog catching up. With our church's Christmas program, going to Disney, me being sick with this pregnancy, and Christmas all happening close together, we've had lots going on and not much time to think about it!
Before our Disney trip, I was able to host a birthday party at my house for my super good friend, Jeanna. She has a December 25th birthday, which means that it is not always celebrated in the same way as those of us who were born at normal times during the year =)
She was very surprised, as she thought she was coming to my house to eat leftovers--or as she says "old fruit." (Well, I had to have some reason to get her over here!).
Here are a few pics from that night! Hope you had a great birthday party Jeanna!Surprise!

All the girls

We are very close to the same height

Oh Baby!

Well, the cat, as they say, is mostly out of the bag. And honestly, even if I wanted to keep it a secret, my green face would give me away! We found out over Thanksgiving that we are expecting baby Grant #2. And the thing that gave it away to me the most is that I was already feeling queasy. Since then, it has gradually gotten worse and worse, and now I am just praying for this first trimester to end!! I am assuming a due date of late July or early August (same as for Abby). We will have two kiddos with birthdays very close together, it seems! So, if you don't hear or see much from me lately--that's why! I am staying close to home, to my bed, and to the bathroom as much as possible. Once the second trimester hits I'll start to venture out again, and hopefully enjoy the taste and smell of food once more. Until then, keep us in your prayers as I deal with this sickness and with a 2 year old at the same time! Oh, and if you want to help, please feel free to take pity on my poor husband and cook him some dinner =)

Ellen

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Our Thanksgiving festivities started off with Joe's birthday, on the 22nd, which Abby was happy to help him celebrate.

And his loving wife baked and decorated a yummy cake. (FYI: The 29 blobs equal his 29 years, since I didn't want to use 29 candles.) Have I mentioned yet what a wonderful cake decorator I am?

Then, my whole family, including my grandmother from Louisiana, came for the whole week of Thanksgiving! I finally got to use my nice china that I got for my wedding, and it was the first time to truly use my new dining room table. Fun for me! It was a very fun time of family "togetherness" and we are very thankful for our sweet family.

The whole fam: Abby never looks at the camera, and I have yet to figure out what my brother is doing...

All the ladies (4 generations!)

After Thanksgiving I got out my Christmas decor, and I even let Abby have her own tree in her room this year. She "helped" me decorate (by putting all the ornaments on the same branch).

Leaning just a little... after seeing this picture I fixed the tree to stand

straighter =)

We had a super Thanksgiving, and now we're just gearing up for Christmas, going to Disney soon, and staying calm with so much going on!!