Merry Christmas from North Cackalaky!!

Because Aunt Jessy is pregnant, we decided we should spend Christmas in North Carolina at her house. This was the first time we have ever done Christmas away from home, and Emerson wasn't too sure about it....but of course he had a great time like the rest of us! It was also the first time in 7 years that Mommy and her family were together for Christmas, which really made her happy.

We all went to Christmas Eve service at my Mommom Suter's church. She used to play the piano there so it is a really special place. Emerosn and Trey both fell asleep during the service, but I managed to stay awake. After the service, Uncle Eric and Uncle Drew took me up to the front of the church to see the baby grand piano that the church ladies bought in memory of Mommom. I was the one that found the gold plate on the side that said "In Memory of Debby Suter, 1953-2003". Uncle Eric took my picture next to it.



After church, we went back to Aunt Jessy's house where we were all allowed to open 1 present. Everyone got a new pair of Christmas jammies! Thank you Mommom Lois for our jammies again this year!! They were so comfy and Mommy and Aunt Jessy thought we looked so cute!




After jammies it was time for bed. All was fine until Treyman started puking around 3am. Poor guy was sick all of Christmas and Uncle Carl helped him open most of his presents. The next day he didn't even remember what Santa had brought him! Santa really out did himself again this year. I guess Christmas can get a little out of control when you have 10 of us all together (or 10.5 counting the growing baby Riseley!) We woke up around 6am, and Uncle Eric called Poppop Suter. He got there in 10 minutes!! My favorite presents this year were my Kindle and my bow & arrow. Emerson's favorite presents were his scooter from Santa and his bb gun from Uncle Drew!







The day after Christmas Mommy threw a baby shower for Aunt Jessy & baby Riseley. It was a "Sweets" Shower. She had a cookie cake and all different candies and ice cream. The funny thing was that Aunt Jessy didn't pass her sugar test at her doctor's office a couple of days before!

Flying south for a few days of R&R...

Mommy has finally finished her semester of Nursing School so we headed to FL for a visit with Mommom Nijole & Rawy at their beach house in Englewood. They have such a great place to visit because it is right on the beach. It was a little cooler than it usually is when we go, but we were able to wear shorts and t-shirts during the days. This trip Mommom taught Mommy & Daddy how to crochet granny squares (granny squares make up the stockings that we hang on the mantel every Christmas) and me and Emerson how to crochet a chain. I even made my own necklace! One afternoon we decorated a couple of gingerbread houses. We spent most of the days walking the beaches looking for sharks teeth. Whenever we would find one we would say, "sharks tooth, ooo-ha-ha!!" :) We brought home several bags of sharks teeth! Thank you Mommom & Rawy for a wonderful trip!

Here Comes Santa Claus....

We are in the midst of the holiday season and so many exciting things are happening! This year we are traveling to FL to see Mommom Nijole and Rawy in Englewood for about 6 days. After that we are headed to NC to be with Aunt Jessy, Uncle Carl, Trey, Poppop Suter, Uncle Eric, and Uncle Drew (plus the sweet growing baby boy cousin in Aunt Jessy's belly!). Since we are spending the holidays away, Mommy took out our individual boxes of ornaments and let us each decorate one of her pre-lit small trees. They look so pretty! She also took us to see Santa. Emerson brought his list with him and told him that he would like an iPod shuffle, a Mario remote control, RED highlighters, and Legos. I asked him for a kindle. Mom says that's a pretty big boy gift, so I'm not sure if I'll get it or not. I'd also like an iPod shuffle.

Happy Turkey Day!

In preparation for Thanksgiving, Emerson got to make a little turkey pot at school in art class. He rolled clay into a ball and pushed his finger in the middle to make the bowl. He picked 3 different colors for the feathers and glued the googly eyes on the neck! After it dried he got to paint the bowl too. Here is another picture of his wearing one of the visors Mommom Lois sent us. We are so thankful for the love we have for each other, our warm home, and the many blessings God continues to give us....and video games. We can't forget video games.

Trick-or-Treat!

Today was one of the most awaited days of the year.....Halloween!! We had the Newsom's come over and eat dinner with us. Then I suggested we bob for apples! It was pretty cold outside, but we ALL tried!! After we dried off a bit, we all got to go trick-or-treating. This year I was a Ninja and Em was Mario. We sure got a ton of candy!

Bobcat Badge

I earned my 1st Cub Scout badge tonight! My bobcat badge! All I had to do was remember things like the cub scout promise, the cub scout salute, and the cub scout motto! I was the first kid to go in the Wolf den which means I was the 1st to earn my badge!

"It's the MOST WONDERFUL time, of the year!"

Back to school today! This morning we woke up bright and early at 7am (which isn't really so bright and early for us!) and got ready for our 1st day of school! Emerson was a little nervous so he decided he would bring one of his kitties with him for support! We got ready for school, took some pictures, and waited for the bus. Because Em was a little nervous, Mom jumped in her car and met us at school. She walked Emerson to his classroom, but I was too anxious to wait, so I went on ahead on my own. After Em was situated in his class, Mom came back to check on me in my classroom. I was busy meeting new friends and getting into my desk. After school, Emerson and I both walked down to the cafeteria for the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program. On the way, we saw Mommy! She let us stay for a little bit so we could see how it would run and so we could have snack. We had such a great time today! Em's favorite part of the day was riding the bus, making a froggie and a kissing hand, and taking a rest on his own mat. I really liked that my teacher is so funny!