A Week In Iowa

 It's crazy time of the year again!  The holiday season is in full swing for us, which also means Scott's busy season for work.  Throw in us hosting a party for a group of Scott's work associates and my brother being hospitalized for 10 days over Thanksgiving, and life has been even more...exciting...than usual.

Thanksgiving fun began the weekend beforehand when we shipped the girls up to Iowa for a weekend of fun with Scott's parents so we could host the party in relative peace.  My brother being hospitalized meant my parents couldn't watch the girls during the week, so after going to preschool with grandma (who's a teacher at one), I was able to get up to Iowa with Abraham and be on kid duty until Scott came up on Wednesday. 

We spent Thanksgiving day with Scott's grandparents.  Abraham got to meet his great-grandpa for the first time.

We celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday with my family complete with a giant piece of beef, a classic holiday tradition, right?

The girls got to learn duck, duck, goose because their mother has never taught them this game.  Negligence?  Perhaps.

They taught their cousins Ring Around the Rosie though.  So I redeemed myself slightly.

They adore their time with the cousins.  It's full tilt, every moment they are awake.  Constant motion and noise.  It's enough to make me want a nap.

 Abraham and Ellie (the newest cousin) became fast friends. 

This little man is rocking the milestones (and the hair).  He's getting really strong, pushing up, and trying to get onto all fours.

Grandma moves the table for these yahoos so they can watch TV from it during breakfast.  Spoiling in full effect.

And on an unrelated note, this is Annie's new trick.  She's a ballerina (if you couldn't tell).  The tutu is worn literally every day.  The dance moves get more and more complex by the week.  This is one of my favorites, and the addition of the magic wand makes it that much better. 

A Slice of Heaven for the Weekend

 The girls got to have an out of body experience a few weekends ago when we secretly planned a trip to Nebraska for them.  It wasn't until we were halfway to Uncle Chris' house that Evelyn guessed our final destination.  Uncle Chris' house is the stuff of dreams for these two (and let's face it, for Scott too). 

The weekend was full.  Saturday morning started with cat chasing.

This child really does belong on a farm.  She was born to city dwellers though, and will have to wait and buy a big piece of land for herself some time in the future.  If she doesn't own a whole host of animals as an adult I will be shocked.

These two little girls are about to become the happiest children in the midwest.  And Scott switched from lawyer Scott to cowboy Scott (although I think there's a button down shirt on under that fleece, don't let him fool you).

I mean that face, seriously.  I teared up a bit I think.  She was so, so happy to get to ride a horse.

Annie burst out of her shell too.  I thought she would be terrified of Rebel because she won't even ride on the swings at the park.

That's Aunt Katie ever so patiently leading our girls around the yard on Rebel.

Annie adored having so much space to run around.  The poor cats didn't get a moment of peace while we were out there.

Abraham got to meet Uncle Chris for the first time, clearly he's thrilled.

Evelyn kept saying we needed to stay for just a few more days.  I think she was ready for us to just head home and leave her there. 

Abraham: 4 Months

Well...sort of.  You're actually 4.5 months old now.  Poor 3rd child.  I have the best of intentions, but the days are long and busy. 

All photos were done by the amazing Jami Nato.  She did family pics for us this year and they turned out so, so good.  I'm thrilled.  And she has a special going on this month if you're looking to get some family photos done. 

Those dark eyes have completely stolen our hearts. 

Our little squish is (slowly) growing.  He's given us quite the adventure these last couple of months.  Hospitalizations, tests, ridiculous quantities of doctor visits.  But he's oh, so worth it.  I wouldn't trade him and all this crazy for the world. 



At his 4 month check-up he was 23.25 inches long and 12 lbs. 15 oz.  Whopping 5th percentile.  That's our peanut. 



He's doing everything he should be doing at 4 months old despite his set backs with being so sick.



He loves to laugh.  He holds toys.  Rolls over.  All the fabulous baby things.



His hair is a.maz.ing.  It's reaching new heights and I adore every curl. 

You are fiercely loved by everyone in your family, buddy.