Our Trip to Illinois

We traveled to be with my family in Illinois for Thanksgiving. 32+ hours on the road, and 2 quiet kids... we couldn't have asked for anything more! And what a great trip it was! Not only did we have amazing, A-M-A-Z-I-N-G food, but I got to spend my birthday with everyone too. We got spoiled with TWO thankgiving dinners. My cousin, Adam, smoked an amazing turkey! Yummy! And Grandma Wells had all the Thanksgiving fixings along with pumpkin pies! Thanks Grandma Wells for the wonderful birthday cake! Emmy had a great time playing with everyone. It's amazing how much she remembered from the last time we visited. And it was really exciting to introduce Brenner to everyone. Grandma Z couldn't get enough of him. Thanks to my parents, lil bro Camden, and sis Chelsea for making the trip from Texas! I love you, and we'll see you in a few short months!

Daddy and his little "B"

Our little man

My dad and Brenner

Aunt Kathy

Grandpa Z and chunky little boy

Me and Camden



My sweet, sweet girl

Sisters

My amazing Mom

Hubby of mine

We had fun dressing Emmy up


My sweet cousin Hayden, also known as Emmy's partner in crime

She was so great at holding little Brenner

Grandma Wells

He loved her!

Emmy and her many talents



Aunt Tammy

My cousin Cameron


Aunt Chelsea

Uncle Camden

Papa enjoying our little chunk

Papa and Emmy enjoying a little r&r

Emmy's tea party
Grandma Z decided that we should have a tea party for Emberlyn since it was our last day there. We all sat on the floor, and Emmy poured us some refreshments. And she managed to not spill a drop. I've been teaching Emberlyn to say "cheers!" and clink glasses, so I had her do it during the tea party, pretty funny.



Tea with Grandma Z, Mimi, and Aunt Connie
Thank you everyone for a great time! And for letting our circus of a family, through your doors. We can't wait to see you all again! We love you!

Brother and Sister

Here are a few pictures of Brenner (on the left) and Emberlyn (on the right)... do they resemble eachother?

Strike A Pose

We had a little impromptu photo session of little crazy 2 year old. She's full of personality!

The 3 of Us

Emmy's Candy Land

Wade and I made Emberlyn a Candy Land helping-out chart. She gets a sticker each time she helps clean up her toys, uses her manners by saying please and thank-you, and any other helpful deed during the day. Why does she need a chart for helping out? Well, yes, she is an absolute angel, but we all have our days where we could use some extra motivation. And Emmy is really excited to start putting stickers up. Every 10th square I put glitter on as a marker; these are her "surprise" squares. When she places a sticker on these squares she gets to pick a prize from her treasure chest. She can choose things such as suckers, princess accessories, coloring books etc... And then the very last square she gets a "big surprise." I haven't decided what that will be yet. It may be a trip to go out for ice cream, or a trip to paint pottery with Mommy or Daddy, or she may come up with another fun thing to do. So, here's to mommy's little helper!

More Brenner Pics

Brenner's 9 1/2 weeks old. Enjoy some more pictures of this sweet cheeky boy.