New design

We have a large space over our front door that has bugged me since we moved into our house. I have had no idea what to do with it, until recently! I stole an idea from a friend of mine here in town. She did their last name with the member's names through it and put it over her fireplace. I figured that would work just perfect above my door.

At Thanksgiving I had several family members want to buy some from me for Christmas gifts, so I figured I would post it here. Maybe it's that perfect gift you want or need for someone else. I can make it for you and I can make it cheap! You tell me how big and what 2 colors and your done! Email if you have any questions! eavotaw@netzero.net

Thanksgiving Part 2

We had my family over on Saturday night to enjoy Thanksgiving with them. Another night of good food and good fun.

Maverick and Maddox enjoying the toys, while the men watch the football games and Heather enjoys a few minutes of rest.
Mimi finishing up our Christmas decorating by making her famous bows. Linc is helping by telling her how the bow looks under the railing.

The finished tree. No angel, but lots of sprigs and bows. Our neice couldn't figure out why our tree matched. She wanted to know where our ornaments the kids made are. Proof once again I'm a lousy mother ;)

Time to move on to the fireplace. We let mimi martha do her magic here to. She does a wonderful job! Since she's retired I'm sure my dad would hire her out- hehe

Thanks mom- the house looks great!

Bath Time

I went to get Lincoln up from his nap and he decided to sleep so long and hard, that he was a little wet! Maybe completely soaked describes it better!! There was no doubt he had to have a bath. I couldn't resist the pics he was having so much fun.

First Snow

We woke up Saturday to a small dusting of snow. But the excitement in the kids made it seem like there was a ton of snow.

Pulling each other on the sled

Maddox shoveling the deck

Maci making snow balls. She decided against a snowsuit and wore her sundress and

coat instead =)

Christmas Time

Thanksgiving is over and the Christmas feeling is in the air. We decided to pull out the Christmas fun. The kids couldn't hold out any longer. We debated what to do since Linc is at the age of no self control ;) I also watch another little one during the day. And I didn't want to put tree's back up constantly. So we decided to just do one tree this year.
MaKenzie was still around and was a huge help on putting together our tree.

They all loved figuring out this puzzle

Almost done, just need a little of mimi's finishing touch. Our tree is never complete until Mimi comes over to make her "famous" bows for the tree.

Overnight Guest

It's so hard to let the holidays end, and Maci and her cousin MaKenzie just couldn't. So after everyone left Thursday night, MaKenzie decided to spend the night.

We told they kids they could fix whatever they wanted for dinner. They decided they wanted peanut butter, jelly, and coolwhip sandwiches. Yummy!?!?

Bed time! Linc passed out first.

Maddox wanted to sleep on the floor like the girls

The girls enjoying their bed on the floor.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is definetly one of the top of my "favorite holiday's" list... Everyone that knows me knows I'm a people person, and I love being with our families. I also love all the WONDERFUL food that comes through the door. The smell, the noise, the food, it all makes the day so much fun.
Lincoln getting to enjoy time with his Great grandparents. Grandpa (pictured above) has had a tough couple months and we were so thankful to get to spend this Thanksgiving with him!

Eric pulling the turkey out of the oven. What a wonderful smell that brings with it.

The kids tradition- Maci and Maddox watching Macy's Thanksgiving Parade while we prepare for the day. Maddox doesn't think it's fair that he doesn't have a parade made for him like Maci does.

We were blessed with such wonderful weather this year. Earlier in the week Eric and his dad mowed a football and soccer field. The adults and big kids played football while the younger crowd enjoyed the soccer field.

The little kids enjoyed the play area.

We had over 40 people this year from Eric's side that made it to our house for dinner. Our kids table seems to be growing!

Time to Eat! The food is out and the crowd is ready to go. We had the request to expand our island next year. We had to put food all around the kitchen- it wouldn't all fit on the island. There was a ton of yummy goodies!

Thanks everyone for coming. It's always good to see you. We'll see you on Christmas Eve!

Surprise Visit

When Eric and I first moved into our house a friend of mine had just moved back from Baltimore. I was lucky to get to enjoy her little girls during the day while she went to work. Maci loved her time with the girls and has been bummed since they haven't been coming here. It's amazing to see them now after having them from birth and 9 months of age. They are growing so fast.

On Tuesday I was surprised by 3 visitors- Carrie, Charlize and Chaney stopped in for a playdate. We were so glad to see them and Maci and Maddox enjoyed seeing their friends again!

Basketball Season is here

Basketball season is here and the first practice was last night. Eric and Papa Craig are the coaches of this 6 and 7 year old co-ed team. Only 6 kids showed up last night and my shy little girl is the only girl on the team. Maci is EXTREMELY shy and hates for people to look at her, so it will be an interesting season.
The coaches at work. Trying to explain the "rules" of the game to these little kids.

Maddox and Lincoln ready to jump in and play.

Maddox got a little side tracked with the cheerleading practice going on at the other end of the gym.

What's for dinner?

Is there anything better then smores? Maci and Maddox have decided it's one of their favorite treats. We have altered the camp fire to the propane lighter but it still tastes as good! Enjoying their treats (don't even ask what's up with Maci's hair!)

Finally some girls to play with

We've had several playdates over the last several months, but it's been all boys. Having 4 boys myself during the day, it's not easy to be overr un by boys. However we were able to get together with a friend of mine and her 3 little girls this last week. Lacey made a trip out to play and the boys had a blast.

Lacey and 2 of her girls- Grace and Sophia
Maddox and Sophie watching cartoons

Lincoln and Grace playing together- these two are less than a month apart in age

Game Night - 2nd set

We had so much fun last week at our game night we decided to do it again this week. This time we had more of a showing.
everyone showing off their talents with Cranium

the kids even decided to take part in the fun- they played their own game of life

Can't be fall without a bonfire!

You can't kiss goodbye the fall season without a proper bonfire. We invited some family over for a brisk afternoon day in the sun!
Everyone heading to the bonfire to roast hotdogs and make smores

Grandma's talking, Papa helping Maddox with his hotdogs (center) and Jen and Chris helping their kids with theirs

Papa blocking the heat from Maci's little delicate face!

Everyone enjoying the food and fun. It turned out to be perfect weather and a perfect bonfire!

Spiderman still around

How far away are we from Halloween? As you can tell, we are still living in the costume! Eat, sleep and play- it's always on!

Saturday Afternoon Football

The KU game was only on pay per view this weekend (and we can't go a week without seeing some KU football) so we headed up to Darrin and Lynn's to enjoy the game. Well we hoped to enjoy it, but the loss seemed to ruin a little of the fun!

the men (and Maci) watching the game
The kids decided it was time to try something else, so Darrin introduced them to the slot machine- Maci seems to have the gift!

Maddox gave up on the slots and decided to practice his artistic talent

Old Friends

Growing up I always had my constant buddy to count on. If it was to play with in Sunday School, ride 3 wheelers or mini motorcycles with (they had the best toys) go to summer camp with, or drive to summer league in high school with, Holly was always there. Holly and I had been best friends from as early as I can remember. Unfortunatly distance in college and living in different states has seperated us. Holly happened to be back for a while so I got to spend a little time with her today. I got to meet the love of her life- and he's a doll!

Holly's little man
All the boys enjoying their play day

Holly and her little man and his audience

Holly- we had a great time catching up with you. Come over again anytime!

My baby girl is no baby anymore

Lincoln woke up around 6 today and I just decided I wasn't ready to get up. Maci came in to inform that Lincoln was crying so I asked her to go play with him for a few minutes. She did and came back in a few minutes later to see if she could change his diaper because it was wet. I laughed and said "sure, but can you get him a bottle too?" Little did I know she was so excited to "play mom" that she did just that. I came into the kitchen to Lincoln in the high chair- with a bottle, muffin and a fresh diaper. Maddox also had a cup of chocolate milk and a muffin and Maci was just sitting down to her breakfast. After praising her and giving all the hugs and kisses she informed me she is going to get up earlier tomorrow so she can make daddy's lunch for him too. I think this starts a new phase in my life. More sleep and let her do all the "mommy chores!!!!"

Maddox so proud to show me his cup of chocolate strawberry milk. He has to have both in it, not just one. YUCK!!!

Lincoln enjoying his muffin, milk and goldfish, and dry diaper!

My 3 happy content kiddo's. What a doll I have raised!!