Holidays in the States

We were so excited to get to spend the holidays in the states this year.  Last year we had little miss  almost here so we couldn't risk flying home, they probably wouldn't have let me on the plane anyways.  

As soon as we landed we felt right at home eating a big juicy Five Guys burger...yum!  Then Grammy and Paps surprised us at the airport and helped us get all the kids and luggage home.  

We enjoyed every minute of being home, and some days we had lots of minutes to enjoy.  The baby was waking up at about 3am ready to play!  So we had a few very early mornings but at least we got some things done before Christmas.  

My pics really stink!  Before we left Belgium I dropped my iPhone 4s in the toilet!!!  Ugh, what a pain!  So I had to use my iPhone 4 and I just think it doesn't take very good pics at all.  I guess I will have to start lugging my big camera back and forth, but with 4 kids, 14 bags, iPads and computers, it kinda gets pushed to last resort.  So enjoy my mostly blurry, very bad pictures! :)

CHRISTMAS AT GRAN'S

Everyone just wanted to hold Emerson so badly, but she wouldn't have much of that.  She was in Mommy or Daddy's arms most of the time while we were home.  Towards the end of our holiday she began to warm up a little, but next time we will have to start all over.

The kids were all a bit excited to unwrap their gifts!

Spiderman!!  Drake loved his Spiderman web blaster that shot silly string all over the house.  The only bummer was that it didn't last too long.....I'm sure Gran would agree on that :)

My tiny new niece Ellia was the hit of the Christmas party!  Born just a few days before....so sweet and precious!

Santa decided he would visit the Keown kids again on Christmas morning...I guess they were just too good this year.  Hmmmm

Kade was so happy to finally get his sports jerseys that he'd been asking for!

Then we headed to Paps and Grammy's house for another round of gifts and family fun!

Little Reece's first Christmas too!!

Preslee got her kindle!

Momaw & Popaw's

All the stockings that the aunts embroider for every family member!  I believe there were 74!

I love all of our stockings and E's is the perfect Paris carousel theme. :)

The Keown kids and their loving great-grandparents.  We feel so blessed to have them and very happy we got to see them!  Miss Avery (in the green dress)  was not having this picture at all! 

Getting ready for our evening Christmas dinner with the Wroes.  It's usually our last party for the day...whew! 

Patience!!

Someone gave me a big ol' kiss!  Wander who that was??  -->

There's the culprit!

Of course we have to hit our favorite place Chic Fil A!!!  We only made it there one day (but we did eat breakfast there and then lunch!).

She got her first little taste too :)

New Years Eve!!!!

We were so happy to have some friends come down to Ky from Cleveland to visit us for a few days.  And happy that my mom agreed to keep ALL the grandkids for New Years so we could have a fun night out.  Louisville it was...with Windy & Marc and Britt & James!

Britt & James

We surprised the kids with UK basketball tickets and they were thrilled to get to go to an actual game!  Usually they have to watch them a day late in Belgium.  So, we drove to Lexington to stay with my sis while the hubbys took the kids to the game.  We just shopped of course!

Kade, Preslee, Claire, and Grace

And then we always have to say goodbye which is hard and sad for us.  I don't like them but seems we are doing them more and more, and they are just more sad because we know it will be awhile before we get to see our friends and family again.  This time Avery came to the airport to see us off.
Until next time.....