Grandma and Grandpa took us to Branson for our annual Christmas fishing/shopping trip. The weather was excellent and fishing was good. We stayed in big cabin west of Branson that was awesome. Grandma and Grandpa took Kyler and Katherine to Silver Dollar City for a day while we went shopping. Kyler said she had a blast on the rides.

Grandma and Grandpa took us all to the Dixie Stampede in Branson. As it turned out they don't offer a kids menu. Kyler wasn't sure what to do with that much food, Kennedie on the other hand knew exactly what to do.

The first snow of the year. It turned out to be pretty good for making a snow man, even if it did take all of the snow from the yard.

The girls got to open one present at Grandma's after decorating the tree, and here they are showing off their new toys and nightgowns!!

We had a big day last Saturday doing our yearly putting up our and Grandma and Grandpa's trees.
We started out with our tree, and it is tradition that Daddy hold up Kyler, and she puts the angel
on the tree. We had to add Kennedie to the tradition since she is old enough now to "help". We went
out after that to build a snowman from our first snow of the year. The snowman didn't last long,
the snow had almost all melted by day's end. That evening we went to Grandma and Grandpa
Schlies' to decorate their tree and take family pictures for Christmas cards. The kids had
a lot of fun!

Pumpkin Patch

This is our day at the pumpkin patch. We went with Grandma and Grandpa and Angie, Jon, Katherine and Joey. The kids played with the equipment and rode the train. Then we painted pumpkins. It was weather was perfect. The kids loved it.

Kyler Cheerleading

Here is Kyler being a cheerleader at a Maize highschool football game. They had practice for a few hours during the afternoon and then got to cheer for part of a quarter. She was a little shy at first but she liked it.

Kennedie's first procedure

Little Kennedie went in to have tubes put in her ears on Tuesday. She has had numerous ear infections which could lead to hearing problems if not corrected. We were nervous about the whole thing due to the fact that she had to be knocked out for a little while. Everything is fine now. She has had a low grade fever for a day or so but she doesn't act like her ears bother her. Mommy said she will be glad when this week is over. I would have to agree.

Kyler's first day of Kindergarten

The day is actually here. Our little baby started Kindergarten today. As we figured, she handled it better than we did. She just blew her kisses and took off. Mommy and I met her at the school to make sure she found her room OK. I think she was wondering why we were following her around all the time. Some day she will understand.

Kyler's 5th Birthday

Here is the birthday girl posing for the camera before her party.

Mommy and Cousin Katherine helping with the candles.

Kyler trying out her new bike.

Shawna, Kyler and Baby Colton Lance Doll.

Two new birthdays!

Papa (my dad) celebrated his 60th birthday on the 16th. We had them and my brother's family over for dinner and cake. He had some help blowing out the candles, but didn't seem to mind.

My friend Missy also had a baby on the 18th. Colton was 6 pounds and 12 ounces and was 19" long. We waited for a long time to meet this sweet boy, and what a blessing he is.

Kyler's Week at Vacation Bible School

Kyler had a good week last week at vacation bible school. The theme was western, and she made a cowboy hat, a vest, and a craft to go around her bandana. She had a good time, and learned a lot of things. She ended the week with a singing program and then had a photo session afterward. Here are some of the poses with Kyler, Kennedie and Katherine both of who had come to watch Kyler sing.

Chad's first triathlon

We traveled to Manhattan today to see Chad compete in his first triathlon. He did very well, and attained the personal goal that he had set for himself. We were proud to see Daddy do so well for his first race like this one. Kyler even managed to have some of her own fun while waiting for Chad to come back each time. It was hard to explain if Daddy "winned" or not! We told her it's not all about winning, it's about having fun and enjoying it of which Chad did both.

Girls Picture Day

We had the girls pictures taken today. Kennedie wasn't too thrilled but Kyler was photogenic as usual.

Pump It Up Party

Mommy and the girls are having fun at a birthday party for one of Kyler's friends at Pump it Up. Kennedie doesn't look like she is liking it but she kept pointing at the slide and wanting to do it again and again.