Recent pics of my sweet boy

Hanging out in his jumparoo - he LOVES this thing!

Ethan with his biggest sis!
Like father, like son.......watching a little football.

Jenna: our newest family member

Meet Jenna, our magical elf. She is visiting us until Christmas Eve when she will return to the North Pole with Santa. Emily wrote a letter to Santa last night asking him to send an elf (a girl one) for us to play with. She left out some crackers and water with the note and when we all woke up - Jenna was sitting next to the empty plate and cup AND she had brought her very own North Pole snowflakes. So far Emily, Allison and Ethan have been very good so she is still here with us. We'll see how tomorrow goes.......

FINALLY!

We are FINALLY getting the house painted (after 7+ years)!! For those who had seen the 'before', you can definitely appreciate the 'during.' This is just the primer.....we are so excited! Of course with this week of gloomy rain it has pushed us back some. Hopefully this project can be completed by Christmas. Merry Christmas to us!

Holiday in the Hills

Tonight was the Vestavia Christmas parade. The girls and I went with our friends Kristi, Andrew and Sam. It was cold but we all had a great time watching Santa and Mrs. Claus light the city Christmas tree. As you can see from the pictures, the kids enjoyed running around the gym where the Holiday Expo took place. I liked it better too....much warmer and easier to keep an eye on them.

The fire truck carrying Santa was very loud and bright. I like how Allison wasn't a fan of the lights and Emily wasn't a fan of the noise. They are too cute!
Sam and Andrew all bundled up. I think they just got a glimpse of the big man in red!
The 4 kids going in 4 different directions!
Shhhhh, don't tell anyone. It was ONLY across the street!

Introducing: Samuel Harris Kiel

We traveled to Jackson, MS last week for the birth of the newest Kiel cousin. We are very grateful that baby Samuel was born healthy and that Aunt Corrie survived the labor and delivery even though it didn't go as planned. Congratulations Uncle Jonboy, Aunt Corrie and baby Sam. We can't wait to see you at Christmas!

Emily and I doing a little "shopping" while waiting....

and waiting.....
and still waiting. (These were all taken in about 15 mins but with 3 kiddos around it can seem like FOREVER)!
And here he is.....so worth the drive over and the waiting. We wouldn't have missed it for the world.
And little Samuel's proud parents! Congrats!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a wonderful, lazy Turkey day. I slept in and the kids watched the parade (I did catch the end with Santa). After naptime we headed to my parents' house for an early dinner. I am so thankful for my wonderful family - especially my three very special blessings.

My littlest elf was tired!

Allison at her Thanksgiving feast - not too fond of the hat!
Her table in the Owl room. They were all so quiet and well-behaved when the mommies were there.