Songs for Jesus

Caleb seems to be transitioning out of naps.  He still goes back and forth (I think it depends on how early Joel wakes him up in the morning), but for the last 3 days he hasn't napped.  I still have him lie down for "alone time" which he actually seems to enjoy.  Today when I went in to get him up, here is our dialogue:
Me:  No nap today?
Caleb:  We have been singing songs.
Me:  Who was singing?
Caleb:  Me and Bear. (his bear from Build-a-Bear)
Me:  Can I hear your songs?
Caleb:  No.  They are different songs.  (Whispering) It's a secret.  Songs for Jesus.
Me:  That is special.  I think Jesus loves your songs.
Caleb:  Yep!

That made my heart melt!  I may have to sneak up there and listen to one of his songs soon . . . :)

Back to Christmas - Part II

We left Texas and drove back home on Wednesday.  After throwing all our stuff into the house and packing up some more Christmas presents, we headed over to the Hayes' home to spend time with all of Tim's family.  

I think we will need a bigger couch for next year's cousin pic!  

NINE kiddos 4 and under!

Taking advantage of the warmer-than-usual holidays at the park.

2012 Preggos

Trying out the new chairs . . . it looks a bit intense.

 Holding one of my sweet new nephews!

A sure way to get a little adult talk time . . . movie time!

The time went by way too quickly and was cut short by a bout of the stomach virus hitting most of the family.  It is the classic way to end a great holiday spent with family :)

Back to Christmas - Part I

A month late is better than never.  :)  We spent Christmas weekend in Texas with my family.  As we are now officially outnumbered by children, it is getting harder for us to remember to bring our cameras.  Plus, there is no way we could actually capture all the things we packed into that weekend, but here are a few snapshots of our time there .  . . 

Here are all the cousins lined up according to age.

A few classic family Christmas photos.

"This is so embarrassing . . . our parents are kissing . . ."

Dadda is sooo fun!

The whole family!

Trip to deliver cards to the fire station.

Joel explaining how to play their new Leapster Explorers.

Josiah baby modeling as usual.

Mealtimes are always an adventure around here!  

They swapped food, cups, slobber, and who knows what else.

Night time train ride to look at lights.

And no trip can be complete without the "men" staying up way too late playing Call of Duty.

Other fun adventures not shown:  singing Christmas carols to the neighbors, giving away money to random people, Christmas Eve church service, going to trampoline/jumping place, all the kids and my parents re-enacting the Christmas story (costumes included), night-time hayride to look at lights, going to see a movie, a happy birthday Jesus cake . . . . I know I am missing a few things, but you get the idea.  :)  Love my family!