These two ladies have been in my life since 1996. I don't know what it would be like without them completely. Although Ashley lives in Australia she is always a Messenger or Skype conversation away. We will go weeks without talking and pick up right where we left off. Sarah and I live in the same city and don't see each other much. She is in my thoughts at least once a week and we lean on each other when things get really tough. The three of us will always be there for each other no matter what, and I will always cherish these friendships.
Ahh, Jen Yilk. Big fun in a pint size package. Love ya Jen.
These two are complete trouble together. They even left Catholic School together because they couldn't deal with the rules.
Jenny got to shoot the wiener slinger.
Nothing more peaceful than an almost 4 year old taking a nap. This won't happen much in the near future.
This is at Izzy's Thanksgiving program. She got to talk a bout religion.
Singing one of their festive songs.
Izzy reading her part with best bud, Hudson, making sure it is all right.
I joined the Rotary Club this year and we volunteered to ring the Salvation Army Bell the night before Thanksgiving. It was freezing cold and we got pelted with little ice beads. Maia, our neighbor, toughed it out with us. Thank goodness there is a Starbucks inside the grocery store so we could get some hot chocolate. Addie petered out and wanted to go home. Mark came and got her and then she didn't want to go home. They sat in the Jeep and watched us so Addie could be with the big girls.
Izzy and Maia.
I finally made the leap and had my "beauty" mark removed. It has been my trademark for 37 years. It had finally got annoying enough, it had to go. It was pretty painful the first day, but now I'm glad it's gone. My eye was turned down for several days. I was afraid it was a bad surgery job. Then one night I was reading with Izzy and rubbed my eye. I heard a snap and everything looked great a gain. It must have been a stitch that was bunching my tissue together.
We went to Grand Island for Thanksgiving and while we were there we celebrated Addie's 4th birthday with a song and a cake. It was great to see family.
Iz helped Addie blow out her candles.
We got out the old Twister game and gave it a whirl. The girls had the old ladies testing their flexibility.
This is Aunt Cindy and my Mom trying their best.
Enjoying family time.
My beautiful grandmother at the age of 87.
What's a family holiday without cards.
Dad and Kash.
Me and Aunt Debbie.
Missing one generation. I'm behind the camera.
Waking up on Addie's birthday. She was ready to open presents and watch the Huskers play.
Addie admiring her cupcake on her real birthday.
That weekend we put up Christmas decorations. My favorite time of year.
The tree in Addie's room.
Addie putting the star on top.
This is usually Izzy's job and she wanted to do it too.
I got a nativity scene from my Aunt Cindy many years ago and Izzy has taken it over. She loves the baby Jesus.
My attempt at Addie's 4 year birthday pictures. My friend Shelley also helped take some too. It was a challenge.
Izzy- 6 1/2
Addie- 4
November was so long ago. Again I don't remember what happened that month other than it was the start of the holiday season. On Thanksgiving we went back to Grand Island. Mark actually was not on call and we got to enjoy the holiday with our family. Thanksgiving has changed a lot the last few years with the passing of my grandparents but I still really love being with my family and the small group we have. There is lots of love there and the comfort of just being with them is surreal. We had a great Thanksgiving dinner and and enjoyed each other to the fullest. We played games and talked for hours. We even got to help my little Addie celebrate her fourth birthday a little early.
When we got home we celebrated Addie's birthday with just our sweet little family. She got to pick out where we ate and then we had cupcakes. I believe she chose Panera to eat. She loves their mac and cheese. We always celebrate her friend birthday in December when the Thanksgiving crazy is over.
With Addie's birthday comes the birthday pictures I do every year. My great friend Val, that typically takes our pictures, is in the process of adopting from Ethiopia and is overwhelmed and occupied with all that makes that happen. So, it was up to me to capture this year of age. I took a few and then also roped my great friend and neighbor Shelley into helping me. We had fun and frustration trying to get a few shots of these two. I don't think we did half bad. I was constantly concerned Addie was going to fall into the water. She wanted nothing more than to touch the water.
I am excited for this holiday season and love my family more than anything. The Lord has blessed me.
