first visitors

Andy was a brave Daddy and brought all the other kids down the day after Kinley was born so they could meet her.  I think if we had not had the suite, he wouldn't have brought them. But, we had plenty of room for everyone to spread out.  Grammy Linda came, and Grammy Pammy, too.  That morning also, our pediatrician came by.  We had a good laugh about Kinley being born the day before since I had been in her office that morning with Kella for her 2 year check up and I told her about the induction date and we both assumed we would see each other the next week.  I guess Kinley wanted to meet her sooner.

All the siblings wanted a chance to hold her.

with Liam

with Ewan

with Cale

Kella got a turn, even she was excited

Liam chilled in bed with me for a little bit

with Marcus

with Grammy Pammy

and with Grammy Linda

Kella was pretty excited to be there (or just tipsy from being sleepy).  She ran around, jumped on the couch, squealed a lot.  Good thing we had the room at the end of the hallway.

That was a lot of excitement for an otherwise quiet day. 

a new toy is always welcome

Liam's birthday present from Grammy Linda arrived in the mail a few days ago.  It was a big hit!  Liam and Ewan played great with it, building and imagining. 

What they really liked was building long chains, shall we call them "swords"

A happy boy and his weapon.

And, then they tried to "fight" with their swords.  And, then their swords went everywhere.  Everywhere.  And, then there was some confusion about how to clean up to scattered remains of the battle.  And, Kella may have tried to eat some of the foamy pieces.  And, Andy may have had to get involved to "encourage" Liam to help pick up.

But, they did really like the new toy.

Thank you Grammy Linda!

New Year's Eve at a hockey game

We were able to take everyone to an Indianapolis Ice hockey game this year thanks to Andy getting some free tickets.  The boys were excited to go, but were extra happy when we said we would get them some popcorn at the game.  That's all they want-the knowledge that they will get a snack.  This was Kella's first hockey game and we took Grammy Linda and Grandpa Jerry along, too.

Even Liam did well, after Andy got the popcorn.  Kella did fine, too.  I think she liked all the action.  The game ended at about 830, so we were home well before midnight.  I think it was just Andy and I up when the clock struck 12, and that's just because we were watching a DVD (Sherlock-highly recommended).  So, it was a nice way to spend the last day of 2011 and a nice last fun activity for the boys before going back to school on Monday.

having some Thanskgiving

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving is the chance to plan a big meal. I don't like turkey, or ham or pumpkin pie. I pretty much gorge myself on sides.  This year we had 2 meals.  The first meal was on Thanksgiving. Grammy Linda, Grandpa Jerry, Chris, Kim and the girls all came over.  What can I say?  We are a cool family to visit.  Andy deep fried the turkey, Linda brought some noodles (and the turkey), Kim brought the pies and we had mashed potatoes, stuffing, glazed carrots, broccoli, rolls, a spinach cranberry salad and a cranberry jello dessert.  There was plenty of food and plenty of leftovers to make another meal.  But the best part was that we all got to visit and the cousins got to play together.  It stunk that I had to leave the fun for work that evening, but everyone hung around until Friday so I got to see them then, too.

the cousins' table-our picnic table from outside

the grown-up table-I busted out our nice china and some of our crystal for the meal

turkey induced sleepy

Grammy and Kella

It's getting harder to fit the cousins on the couch.  The girls all wanted to hold Kella.

with Aunt Kim

I love to get photos of the "C" cousins-Cassie and Cale-together.  They are only 6 months apart.

Liam has a new fun game-blast off!.  This chair is a rocket ship into space.

It was crazy and loud, but so much fun!  I'm thankful that we were able to get together.

Grammy Linda came to visit

Grammy Linda came for a visit last weekend.  The boys were excited to see her.  I don't think they knew she was coming-I like to surprised them.  She brought some birthday presents for Ewan.  He seems to be enjoying them.

Some mean games of parchesi were played.  Cale says it's his favorite game.  (Really, Cale likes any game that he can win.  He's a little competitive)

Winner!

Grammy got to hold Kella lots!  She also got to see the boys in their gymnastic class and just give them lots of attention.  They loved it!

Grammy and the grandkids.  Liam was cruising in the baby walker and did not want to be scooted back to have his picture taken with the group.  Well, we tried.



family pictures

So, maybe you've seen the previous posts and figured out that we went to Decatur earlier this month. We did fun things like go to the childrens' museum, go to a zoo, had a baby shower for Kella-all things you can read about on this blog. What follows is some more pictures from our time in Decatur for your viewing pleasure :-)

the boys love the trampoline at Grammy Linda's

Andy's grandparents got to meet Kella, and Liam too!

more trampoline time

Andy's grandparents with the great-gran kiddos

time with Grammy Linda

It only took a week, but here are the cousins actually playing a board game together. Honestly, they made it through almost the entire game before someone thought an injustice was done. How cute are they all playing together!(it's Junior Clue)


Aunt Kim and Kella

and Kella with Mommy!

my favorite pose-the cousins on the couch!-Marcus, Savannah holding Liam, Cassie holding Kella, Ewan, Cale and Marie (holding down the dog-not in the picture)

one last photo op with Grammy Linda and then it was time to head back to Indiana.