New hair

Matt decided a few weeks ago that he wanted to try to cut his own hair to save money (and apparently many of his friends do it, so it must be cool! :))  So on Sunday afternoon, he cut his own hair (which looks really good).  But then we had a problem because Landon always goes with daddy to get his hair cut.  So we decided to be brave and cut Landon's hair at home.  It was funny because we said, "Landon, do you want to get a haircut?"  And he said, "I get sukder (sucker)."  He always gets one at the salon to keep him still.  But we had an even better plan and let him watch "cartnoons," which is actually Super Mario Bros. on the Wii.  He sit perfectly still and his hair turned out great (although a little short!)



Landon's new hair cut at home

  And Emmy of course wanted her hair cut as well so Matt had to pretend to cut her hair.  But the exciting news for her is that her hair has finally grown enough to put a bow in!

I also had to include these pictures (even though they don't follow the hair theme).  On Saturday, we went to a baby shower for my cousin, Erin, and her little girl Alaina.  Emerson absolutely LOVED the "bebe" as she called her.  I've never seen her love on somebody so much.  Thankfully Alaina didn't seem to mind! :)  She just wanted to hug and kiss her and everytime someone else wanted to hold her, Emerson had to go over and make sure she was alright.  It was precious!

Christmas (tree) Shopping DONE!

On Sunday, we made our annual trek to Wilfong's Tree Farm to pick out our tree.  The kids did a great job and it was probably the quickest we've ever found a tree.  It's a tad bit short, but pretty full and it's the 1st time ever the star fit perfectly the first time it was placed on top! :) 

We tried really hard to get Landon and Emerson to sit on Santa's lap to get a picture.  Every time we would get close Landon would yell, "NO, NO, NO!" and Emerson would start bawling hysterically.  I finally got Landon to go up to Santa when I told him he had to or he might not get anything in his stocking.  So he yelled from 3 feet back, "CHARS!" (cars)  I told him he had to get closer and we finally got a picture of him and Santa.  Emerson still bawled (but we didn't want to leave her out so her picture is included too! :) )

Both kids LOVE the tree.  Landon loves the lights and Emerson loves the ornaments (she smashed 3 when we were decorating). 

Happy Thanksgiving

"Gos is great, Gos is goot.  Let us than 'em for our food.  An our fends, and our famee.  Ahhhhmen."
This is Landon's version of our mealtime prayer...usually with some other people mentioned and things (like cheese, or big trees, or new trucks) at the end of the prayer.
God has given us sooo many blessings and that little boy is a big one!  Along with his adorable little sister too.  And of course, we can't forget the best daddy who loves them and takes care of them and plays with them like no one else can.
Another one of our many blessings is our family, near and far, who we get to see a lot of over the holidays.
Friends and making time to build and sustain relationships is important and something I try to appreciate every day.
And especially on days like today, I'm thankful for all things warm: a house, blanket, coat, and snuggies :)
I could keep going.  There are so many amazing things that God has blessed us with.  Most of all, I'm thankful to live in a country where God can be worshipped where ever you want.  He is the reason all of the above things and people even exist!

Trick or Treat!

This year we took both of the kids trick-or-treating at some relatives' homes. Landon mastered, "Trick-or-treat" very quickly and said it many times before anyone even came to the door. They did a great job in their costumes and very much appreciated their treats that they got. (Love everyone who thought to give them snacks instead of candy! :)).  Emmy loves the baby and necklaces that she got and Landon loves his brand new car and school bus. 

Walking right in to Gma's and Papa H's house

"What's in the bag?"

Looking at his new "ta-tahr" with Great Papa

Emmy showing Great Papa her "bebe"

Yeah...this is the best picture we got of both of them trick-or-treating! :)

Em loves to "love" her blankies and dollies by laying down on top of them and kicking her feet like crazy! :)

I think the kids had a great time on their "first" Halloween experience. (Last year we tried to go and our car broke down after 2 houses! )

Halloween Party 2010

Last weekend we hosted the annual Halloween Party.  This year the theme was scary/monsters and our guests did NOT disappoint!  We had a lot of scary make-up, masks, and food.  Then we played Halloween Jeopardy.

Mikel and Jessica

Jessica and John

Amos and Jess

Alicia and Matt in the coffin that he made

Melanie and Scott



Nate and Trent



Amos won for "Scariest Costume" and Melanie won for "Most Original Costume"



The exciting Final Jeopardy Question



We always enjoy hosting this party.  Half of the fun is decorating our basement and figuring out our costumes.  I do have 2 points of advice though if you want to be a vampire at your next Halloween party. 
1. Do NOT get the fangs with the putty attachment.  Neither Matt or I could get our teeth to stick in. :( 
2.  When wearing black nail polish, remove as soon as possible so it does not stain your nails for 3 days even after using 3 coats of polish remover! :)

Happy Halloween from our Little Doggie and Giraffe!

Messy Kids

Here are some recent pictures of our kids enoying some chocolate...and other things!

"I like chocit puddin' "



"I like Vasoline! :) "
(She didn't actually eat any, thankfully!)



"No, brownie batter is definitely better!"

 Landon also got a chance to ride in a combine as our church was harvesting the soybean crop for our Food Resource bank.  He loved the "chombine"!



Our Little Boy is 2!

Although it is really hard for me to believe, Landon turned 2 on Saturday!  He is such an active little guy who absolutely LOVES the movie "Cars" and especially the star, Lightning McQueen.  So, we threw a Lightning McQueen birthday party for him.  He was thrilled with all of the Cars blankets, toys, books, pillows, etc. that he received.  But his favorite part was the cake.  He LOVES cake almost as much as Lightning!  He even passed on ice cream so he could have more cake.

I don't think he knew that everyone was there for him.  Although he did keep saying, "Happy Birfday, Landon!" :)  He didn't care much for opening presents.  Once he opened 1 or 2 toys, he was done.  Emerson and I opened most of them!  But I do thank all of you who took time to come and pick out a special gift for our special guy.

Below are some of my favorites of his 2 year pictures, which Matt and I took at the Wetlands in Nappanee:

Below are pictures from his birthday:

This is what he did while I opened most of his presents! :)



Landon and his "fends"



The birthday boy

Landon and his birthmother, Mary, who came to visit for his birthday weekend.

A post NOT for weak stomachs

"Everybody out, quick!"  I yell.  "Landon hold onto your towel.  Emmy and I are going out to get Daddy off of the lawn mower."  So Landon is standing by the front window trying to "dry" himself off and Emerson is in her towel while I try to dry her off and run to get Matt.  You may ask what's the hurry?  Is someone hurt?  Is something really wrong with the house?  No.  But I consider 6 turds floating in the bathtub an emergency (left by my lovely daughter :))!  I considered taking a picture, but I then thought that you could probably all imagine it in your head...and I didn't really want a picture of poo!  Good times! :)

A quick update on the kids:
Landon is learning new words/phrases everyday and usually surprises us with things he knows or points out.  It still amazes me how kids go from saying 1 word to hundreds.  Their little brains are so amazing!  He is 23 months and knows all of his colors, letters, numbers, and his name.  We're working on letter sounds and counting.  He loves cars/trains/tractors/and probably every other mode of transportation!
Emerson is a little "tornado".  She finds everything imaginable to get into and dump out.  She's starting to play with toys a little more and LOVES her dolly and blankets.  Her goal is to try to carry as many dolls and blankets as she can.  She also LOVES Landon and gets upset if she cannot see where he is.  She is 15 1/2 months old and eating like crazy, but not growing like crazy.  Our doctor says not to worry but she's only gained 1 pound and 2 inches since her 1 yr. check up.
And I had to include a picture (even though it's a month old!)

Landon and Emmy after a hot day mini-golfing in Tennessee

A few last summer pictures

Emerson thinks she is SOOO big to drink from a straw
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Family picture

Emerson in my Strawberry Shortcake pjs :)

Daddy and Landon simmin' in Lake Michigan...BRRR!

Landon and Emerson playing together :)