Happy #7 to the Twins

Maddie & Will celebrated their birthday last Saturday.  It is hard to believe that they have been with us for 7 years!!  When Katie & Alex came home from their Awana sleepover, the twins opened their presents from us.  Maddie received a Barbie set while Will received a Lego airplane set (from us & Becki's parents).

Sunday afternoon, we had Becki's family over for a family celebration...

Maddie's "Flip Flop" Cookie Cake

Will's "Star Wars" Cookie Cake

Grammy & Will looking through his Boy Scout Book

Aunt Fran, Aunt Barb, Katie, Grammy & Kayla

Will & Grandad - modeling their hats

Alex, Uncle Willy & Grandad with the twins

Light the Candles, Sing "Happy Birthday" x2!!

The Hart & Whitten kids

Time to open presents!!!

Another Barbie!!!

And of course, Barbie needs clothing & accessories!!

Maddie loves her mini-babies!  This new set is perfect!

Even more priceless than Will's reaction, is Uncle Willy's reaction!

Will got a lot of Imaginext toys!!

Casey & Will playing with his new pirate ship

 There is something special about watching & listening to your kids read...

I also LOVE the fact that some "kids" never grow up!!  I love these 2 men - they are near and dear to my heart!

Playing at the Pavilion

We headed down to the John Deere Pavilion (in Moline, IL...just down the hill from our house) to play and check out the new exhibits.  The Pavilion was remodeled a bit over a year ago and we kept saying we would get down there to check it out...well, we finally did!

The girls - checking out the latest Gator!

Maddie built this!

I think Alex looks a bit TOO comfortable behind the wheel!

I am always impressed with the size of these machines!!

We are so blessed to live in Farm Country!  We may joke about seeing corn everywhere we go...but it is a great place to be!  It is extra special when you take into account that John Deere is at our back door!!

Christmas with Becki's Family

Christmas evening - we headed over to Becki's parents for dinner, presents and pageantry.  After dinner, Grammy ushered the kids out to work on their talent show and Christmas pageant.  This has become an annual tradition - dating as far back as the oldest grandkids.

Last year, Grammy got a great deal on some basic red tree skirts.  She used them for the kids' talent show!  Every grandkid chose a song to sing or a talent to showcase.  Most of the kids sang a song or two while Kayla did a short comedy act and a few songs on the keyboard.  What talent our kids hold!

Casey - Deb & Brad's youngest

Emma (Deb & Brad's middle child)

Maddie & Will

Katie & Alex sharing a song from Spirit Choir

Alex singing her song about a naughty dog (at Christmas time)

Kayla (Deb & Brad's oldest)

Kayla choreographed a song for this trio. 

After the talent show, the kids re-enacted the Nativity Story.  Casey & Emma played Joseph & Mary while each of the other kids played angels.

Time to open presents!!  

Slightly surprised at the Felicity dress!!

Maddie watching Grandad opening his presents