The Wilson Girls

Labor Day 2010

2010-09-11T14:56:00.001-05:00

Abbey Fishing

Abbey

Kent and Lily fishing!

First Day of School

2010-09-11T14:53:00.002-05:00

Gracie and Mrs. Gillespie.

Lily on her first day of Kindergarten

Abbey and Mrs. Watson

The girls started their first day of school in August. Abbey is in 4th grade, Gracie is in 2nd grade and Lily started Kindergarten this year. Here's to a great year!

American Girl Doll Store GA

2010-09-11T14:48:00.002-05:00

Lily with her new American Girl Doll -- Rebecca

Abbey with her new American Girl Doll -- Kaya

Gracie with her new American Girl Doll - Julie

We went to GA to visit Kent's twin brother and his family. The girls were especially excited to make the trip because there is an American Girl Doll Store there. They saved their Summer School Money and had enough to buy a doll each. We had a fun trip visiting family and Aunt Lori, Colby, Jake and Kayla were nice enough to take us to the store and out for dinner. We all had a great trip!

2010-09-11T14:41:00.002-05:00

Beau, Gracie, Lucy, Abbey and Lily

Lily brushing the cow

Abbey brushing the cow

Gracie milking the cow

We went to the Shatto Dairy with Nicole and her kids. We went on the tour and watched the cows being milked and learned how they make all the different flavors of milk. We even got to sample some of the different flavors. We all had a fun day!

Annual Trip to the River

2010-09-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

Gracie and Lily getting ready to head to the river.

Lily turns 5

2010-09-11T14:38:00.001-05:00

Lily wanted a bike for her birthday that wasn't a hand me down from her sisters!

2010-09-11T14:33:00.001-05:00

Abbey, Lily and Gracie sitting in front of the 3 different colored flowers we have in front of our house. We try to get their pictures here every year to see how much they grow every year.

2010-05-31T15:13:00.000-05:00

We weren't very good but we had fun!

Logrolling 2010

2010-05-31T15:01:00.001-05:00

Gracie

Lily

Abbey

Dave got the girls interested in "logrolling" while we were camping. Abbey and Gracie did a great job. ( I couldn't get the video of Abbey to load but got some great footage of Gracie and Kent) Kent was the best at it, however. Lily was able to"logroll" with a little help from her dad. Mom and I tried but weren't very good!

2010-05-31T14:42:00.003-05:00

2010-05-31T14:34:00.003-05:00

Gracie Logrolling

2010-05-31T14:20:00.004-05:00

Cleaning the fish

2010-05-31T12:46:00.002-05:00

Lily, Gracie and Dave cleaning the fish

Lily, Gracie and Dave

Abbey caught the fish, however, she wanted NO part in cleaning them. It didn't seem to bother Gracie and Lily, though!

Abbey Caught 4 Fish!

2010-05-31T12:41:00.002-05:00

Lily, Abbey, the fish, and Gracie

Abbey went with Dave and Kent to catch fish this evening. She tried to fish earlier in the day but didn't catch anything because Oreo was swimming around and barking and Gracie was swimming and splashing around and everyone was being loud. We also had the paddle boat out in the water to add to the chaos. So, Mom and I took Gracie, Lily and Oreo for a walk so they could catch some fish. And did they ever... Abbey caught 4 and Kent and Dave caught 3 each!

Campfire Stew

2010-05-31T12:36:00.001-05:00

Lily, Dave, Abbey and Gracie

Another tradition that we have developed is eating campfire stew on our camp outs. The girls LOVE Nana's campfire stew! It was delicious!

Cute Flower pics

2010-05-31T12:32:00.001-05:00

Lily

Abbey

Gracie

Picking Wildflowers for Nana

2010-05-31T12:26:00.001-05:00

Lily and Dave

Dave, Gracie and Abbey

Gracie

Dave and Gracie

We stopped on the way back to camp to pick wildflowers for Nana. The girls had a great time picking them and Dave made a really pretty bouquet when we got back.

The Ride Home

2010-05-31T12:20:00.002-05:00

Abbey and Gracie getting in the truck for our ride home from our rock hunt

Little Prairie Dogs

Dave showing the girls that the hole was actually safe!

Dave came and picked us up on our way home from the rock hunt. He wanted to show us up further where a part of the road had been washed out from all the rain we have been getting. It looked really unsafe for cars but proved to be a pretty funny picture of the girls. They needed some convincing but we talked them into posing as prairie dogs in the holes. It was pretty funny!

Annual Rock Hunt 2010

2010-05-31T12:13:00.002-05:00

Throwing rocks off the bridge

Abbey, Gracie and Oreo

Lily, Gracie, Abbey and Kent waiting for the tractor to cross the bridge so we could continue on our walk.

Lily and Gracie showing me their pretty flowers. The only vacation where you can wear your PJs the entire time.

We woke up early Saturday morning and went on a rock hunt down an old road. The girls found lots of rocks, flowers and animal tracks. We even found a bridge that was perfect for throwing rocks off of. We had a great time rock hunting this year.

Abbey's new pocket knife

2010-05-31T11:58:00.003-05:00

Nana gave Abbey a pocket knife she found with some old keys. Abbey had a lot of fun widdling on a stick most of the weekend. She has gotten pretty good at it. We just had to keep telling her to point away from herself and not towards herself.

Memorial Weekend Camping 2010

2010-05-31T11:52:00.002-05:00

Kent pulling the Argosy in for a weekend of fun!

Gracie doing Abbey's hair! They do get along once in awhile!

The first day of camping began on Friday afternoon. The girls and mom and I went to the farm to get the camp ready. We just rested for most of the afternoon(which the girls desperately needed) and set up camp. Then, Kent brought the camper and the girls helped Nana clean it up. We made hamburgers and fried potatoes over the campfire and roasted s'mores after dinner. Marlene came out to join us for dinner. It was a nice evening with the Gracie, Lily and I turning in early while Kent, Abbey, Dave and Nana stayed up around the campfire.

Blind-folded makeovers

2010-05-25T20:26:00.002-05:00

Abbey and Gracie

Lily after the girls got her with my old lipstick.

We brought a box in from the garage tonight with some of our stuff in it from the move (almost 3 years ago) and found some of my old make-up. The girls talked me into letting them perform blind-folded make-overs on each other. Here are some of the "after" pictures. They had a lot of fun! I think they ruined a few of my towels in the clean-up process, though!

Tri-LEARN-athon

2010-05-24T21:48:00.002-05:00

Stretching out

Jumping Jacks??

More stretching

The girls have signed up to participate in a Tri-LEARN-athon that our local hospital is sponsoring. They have to read 26 books, walk 26 miles and do 26 good deeds before the year is over. They are kicking the event off after the local hospital's run at the beginning of next month. So, here are the girls getting ready to walk their first mile. Should be interesting!

Last day of school celebration

2010-05-24T21:44:00.002-05:00

Gracie eating her corn on the cob.

Lily eating her corn on the cob.

I promised the girls a picnic for the last day of school. We tried to get away to have it at the park or somewhere else that wasn't at our house but Abbey had been to a sleepover the night before and needed SLEEP, so we celebrated with a deck picnic. Gracie is having to eat her corn on the side of her mouth due to her front tooth about ready to come out! It was fun and the girls always enjoy corn on the cob.

Green Shirt day at School/Awards Assembly

2010-05-24T21:35:00.002-05:00

Lily had me take a picture of her in her green shirt for green shirt day at school.

Abbey getting all of her awards during the awards assembly

Abbey getting her project fit award.

Gracie getting all of her awards.

The last day of school was green shirt day and the awards assembly. Mr. McConkey, Abbey's PE teacher called me the day before the awards assembly and told me that Abbey had been selected to receive the "Project Fit" award. It is an after school program to promote fitness at her school. She received the award out of all the 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls who participated. Mr. McConkey gave her a fishing pole and a tackle box for her accomplishments/award in the program. We are so proud of her. She got this award on top of the math and reading awards she received for her hard work and good grades throughout the year. Gracie also received awards in math and reading. She also received the "Good Character" award out of all the girls in her class. We are so proud of her. We are so proud of Lily as well. They don't include Preschool in the awards assembly but she received a certificate for moving on to Kindergarten. She was pretty excited!

Aunt Aurora

2010-05-24T21:27:00.002-05:00

Me, Lily, Gracie, Aunt Taylor, Grandpa Charlie, Aunt Aurora, and Abbey

Me, Abbey, Lily, Taylor, Gracie and Aunt Aurora

Abbey, Lily, Aurora, Gracie and Aunt Aurora

My sister,Aurora and her new husband, Nick came to visit for the week. It was so good to see her and meet her new husband. He is so nice. Anyway, here are a few pics from the evening. Dad took us all out to eat and we snapped a few pics. The girls had a good time running around in the backyard as well.

Shiny hair

2010-05-24T21:16:00.001-05:00

Lily wanted me to brush her hair so it would be as shiny as Emily's hair. I think it worked!

Family Photo

2010-04-25T14:32:00.002-05:00

Abbey's 3rd grade class is creating a time capsule for each of them to open when they are Sr.'s in high school. So weird to think about that! Anyway, she needs to include a family photo in her time capsule. We took one after church today and here it is! Now all we need is a picture of her pets, her house, our cars and her 3rd grade report card. We are also to write a letter to her to open that day and each of her grandparents as well. Should be cute! Here's to Abbey not growing up too fast!

Shell-y

2010-04-22T20:09:00.002-05:00

Dave, Lily, Gracie and Shell-y

Dave, Shell-y,Lily and Gracie

Dave found a turtle and brought it over for the girls tonight. They were surprised at how fast the little thing got around. Lily had fun carrying it around all evening and checking to see if had eaten the fish food we have been feeding it or not. Gracie found the perfect rock for it to climb on and Abbey googled what we should feed it. After they got everything figured out, they decided to appropriately name him/her Shell-y. Now we need to determine who gets to take their new pet to school first! Should be interesting!

Thanks Uncle Mike

2010-04-22T20:01:00.002-05:00

Lily and her new doll from Uncle Mike. (Yes, I cut her bangs myself).

Gracie and her new Native American Doll

Abbey and her new Native American Doll.

Uncle Mike sent the girls these new Native American dolls that he bought in Idaho and mailed them to the girls. He also sent new agate necklaces for them. They are holding them in the photos. The girls have been having fun playing with their dolls since their arrival yesterday. Thanks Uncle Mike!

4 Generations

2010-04-22T19:57:00.002-05:00

Dave, Grandma Smith, Nick and Baby Viola

Nick, Sarah and Baby Viola came up for the weekend last weekend and Mom snapped this four generation photo. Viola is such a good baby and the girls really enjoyed seeing her. Gracie was the "baby hog " this time. (last time it was Abbey who was the "baby hog." It was a great weekend spent with family.

Easter with the Porters

2010-04-10T08:10:00.004-05:00

Lily

Gracie, Dad, Lily, Taylor and Abbey

Gracie, Dad, Lily and Abbey

This is the only picture I took of the girls on Sunday. I guess I only took pictures of Lily during the egg hunt as well. Don't know what I was thinking! We had breakfast at church, then lunch at Grandma Twila's with dad and family. It was a wonderful, beautiful day. We had such a good time. It was great to see everyone!

Happy Easter

2010-04-10T08:04:00.002-05:00

Lily, Gracie and Abbey

The Easter bunny came late Saturday night to our house due to Kent always being gone on Easter morning to cook breakfast at church. So, the girls each got an apron and an apron for their American Girl dolls. They were a big hit! (Thanks Aunt Sarah)! They got some other "crafty" stuff, which they love too! Now we just need to find time for them to stay home to use it! We had a busy Easter weekend!

2010-04-10T08:01:00.001-05:00

Abbey with all of her candy

Gracie after the "hunt"

Lily wearing Lucy's bunny ears!

Easter at Mimi's House

2010-04-10T07:57:00.001-05:00

The whole gang

Gracie found one from last year.

Abbey found one!

Lily filled two buckets!

Almost Finished!

2010-04-10T07:51:00.002-05:00

Kent FINALLY got mom's kitchen island in. He had an Easter deadline. We had dinner Friday night at her house complete with a Golden Egg hunt. Uncle Clint found it! The girls suspect he cheated! Now all Kent has left to do is put her baseboard trim around the bottom of her cabinets and around her island. He also needs to add the other leg to her island. Then, the final trim pieces to the top and of her cabinets. It's been a long process, but almost complete.

Lily was the Artist of the Month

2010-04-02T10:52:00.002-05:00

Lily showing off her Fish Picture

Lily showing the residents her work of art

Lily standing by her picture that hung on the wall for the month of March.

Lily was chosen the artist of the month by her art teacher and principal for the month of March. The rest home has just started a program where they select a student from each grade at the elementary and hang their art on the walls for the residents to enjoy. Then, they have the students come out for a reception to show off their artwork. Lily's fish was very cute and her picture was even in the local newspaper this week!

Night Sledding

2010-02-28T18:21:00.002-06:00

Abbey and Brandon at the bottom of the hill

Abbey getting ready to go down

NIGHT SLEDDING-- It was a beautiful warm Missouri Evening.

I have always really enjoyed night sledding. So, I took the kids last night while Brandon was here. We trekked up the hill to Grandma's house to go down her hill. The kids really had a good time sledding, making snow angels and taking Oreo for a walk. After we had gone down Grandma's hill a few times, we headed out to Nana's house where the kids played in the snow in her front yard and ate icicles. They had snow races and enjoyed being together UNTIL ... the dogs perked up at something across the highway. Of course, they were convinced it was a coyote, so we loaded up in the van and headed home; where Kent made them hot coco and I made them something to eat. The kids stayed up late watching movies before going to bed! It was a fun night.

Action Shots

2010-02-28T18:15:00.002-06:00

Gracie showing me her giant snowball

Lily going down without the sled.

Snow Angel.

Brandon sliding off the sled.

Brandon going down on his back!

2010-02-28T18:09:00.005-06:00

New American Girl Dolls -- Lily

2010-02-28T18:07:00.001-06:00

Lily and Emily

New American Girl Dolls --- Gracie

2010-02-28T18:03:00.002-06:00

Gracie and Josefina

Gracie and all of her American Girl dolls

New American Girl Dolls -- Abbey

2010-02-28T17:50:00.001-06:00

Abbey and her doll of the year -- Laney

Abbey and all of her American Girl Dolls ( and Rainbow Brite)

Just like her dad ...

2010-02-28T17:45:00.002-06:00

Abbey

We got another big snow... Kent wasn't home from work when we got home from school and Abbey noticed that the walk and driveway hadn't been cleared yet. It wouldn't have done any good due to the amount of snow we were still getting anyway. So, she took it upon herself to scoop the snow before he got home. She is a little like her dad, I think.

Cousins

2010-02-28T17:40:00.002-06:00

Abbey, Lucy, Delaney, Lily and Hannah

We had a baby shower at our house for Nick and Sarah on Valentine's Sunday. So, some of the girls' cousins made it for the occasion. The girls had a great time playing upstairs in their rooms with their cousins while the ladies had a good time at the shower downstairs. We all had a great time. Nick and Sarah got some nice gifts for baby Viola and it was nice to spend time with family.

Our Little Valentines

2010-02-28T17:28:00.002-06:00

Gracie, Lily and Abbey

We had a baby shower for Uncle Nick and Aunt Sarah at our house on Valentine's day. So, I had to snap a quick picture of our valentine's before everyone arrived.

Abbey turns 9

2010-02-06T15:12:00.001-06:00

Abbey will be 9 in a couple of days. She decided to have an American Girl Doll party this year and have her cousin Sarah stay the night for a slumber party so they could play dolls all night long. And did they ever! They were up until midnight doing their hair and dressing and undressing them for bed. Abbey had such a great time. So fun! Happy Birthday, Abbey! We love you!

Birthday photos

2010-02-06T15:08:00.001-06:00

Green cupcakes

Gracie, Sarah, Abbey and Nate

Poor Nate had to get dressed up by the girls for the tea party. He was such a good sport. They had a great time playing!

"Green" tea party

2010-02-06T15:01:00.002-06:00

Waiting for the tea party to begin

Lily, Gracie Abbey and Sara having their slushies

Abbey wanted to have an American Girl doll birthday party and have a tea party with a "green"theme. We served fruit and berry dip; cucumber sandwiches; slushies and flowering tea for the tea party. This was all after Abbey's favorite dinner -- Chicken Velvet Soup!

2010-02-06T14:59:00.001-06:00

Getting ready to open her gifts from everyone!

I think she likes it!!

2010-02-06T14:49:00.002-06:00

New clothes from Mimi

Her new green iPod!!!

Her new harmonica from Uncle Clint and Christy

New clothes from Nana

More new clothes from Nana

Lil' Girls Cheer Camp

2010-01-29T21:17:00.002-06:00

Reagan and Lily bein' silly

Reagan and Gracie -- Cute!

Lily and Gracie getting ready to go to the basketball game

Lily and Gracie getting ready to go to the basketball game.

Gracie and Lily decided to do the little girls cheer camp this year. They practiced every day after school with the High School cheerleaders in order to perform 3 cheers, and a dance for the halftime show of the basketball game this evening. They worked really hard in order to learn the cheers and dances. This was the first year Lily was old enough to participate so she was really excited. Abbey still isn't interested in cheering/dancing. She decided that she would rather be involved with the school's yearbook committee after school on Monday. But, she and I had a lot of fun hanging out together the rest of the week while Gracie and Lily were at camp. We played lots of games and planned her upcoming birthday party. So, I really enjoyed spending time with just her after school every night. Gracie and Lily were so cute and did a great job at the game tonight. Kent videoed the performance but again, I'm not able to upload the videos so, hopefully, Kent can do it for me sometime soon.

Tea Party

2010-01-17T18:33:00.000-06:00

Abbey, Sarah, Gracie and Lily

Lily, Abbey, Sarah and Gracie

High Tea

2010-01-17T18:25:00.001-06:00

Gracie, Abbey, Sarah, and Lily

Abbey, Gracie, Sarah and lily

Lily getting her make-up on

Gracie and Felicity

The tea party

Sarah was up for the weekend and invited the girls to high tea after church today. They were to be there at 3:00 with their favorite American Girl doll and their dress up clothes. Susan and Sarah had the party all ready complete with the fine china. The girls had smoothies, cookies, and all kinds of fun fancy little girl food. They had fun playing dolls and having their tea party.

Christmas Dresses -- FINALLY

2010-01-17T18:20:00.002-06:00

Abbey, Gracie and Lily

The girls FINALLY got to wear their Christmas dresses today. We haven't had church since December 20th and so the girls hadn't gotten the chance to wear them. They got to wear them today and looked so cute. Abbey wasn't really "into" shopping/trying them on this year so she just picked this one to get out of the store!

Gracie lost her first tooth

2010-01-07T10:25:00.003-06:00

Gracie FINALLY lost her first tooth the other morning. She woke up with it in her mouth. So glad she didn't swallow it! Of course, she has long thought she lost a tooth a long time ago due to the gap she has between her two top teeth! But, she finally lost her bottom tooth and had a visit from the tooth fairy that night. She was excited to get to school to show her friends and teacher!

Action Shots

2010-01-07T10:11:00.001-06:00

Lily, Kent, Nate and Noah

Lily

Kent making a snowball

Dave getting ready to make a snowball

Abbey and Dave

Dave was planning his annual Christmas card and wanted a family Snowball fight for the pictures. He went home after Grandma Smith's Christmas dinner and created two forts for each team. He also hooked the trailer up to the tractor complete with a bench for the kids to take a ride on the wagon. He told the girls to bring their two snowball makers and to be ready for a snowball fight. We invited Nate, Sarah and Noah to come for the fun too! The object of the game was simple-- be ready to steal the other team's flag. Once Sarah, Nate and Noah arrived the teams were divided. Of course, Abbey, Gracie and Sarah couldn't be divided so that left Lily, Noah and Nate. Lily really enjoys playing with Noah so she didn't mind. Kent took one team and Dave took the other. I was to take pictures and Nana went inside to make the cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. Uncle Nick was assigned the duty of referee and Aunt Sarah is pregnant so she is pretty limited on what she can do. Uncle Clint saw that the "young" team was losing so he jumped in on their team and helped launch snowballs against the "old" team. After the game was over, the kids jumped on the wagon for a ride on Dave's make-shift wagon. Once the ride was over, they headed in for Nana's cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate.

The Two Teams

2010-01-07T10:07:00.003-06:00

Kent, Lily, Nate and Noah

Dave, Gracie, Sarah and Abbey

I think the two teams were a little lopsided but they had fun nonetheless. (Abbey, Gracie and Sarah wouldn't be split up)!!!

Snowball fight '09 -- Abbey

2010-01-07T10:00:00.002-06:00

Nate, Abbey and Dave. Abbey is ready to steal their flag!!!

Sarah, Gracie an Abbey

Abbey

Gracie Snowball fight '09

2010-01-07T09:54:00.001-06:00

Gracie getting their fort ready

Dave, Gracie, Sara, and Abbey preparing for battle

Sarah, Gracie and Abbey getting ready to begin the snowball fight

Snowball Fight '09 - Lily

2010-01-07T09:45:00.002-06:00

Lily wanting to go inside after a long, hard snowball fight

Lily and Nate making a fort

Lily's idea of a Snow Angel.

Lily playing in the snow

3 Christmas Snowmen

2009-12-26T14:52:00.000-06:00

Here is the finished product! They're pretty creative!

Christmas Snowmen

2009-12-26T14:45:00.003-06:00

Abbey and her snowman

Lily and her snowman

Gracie and her snowman

Lily and Kent working on their snowman

Abbey, Gracie, and Lily working on their snowmen.

Christy, Clint's girlfriend, brought stuff for the girls to make snowmen. They decided to make them this morning. Here they are working on them. They had a lot of fun making them with their dad!

Rice Krispie Treats

2009-12-26T14:41:00.001-06:00

Dave LOVES Rice Krispie treats. So, the girls and I made him some for his birthday. The girls thought they were so good that we needed to make some for us this morning. Here is Lily helping me. She really enjoys helping me cook. This is her usual spot whenever it's time to makes something. Here she is licking the spoon and getting marshmallow all over her face and in her hair.

The Christmas Blizzard of '09

2009-12-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

The snow drifted up to our door.

We had a HUGE Christmas blizzard this year. It started snowing on Christmas Eve day and just stopped this morning. The wind blew really hard and the snow drifted so bad it was hard to keep the driveway, roads and sidewalks clear. We have had to drive Kent's truck to go anywhere the past few days.

Some of their other gifts ...

2009-12-26T14:14:00.003-06:00

Abbey and her DS game

Gracie and her DS game

Lily and some of her dress-up costume

Abbey and Gracie have been playing their DS's since they got them after summer school. So, they asked Santa to bring them some DS games. They each got one of the DS games they have been wanting. Lily LOVES to dress-up. She plays dress-up more often than Abbey and Gracie ever did. So, Santa brought her a dress-up outfit complete with wings, skirt, leotard, gloves, shoes and a hair piece. She wore it most of the day! The girls wanted clothes this year. (The first year they have actually WANTED clothes for Christmas). So, Santa brought them some clothes. They each got the Zhu-Zhu pet they have been asking for and, of course, their American Girl dolls. The girls have had a wonderful Christmas so far and we're not even done with all of our dinners. We haven't gotten to visit the Smiths and Connie's family due to the weather. We went to Mom's house where Abbey read the Christmas story from the bible to the family. What a blessing! She is such a good reader and it was a great way to celebrate Christmas before opening gifts!

The Wilson Girl's New American Girl Dolls

2009-12-26T14:09:00.001-06:00

Abbey and Ruthie

Gracie and Felicity

Lily and Molly with Molly's glasses case

The girls with their new dolls.

Ruthie

2009-12-26T13:59:00.002-06:00

Abbey showing me her new Ruthie doll

Abbey opening her Ruthie doll. Ruthie was at the top of Abbey's Christmas list. Abbey has the Kit doll and wanted the Ruthie doll to go with her. Abbey was so excited about her doll and has been playing with her since Christmas morning!

Felicity

2009-12-26T13:55:00.002-06:00

Gracie and her new American Girl Doll, Felicity

Gracie opening her new doll, Felicity.

Felicity was at the top of Gracie's Christmas list. Felicity goes with the doll Gracie already has, Elizabeth. Felicity has a pretty purple dress. She has had so much fun playing with her new dolls and her sisters.

2009-12-26T13:51:00.001-06:00

Molly

Lily opening her Molly doll!

Molly was at the top of Lily's Christmas wish list! Here she is opening her doll. She was so excited. Molly wears glasses and has a glasses case. So, her glasses have been taken on and off and put in and out of her glasses case too many times to count.

Family Gifts

2009-12-26T13:40:00.003-06:00

Mario Cart

The girls opening the big one!

Wii Music

The girls opened their family gifts first. The got new crayons which they desperately needed. They LOVE to color! They got lots of Will games! Wii Music/Batman Legos and Mario cart. All of these games were on their lists so they were super excited. (I am officially the worst Mario Cart player there ever was!) The girls have been trying to guess what is in each box from the minute I put some of them under the tree so I tricked them and put a Wii game in the HUGE box! They were surprised!

New Puppet Stage

2009-12-26T13:32:00.002-06:00

Lily with her new puppet stage and puppets that Santa brought

The new puppet stage

Santa brought the girls a new puppet stage with tons of puppets for Christmas. He was up so late BUILDING the puppet stage that he didn't have time to paint it. So, we are going to, hopefully, get it painted over Christmas break. The girls have been having so much fun with their puppets and stage. Abbey has written several plays and they have worked together to perform them. Anyway, here is their stage and the LOVED it!

Santa's Holiday Hoedown

2009-12-26T13:21:00.002-06:00

Abbey's play this year was "Santa's Holiday Hoedown." It was a cute story about Santa and his reindeer going to Branson MO. Abbey was a reindeer and did a great job. It was really cute! They performed with the 4th graders at the high school on the big stage. It was a pretty big deal and the gym was packed.

Baby Viola's Christmas Blanket

2009-12-26T13:19:00.001-06:00

Gracie, Lily and Abbey working on Baby Viola's baby blanket.

Twas the Night Before Christmas

2009-12-26T13:11:00.003-06:00

Lily

Lily's preschool class performed "Twas the Night before Christmas" this year as their Christmas play. Lily was to dress like a sugarplum and dance around the children's heads. She did a great job. She even sat on Santa's lap and told him what she wanted for Christmas. I didn't get a picture of that because we had to rush from her play to Abbey's play at the high school later that evening and Kent had the camera and Abbey so we could get her to the HS in time. Lily did a great job and was a wonderful sugarplum. She was so cute that she even made the front page of our local paper.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-26T13:05:00.002-06:00

Abbey, Lily and Gracie

I didn't get our Christmas cards out this year. I am usually pretty organized and get them done and out fairly early. This year I was so busy with Cheerleading and work that I just didn't get it done. Anyway, here is what the Christmas card would have looked like if I got it out :) I had shirts made for the girls to wear around Christmas time advertising for their dad's new business. So, I decided to take advantage of our free advertising and have them sport their new shirts on our Christmas card. Merry Christmas!

Lone Star Christmas Performance

2009-12-26T12:55:00.002-06:00

Beau, Gracie, Lily, Brandon, Katie, Abbey and Lucy

Abbey and Lucy

Beau, Gracie and Lily

We were able to have our Christmas program at church on the actual intended date this year! No bad weather! Yay! The kids performed the Christmas story. Brandon was Joseph; Abbey was Mary; Gracie and Beau were the wisemen/wisewoman as Gracie likes to point out. Megan was the angel. Gracie was the angel last year and decided that she didn't want to do it anymore. I think it was because she didn't like the giant angel wings she wore last year. The smaller kids were the stable animals. Lily was a lamb; Katie was a cow and Lucy was donkey. The kids did a great job and Annie did a great job getting and keeping them organized. It was really cute!

Kent's first job for Truly Custom

2009-12-19T10:13:00.002-06:00

The upper cabinets in Mom's Kitchen

The Upper Cabinets in Mom's Kitchen with the big corner cabinet.

A different Angle on the upper cabinets.

Kent has been working on my mom's kitchen as his first job for his new company, Truly Custom. The Home Sales closed in September and Kent started his new business building custom cabinets for people. Once Kent gets past doing work for our family he has people standing in line waiting for custom cabinets. Anyway, here is a sneak peak of his first job.

Sledding after the blizzard

2009-12-10T17:53:00.003-06:00

This is how Lily began her sledding experience after her hands got cold.

This is how Lily ended her sledding experience after warming up at Grandma Smith's. Grandma had her sit on her heater to warm her up!!! She did BEGIN the day with gloves.

Abbey carrying the sled back up the hill.

Abbey getting ready to go back down the hill. I had to walk Oreo while the girls went down the hill. (Makes picture taking a little difficult).

Gracie heading up the hill.

The girls have been wanting to go sledding since the first snowflake fell earlier this week. I told them it was too cold and then Lily started feeling sick so we hadn't made it out until this afternoon. (It was still too cold)! Anyway, Lily wasn't so sure when she started sinking in snow up to her knees going up and down the hill!!! I took her in the house and Grandma Smith warmed her up and she was ready to get back at it again. Abbey and Gracie had a great time going up and down the hill. Lily eventually enjoyed sledding. It was a little difficult to get any pictures with Oreo pulling me around!!

Christmas Cookies

2009-12-10T11:22:00.002-06:00

Gracie and Lily posing while baking Christmas cookies.

We have been out of school for 3 days now due to the blizzard that dumped tons of snow on us. Lily wasn't feeling well so we decided to just bake cookies instead of trying to brave the weather outside again. (Although, I'm not sure I'm getting out of taking them sledding because Lily says she's feeling better this morning). The girls had a good time baking cookies last night and watching Christmas movies. My principal called around 7:00 last night with the news that we weren't having school again today so after a "happy dance", the girls and I decided that we could stay up late and finish our cookies and watch movies as late as we wanted. Kent was glad to turn in early and let me handle the bedtime duties.

Christmas Cookies '09 -- Lily

2009-12-10T11:17:00.001-06:00

Lily decorating her Christmas Cookies.

Lily decorating her Christmas tree.

Christmas Cookies '09 -- Gracie

2009-12-10T11:13:00.001-06:00

Gracie decorating her Christmas Cookies.

Gracie decorating her Cookies.

Christmas Cookies '09 -- Abbey

2009-12-10T11:09:00.001-06:00

Abbey cutting out her cookies.

Abbey showing me her gingerbread man.

Blizzard '09. The Snow Fort.

2009-12-09T16:45:00.005-06:00

Lily making snowballs with her snowball maker.

Abbey and Gracie and their fort.

Abbey and Gracie working on their fort.

Beginning the fort.

Abbey beginning the first snowball.

The girls and I were out of school for 2 days due to the blizzard we have been getting. I think we ended up with 8 inches of snow in just a couple of days. So, they went outside last night to work on their fort. Lily was the professional snow getter and snowball maker. Abbey and Gracie organized the fort and ended up with a pretty cool fort before the evening was over. Lots of snow angels were made and a few snowball fights. We had a great time together the last two days. Lots of movies, hot cocoa and vegetable beef soup. I got lots done -- laundry and lots of gift wrapping. We're getting closer to getting ready for Christmas.

First Big Snow

2009-12-09T16:40:00.001-06:00

Lily playing in the snow.

Lily getting dressed to go out in the snow.

And again...

A Day at the Farm

2009-12-09T16:27:00.002-06:00

Abbey and Gracie

Gracie, Abbey and Oreo

Gracie standing on a fallen tree.

Lily, Abbey and Aunt Sarah standing by the creek.

Uncle Mike, Uncle Nick, Gracie, Lily, Abbey and Aunt Sarah by the creek.

We spent our traditional day after Thanksgiving morning at the farm on the Friday following Thanksgiving. We usually rock hunt, though we didn't get a chance to this year. Mike was here and wanted to spend some time out there. I had to rush back to get ready for the Home Tour and to get the girls ready for dinner at Connie's that afternoon. But, it was a beautiful couple of hours spent in the fresh air. Oreo and Lucky (Mike's dog) really enjoyed running around out there.

Dinner at Our House!

2009-11-22T00:26:00.002-06:00

Uncle Mike, Uncle Nick, Aunt Sarah, Uncle Clint and Christy,Me and Kent, Lily, Gracie, Nana and Dave and Abbey.

Uncle Mike, Uncle Clint, Gracie, Abbey and Uncle Nick

Lily, Gracie, Uncle Mike and Abbey

Abbey, Gracie, Nana, Lily and Aunt Sarah listening to Uncle Nick's Big Tale!!

Uncle Nick telling a big story

Mike came in on Thursday and Nana's kitchen is still torn up due to her cabinets not being finished yet. So, we had dinner at our house tonight for everyone to get to spend time with Mike. Clint and Christy came with Uncle Nick and Aunt Sarah. We had a great time visiting with everyone and eating lots of good food. It was so good to get to spend time with Mike.

The Big One !!!

2009-11-22T00:24:00.000-06:00

Abbey blowing a HUGE bubble!

Lil' Helpers

2009-11-22T00:17:00.002-06:00

View from the inside of the girls washing the windows

View from the outside of the girls washing the windows.

The City's Chamber is hosting a Christmas home tour for Christmas this year and they asked us to be one of the homes on the tour. So, Kent and I have been busy getting the house ready for the upcoming tour. Mom came over to help me last Saturday. She had the girls helping out as well. It's amazing to me how much better she is at letting the girls "help" than I am. She had the girls cleaning the glass and dishes in my hutch and then had the girls washing my window. We decided it was too good of a picture to pass up. Here are all three of the girls standing in the window getting it sparkly clean for the home show.

Lil' Cheerleaders

2009-11-22T00:13:00.001-06:00

I have taken on the responsibility of Middle School Cheerleading sponsor this year. I have supervised the football and am now finishing up the Basketball games. So, the girls have been to too many after school cheerleading practices to count. Needless to say, they now know every MS cheer there is to know. (Kent has decided that I need another duty next year due to the amount of cheers he now knows)!!!! Here are the girls performing their latest cheer for us!

Tree Climbing Fall '09

2009-11-22T00:11:00.000-06:00

Climbing the Tree -- Abbey

2009-11-22T00:09:00.000-06:00

Climbing the Tree-- Gracie

2009-11-22T00:05:00.000-06:00

Climbing the Tree -- Lily

2009-11-22T00:02:00.000-06:00

Fall '09

2009-11-21T23:52:00.002-06:00

Lily playing in the leaves.

Gracie playing in the leaves.

Lily, Gracie, Oreo and Abbey playing in their leaf pile.

Lily, Gracie and Abbey

Raking up the big pile of leaves.

We had an unusually warm weekend. So, the girls decided to make a large pile of leaves and play while the weather was nice. The girls and Oreo had a great time playing in the leaves while it was warm out. What a great day to be outside!!!!

Award Winners

2009-11-07T19:04:00.002-06:00

Abbey and Gracie both received the "1st Quarter Good Character" Award at the elementary school "Character Assembly" on Friday. One child from each class is chosen to receive the award. We are really proud of both of them and just give God all the thanks for the wonderful girls we have. On learning of the news Lily replied "I didn't get anything." (The school doesn't give out the awards to the pre-school kids) although if they did I am sure she would have received one as well.

Artist of the Month

2009-10-29T23:00:00.002-05:00

Abbey's Ribbon for being chosen the "Artist of the Month."

Abbey and her "Art" project.

Abbey was chosen as the artist of the month this month at school. She was chosen out of all of the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders at her elementary school. She loves art class so she was pretty excited. We are so proud of Abbey earning this award. Although, I'm not too sure about the creepy theme!

Wilson Girls Soccer '09

2009-10-17T12:27:00.001-05:00

Gracie, Abbey and Lily after the game.

Abbey, Lily and Gracie getting ready to go to their first game of the season.

Abbey -- Soccer 2009

2009-10-17T12:20:00.003-05:00

Abbey getting ready to help her teammate.

Abbey fighting to get the ball.

Abbey waiting for the game to start.

This was the first year we could convince Abbey to play soccer. She subbed for Gracie's team last year and had a great time. I think this helped convince her to play this year. Abbey is really good at soccer and is very competitive. She has learned the rules and plays well with her teammates. She has had a great season so far.

Gracie 2009 Soccer

2009-10-17T12:13:00.002-05:00

Gracie

Gracie getting ready to start her game.

Gracie and Paige getting ready to start their game.

Gracie had so much fun this year in soccer. She had to miss last week because she was really sick. She really hated to miss but is much better now. She has really improved and her team is a lot of fun to watch.