On Gabbard Pond

Who gets first prize in the house for the most festive bunk bed, I wonder?

Cookies and egg nog

Morning in the Land of the Motekai, as observed by a fish.

                             
The Motekai finally reclaimed me from their Grandmother's home after a long trip to a faraway sea. From my place next to the kitchen spice rack, I see morning life resume as normal.  There's Dominic, 7,  who is the only one who truly remembers to feed me faithfully. He is always the first one awake, and likes to slide on the floor with his socks.  There's Milo, 4, who likes to watch the milk pour into his cereal bowl from the creamer, and insists on steeping his own tea bags. There is Jonas, 2, who observes everything just like I do, but he also pours his cereal on the ground when no one is around to stop him (which I don't do).  Dad runs a tight morning shift. He makes the coffee and washes up the dishes, and Mom shuffles in sleepy- eyed, pulling lunch kits out of the fridge and trying to say a quick morning prayer over the head of any boy who is sitting still.  They both stay up way too late at night for the most precious and rare commodities of peace and quiet so they can get work done.  In spite of it all, someone always remembers to feed me, and smile at me, and change my water. What can I say, they're all I've got. It's not too bad to be a fish in the land of Motekaii.

Family portraits 2012

A great big thanks to Amy Casas of Amy Casas photography!

Jonas turns TWO at the ZOO!

We met family on a Sunday morning at the Houston Zoo, and at the mere mention of the word, Jonas would get a big grin across his face and he'd say emphatically "joo!" He loves animals, and what two year old wouldn't? :)  We saw giraffes and elephants and played at the petting zoo.  We had pizza and cupcakes (or as he calls them, "happy cakes") and rode the carousel and the train through Hermann Park.  It was a perfect day treasured with family.  Thank you Lord Jesus for the blessing we have in Jonas, who brings so much love and joy to us!

Happy First Sunday of Advent!

Best part of the day

3rd annual Destin thanksgiving

More photos coming! Stay tuned :)

Milo's Thanksgiving pageant

We look forward to this special family school celebration each year. Milo performed all the choreography (but did not sing). Last year he didn't want to do the choreography OR sing...he pretty much just pouted and picked grass leaves so we were pleasantly treated this year! Hopefully more video and photos to come soon. We had to miss Dominic's celebration at school since we are Florida-bound.

Many blessings for a Happy Thanksgiving to all our friends and family!

Please, Mommy? Pleassasee????

Milo wants to start the day with chess

Doing a little house painting

Ren Fest