Sad times for Jacob

The one man in this world that I could thank for helping mold my husband into the man that he is was taken from this earth way to early.  My father in law, Vance, passed away February 1st unexpectedly.  He was an amazingly strong man who went through plenty in his life but he was a very caring, tender man who always cherished his family and grandkids.  He was a fantastic father in law and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Jacob took a flight out immediately on the 31st to be there with his father for his final breathes.  So the girls and I road tripped up to join him on the 2nd.  The 3 of us, car packed, food in reachable locations, a short detour, and 14 hours later we made it.  Marli got to switch her car seat around early, since 2 is the new norm for rear facing, so she could watch the DVD player.

Emmi helped put together the memory boards of all the pictures that Vance had kept in a drawer at his house.  There were some oldies of when I was in college hanging out with Jacob's family as well as other cool pictures of Vance since he was never one to pose for pictures.

Jacob likes to try to take the good from the bad. So to lead by his example the girls got to spend plenty of time with their cousins. Jacob's Cousin Chris and Emmi bonded while they ate Vance's famous Spaghetti and Cheese Sauce. If you have never had his cheese sauce it is amazing.

Marli had fun playing with her cousins especially Jace. He is Jacob's sister Jen's youngest son.  Not the best pic since I took it with my phone.

While we were away we had to make our own Crossfit Gym at the local global gym.  Nothing like a good workout to help keep the body both physically and mentally strong to deal with all that was going on.

January

As the month is about to wrap up I will just post pictures of our month in review.  Enjoy.  

Big stuff Emmi got on a bike again.

 Alana came down.  E got a haircut and just had a blast.

 The weather has been really nice 50-60's so plenty of playground time.

 When I cant get dinner ready fast enough the girls just find themselves something to eat.  Pistachios.

Beau came down with Alana and bonded with Marli.

 Marli had to get in on the haircut action with her first ever haircut.

 Here she is telling Alana just how she wants it.  She totally will say stuff like "I dont want to" or other ways to express her wishes.

 We cant forget Murph.  He started Doggy School on Saturdays.

 This is what happened when I left E alone for a short bit so I could get some stuff done. Did well I must say on keeping the mess to a minimum by pouring paint into each cup, a little glitter, glitter glue, etc.

 We have been hitting the local bike trails for walks in the afternoon.

Christmas

Santa knew just what to bring.  Also check out the tree, Elfie got in a little mischief the night before with TPing our tree.  

Here is Emmi getting the stockings.

Marli helping her Daddy open his stocking.

Checking out the power wheels.

Emmi packed up and going on a vacation.

The girls also got each other guitars for Christmas so they had their band going on.

Here is Emmi putting on a show and look at all those clips in her hair.  Much needed accessory when performing.

Then here is Moo-me eatin a yummy dinner at Woj's house.  Ribs, corn, and salad the perfect meal.

Leading up to the big day.

Emmi had a couple playdates leading up to Christmas.  Robert came over a few times and they even got married during one of the playdates.  He came with us to DPK again when we went with the Perry's and Jack & Layla.  Many pictures of Moo at DPK since the bigger kids go about their thing.

 Then Caroline came over and we headed to see the bears uptown with Jack & Layla again.  As well as got some playground time now that Squirrel Lake is back open.

Christmas Program & check up

Emmi went to the doctors last week for her 4 year old check up. She weighed in at 41 pounds and is 41 inches tall. Got an overall clean bill of health.

Then we had her Christmas Program at school. Here is a picture of her and her boyfriend, Robert.

After the show.

Here are her buddies, Brooke and Robert, pictures courtesy of Roberts dad since ours didnt come out great.  Next time we need to bring the better camera.

Now sit back, turn your volume up and enjoy the 3 year olds sing for you....

Warm Day

The before...

After what the girls decided to do on a 70 degree day with a tub of water, Barbies, and sand.

Pre-Christmas Fun

In our area there are some great things to do around the Holidays. One thing we have done is gone to the Charlotte Speedway to check out their light show which also includes some rides. I think the coolest part is you get to drive on about half the track.



Our neighborhood also does a Luminary night where many houses put luminaries out. Then Santa drives around and ends at our n'hood pool. They also had pony rides and wagon type rides. The girls both did the pony rides but the picture below is deceiving since Moo didnt end up going on the wagon ride.

Then the girls and I went to a drive through Nativity where they gave us a CD to listen to as we drove through. Emmi has been big into baby Jesus this year. Although the angels were on one side and baby Jesus was on the other and the girls were much more interested in the angels.

We will continue on our adventures over the next week or so as there are plenty more things to do.