Uncle Tom

[Backtracking a bit to the first of January]

We had a very special visitor…Uncle Tom came for a few days while Pam was working in Tucson.

We picked Lily up from school and headed straight to the train park.

I was shocked…from the moment Uncle Tom arrived, William was 100% comfortable with him.

They rode the carousal and the train together, and William let Tom carry him around the whole time.  

He didn't once cry or ask for me to hold him.   That boy loves his male relatives!

We spent most of the visit hanging out, dining, and lots of time building train tracks and vroom vrooming cars.

   

Plus a fun day at the zoo.  This time our favorites were the orangutans.  

We are hoping Pam's Tucson conference will be a yearly thing so Uncle Tom has to come each January.  

Already looking forward to next time!

Nap Time?

It's a lazy Sunday at our house and the kids have been playing quietly together in the backyard.

After Lily made a few trips inside for water, blankets, and night-nights, I thought I'd better check what they were up to.

This is what I found...

Such sweet kiddos…I love watching their relationship develop.  I'm a lucky mama!

Christmas, round 2

Osterhaus family Christmas gets even more fun each and every year!

The cousins absolutely LOVE playing with each other and it's special watching their relationships develop.  Lily and Liam have a pretty neat bond.  They play so nicely, even with Lily bossing Liam around and Liam ignoring her demands.  It's a nice give-and-take relationship, ha.  And the two "babies".  Ahhh they are such sweet, curious, smiling little men. 

 

Definitely not leaving Aynslee out, but poor girl woke up a bit too early in anticipation of Santa, was super tired on Christmas day, and not interested in Aunt Lindsay's camera.  (Can't say I blame her!)  Lily keeps talking about how much she loves her big cousin Aynslee and can't wait to see her again soon. 

These two ladies also have a special bond.  Lily continues to talk about her sleepover at Grandma's house and how much fun she had (we were also lucky Liam joined in the fun…I think we experienced some record 'sleeps' after those two wore each other out!). 

One of Lily's favorite memories from our trip to Kansas was sledding with Grandpa, Liam, William and Daddy.  I believe there was a four wheeler and the hood of a car involved but I've learned to not ask questions and instead just enjoy her huge smile!  

William has some serious attachment issues with Ryan and I.  He barely goes to anyone else, with the exception of a few men.  When Aunt Mary saw William had fallen asleep on the drive, she swooped in for some snuggles without the normal "drama".  We love our Aunt Mary so much and hope she can visit us again in AZ soon!

Finally, we celebrated a very special birthday…Grandpa O is turning 65 and Grandma pulled off a great surprise party!!!  It was a special night visiting with Aunts and Uncles from both sides of the family!  We were so thankful for everyone in attendance and I know Grandpa was surprised, even if he won't admit it!  :)

Christmas post, round 1

We arrived in Kansas to sub-freezing temps after enjoying 60s in AZ…to say our systems were in shock is an understatement.  While I tend to hibernate while home, Ryan and the kids love to explore and visit with as many family/friends as possible.

My snow bunnies ready for the cold and a quick snow ball fight.

{I'm sure I was in flip flops refusing to go outdoors and pretending it was warm!}

We caught these two sharing a sweet moment…unfortunately they saw the camera before I could snap a shot. #fruitloopsandsillystories #siblingbonding

After Christmas Eve Mass with Grandma and Grandpa O, we went to kick start Saylor family Christmas…and all it's shenanigans.  We mixed up our "tradition" and began opening presents on the Eve, just to ensure all 23 of us had time to wrap it up (pun intended!) before separating to our other families on Christmas day.

{Lily made a special gift at preschool and dragged it from AZ to KS.  
She was one proud gal of her Joseph/Mary/baby Jesus figurine and showed it off to anyone who would listen!}

pretty as a package

Papa Kurt, his ladies, and their new "Jawbone UPs"

Reece was beyond thrilled with this gift from Uncle Tom.
Apparently, his mom won't buy this favorite snack…Uncle Tom to the rescue

a note to Santa, written by Lily

I say it every year, but how lucky are we to still spend Christmas Eve/Morning with grandparents, uncles, cousins, etc just like we've done since I was a child.  Very thankful for each one of my family!

1st Haircut

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

{Another 1st….a lollipop!}