Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! 2011...whew! Boy, does time fly. Well, as with every year you take some time to reflect on the previous year and to state your resolutions for the year to come. Of course, I have resolutions like drinking more water (and kicking my awful pop addiction once and for all), working out regularly, following through on things, etc... But one of my big resolutions is to find some more time for me and the things that I enjoy. Of course my precious Jacob and Jillian bring me so much happiness...they're my life, but as many of you know I also enjoy taking photos and writing is another enjoyment of mine as well. So, I'm going to go ahead and make a resolution to try and find some "me time" and pick the blog up again - not only posting pics of the kids/Bickley/and myself [as well as updates as to what we've been doing], but I'll also try to blog on any topics that interest me...I know, scary. There's a million different directions that could take me in. We'll give it a try and see how it goes. Wish me luck. Happy New Year to you all!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

One of our favorite times of the year...Christmas! Time with family and friends, giving gifts, the decorations, remembering the Christ in Christmas, the smile on a child's face, and more...

We spent Jacob's 2nd Christmas in Pennsylvania, and he loved every minute of it! 19 months old and he was a pro at unwrapping his presents. All the holiday lights were "beautiful", and the Christmas cookies and chocolate also put a smile on his face.

What makes Pappy smile? Why a train store gift certificate, of course!!!

Shell cuddles with her own little present, Connor...on his first Christmas.

...and Uncle Josh chills out with Jacob.

Uncle Jeff and Carrie...aren't they cute?

Aunt Jaime gets some quality time with Jacob too...she also helps him try on the cool leather jacket she got him.

Bickley and Jennifer have so much to be happy be about...as well as Katelyn and Travis who have an upcoming wedding.

Aunt Libbie and great cousin Jenny also get their fill of babies!

Jacob tries out his new Play-My-Way Center, by being Dr. Bickley and checking out Elmo's heart. How's he look, Doctor?

Guess Mia needs checked out too!

Another Christmas and another wagon to try out...yep, he fits! lol

Greg gets in on the gift-opening too. That's a mighty big package, Greg. You must have been a good boy...

The boys relax on the couch together...

Hope you're having a relaxing holiday as well.

Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

What Happens in Vegas...

We were so fortunate to have a little, summer getaway to Las Vegas!

And, yes, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...well, except for the photos below.

We enjoyed our vacation with my brother Josh and sister-in-law Jaime,

as well as a short visit from my other sister-in-law Heather,

who made the drive in from Phoenix.

We had a wonderful time...

no big wins at the Casino,

but we enjoyed the Wayne Brady show, "Tony & Tina's Wedding",

Hoover Dam, swimming, a Cirque du Soliel show, and more.

We'll definitely have to plan other trip soon!

Bickley and Jennifer at Hoover Dam

Josh and Jaime enjoying the "wedding".

Josh making friends with the cast members...

imagine that!

My favorite casino that we found on the way back from Hoover Dam.

O-H-I-O!

...and, yes, that's a Penn State alum as our "I"!

Bickley taking on the 100 oz. challenge

at Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar!"

He almost won!

Josh was doing one of his own challenges!

Yep, he's in my TOP 5!

Then again, who needs Toby Keith when you've got this cowboy?!?!

Josh and Jaime outside the Venetian.

Vegas night life...

M & M World...yummy!

What a great time! ...and what talent!

The water show at the Bellagio

Of course, we couldn't have all the fun!

Jacob was also enjoying himself in PA with Mia and Pappy.

What a cutie!

Just keeping cool...

So much for the hat...

Loving the water!

Good-bye for now, Mr. Bear...

Well, this was the last month for Jacob's monthly birthday photos with his bear...I have to say that it's gotten a lot more difficult to get a good photo. Jacob is on the go...it's almost impossible to get him to sit still long enough for a photo with his bear. But, I guess I wouldn't have it any other way. He's growing and learning so mcuh every day.

Don't worry, Mr. Bear will return for a visit next May and we'll have more photos.