January

 Here are the kiddos in the "snow" we received earlier this month.  It was more tiny pieces of ice than snow, but this was the first snow Bella has been old enough to play in.  She only lasted a few minutes before she was too cold and wanted to go inside to warm up. 

This picture cracks me up because I feel like this expression perfectly portrays our feelings about the "snow" - pretty disappointing.  Josiah kept mentioning the really great snow he got to play in last year; I think it really is one of his favorite memories from SC.  Oh well, it was still fun.

Hot chocolate - a special treat to warm up.

At least the ice is pretty!

I thought I would take this opportunity to introduce you to my new-to-me set of wheels!!  My previous car was recently given 6 months to live in its current state.  As we were praying about what to do, my grandparents called to let me know that Mama Dell would like to give me her car!!  What?!  That was a HUGE answer to prayer!  The day after Christmas, Adam flew to TX and drove this impala back.  Can I just say that we love this car?!  It is so great to have a reliable vehicle.  Thank you, thank you, Mama Dell and Daddy Bill!
(Also I'm pretty sure this car has not seen much if any snow in it's South TX life!)

For Christmas/anniversary, Adam and I purchased a much needed new mattress!! Yeah!  So, until the mission came to pick up our old one, it spent several days on the living room floor.  The kids loved it, of course, and we enjoyed some sweet family snuggle time!

little artist

Josiah has REALLY enjoyed going to preschool at church!  Apparently this star student sticker is awarded to one kid each day out of the entire preschool during gym/recreation time.  Josiah was super proud of his achievement and made sure I took a picture of it!

Last weekend, we surprised the kids with a trip to the Georgia Aquarium.  When they got up Saturday am, we got dressed, and told them we were eating breakfast in the car because we were going on a special trip!  They were both so excited, and we had a fabulous day with the fishies. 

watching the amazing whale sharks!

This was a big accomplishment for Josiah.  Some of you may remember the picture of us with Bob and Larry from Veggie Tales, and the completely terrified look on my son's face.  He actually went up to this fish, gave him a hug and posed for several pictures.  He was so proud of himself for "being brave."

 Josiah's favorite part of the aquarium was a tank of little rays and sharks that you could touch!  We must have been there for at least 30 minutes.  He would squeal with pure delight and awe every time he touched one.  It was so much fun!

Several weeks ago, Josiah and Bella received a Toy Story Yahtzee game from Uncle Andrew and Aunt Amanda.  That night, Adam found Josiah "reading the instructions." :)

This was the snow/ice storm that cancelled school for 2 days down here and caused mass chaos at the local grocery stores.  There was literally no bread, milk, or toilet paper to be found. :)

Josiah was so excited to play in the "snow," but soon realized that a thin layer of tiny ice balls is not nearly as fun, (and makes for not so great snow angels.) :(

Bet you've never heard "My God is so Big" sung with such passion before!

(and sweet Bella is trying to sing along but is not so sure why Josiah is yelling!)