Peaceful Winter

I love the month of January. I didn't used to but in the last few years I have found this chilly month comforting.  I am happy to be back to the daily routine that we lazily abandoned during the holiday season and to have weekends filled with few or no plans at all. Lila started a new school this semester, Discover Day School at our church, and so far I think that she has transitioned really well and loves it there. James is so busy all the time right now, curious about everything and constantly getting into stuff!


I have been lazy lately and just not had an itch to blog, so here are some pictures of the kids over the last few months having fun and enjoying life.  I'm gonna give my best effort to getting on the blog train again.

 Lila and her buddy, Willa Ann having a ball jumping and little brothers, James & James Clay dying to be up there too.

 Some of Lila's favorite things...make up, dressing up, and the disco ball

 Oh, this look scares me.  I am sure I will see much more of this around age 13

 This is much more the look I prefer

Little rascals


More little rascals. Cousin Walker comes over for a visit with James

 I can't believe how big my Jamesy is getting.  He is really trying to communicate with words right now, and I am trying my best to facilitate and understand what he is telling me. He has a lot to say!

These are pictures from Lila's old Montessori school Halloween carnival. There are many things I am going to miss about her old school, she had many great experiences out there. But it was time for a change and I think she is going to love her new school too.

 Halloween night: a cowboy, devil in a blue dress, and a southern belle.

 Fun hayride with friends

Yummy pancakes and applesauce for breakfast

 Cupcake making and decorating party with the Wilkes, so much fun!

check out James' arm. We love making messes

 Bradley has a new hobby, balloon art.  The kids have been enjoying his new creations!

 

The days Christmas break that included little ladies dressing up and adults lounging around were really nice, but I am happy to be back into the swing of our regular routine again.
Happy new year, and I hope that 2012 is a blessed year for you and your family!

James turns 2 and buddy walk

James turned two September 23rd and we celebrated for a full week. We had a party at Pat Lamar Park for family and friends and he had a cupcake party at "school". And of course we celebrated with each side of our extended family.  James felt very honored and was quite used to hearing the "Happy birthday" song.  He loved blowing after we finished each time. 

Aunt Ashley takes the kiddos on the golf cart

James loves riding the 4 wheeler

Opening presents

It was a fun celebration at Lainey's house

 Here is James' class enjoying a cupcake party

 Papa Ike and Lainey visited him at school for the party.  He LOVES Lainey and Papa Ike!


Here is his party at Pat Lamar Park. It was a beautiful day for a riding toy/pizza party. 

 Lila is telling Knox "all about it"

Lainey helping James ride the "big boy bike"

The little monkey couldn't wait to get into his loot

James loves Mrs. Janie. She is so good to James and Lila and has become part of our family. I am very happy to have her in our lives.
It was a wonderful birthday week!  I thank our wonderful Lord for giving me such a great family and terrific friends to help us celebrate James' birth.


On October 1st we went to Northeast Mississippi Down Syndrome Society's annual Buddy Walk in Saltillo, MS.  The kids had a fantastic time playing and I really enjoyed visiting with others. The Buddy Walk is to help raise awareness and honor those with Down Syndrome. We played in the jumpy house and rode the train. It was a beautiful day and a great event!

It took Lila about 10 minutes to get up the slide, but it was worth it to see the smile on her face when she came down