A week in January

Monday...

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Tuesday...


Wednesday...


Thursday...

Snuggle bugs

Here's a few pics of the kids snuggling.  They love their blankets and I love that they love them.  =)

Trager wasn't feeling quite himself, so he wanted to rest on the couch with his blanket.  Kerbi, of course, followed suit.


Trager and Kerbi snuggling in bed, probably watching Curious George.

Wishing for a snow day...

It's January 2nd, and we have not had any snow stick!  Just a few flurries here and there.  So when we got this dusting on our back deck today, I couldn't say no to Trager's request to play in snow.  It lasted about 10 minutes, but at least the kids got a little fix.

When I picked up Trager from school the other day, he was so excited to show me his crown.  He stopped his teacher to ask where it was so he could show me.  The next class period when I picked him up, all the boys and girls were proudly wearing their crowns.  A few days later, Trager decided he wanted to make Kerbi a crown of her own.  So thoughtful.

The prince and princess

Branson

Well, we were proud of ourselves that we scheduled a weekend getaway to Branson at the beginning of December, but man was it good to be home.  Rain, ear infections, sleepless nights (thanks, Kerbi), cracked iphone screens (thanks, Julie) and more rain.  On the bright side, we loved our room and the grounds at Big Cedar.  Everything was beautiful and fully decorated for Christmas.  Silver Dollar City was a great experience and we plan on visiting again during Christmas, especially when the kids get a little older.  Trager loved the indoor pool at the lodge.  I guess that's what is to be expected when you travel with small children: highs and lows, ups and downs.  Or maybe that what vacations are no matter how old your kids are?  I guess we'll wait and see.  

Packed and ready to go!

I made Kyle bring the double stroller for Silver Dollar City.  It's a boat, but it holds all of our stuff and I knew Trager wouldn't walk the whole time.  Aren't they cute all snuggled?  Each of them have their blankets Kasey made for them. They are SUPER warm!

On the train.  This was my favorite part of the whole trip.  About half way through the train ride, a "grandpa" tells the Christmas story in the middle of the woods.  It was beautifully done.  Everyone on the train was silent as he quoted Luke chapter 2.  

Fuddruckers!  Almost forgot how fun that place is.  

On the way to the pool for a swim. Had to take a detour to conquer the climbing wall. 

When did he get this big?

Twins, friends.

Hadley and Kerbi showed up to church in the same outfit.  Tights and all.  (Gotta love Target!)  So a photo opp, there was.  We tried, but after a long morning, these are the best we could come up with of the girls.





This is also Jax and Payson's first photo together. I'm sure they would be less thrilled to show up at church in the same outfit.

And so it begins...

...the wonderful world of sports.  I can't believe we're here.  Trager has joined up with teammate and neighbor, Bailey, to dominate the YMCA soccer league.  (I'm laughing so hard right now.)  Although Trager was VERY excited to go to his first soccer practice (and did quite well), he refused TO MOVE AT ALL during his first game.  Talk about terrified.  I literally had to have the coach pry him out of my arms so he would play/stand on the field the fourth quarter.

To make a very long story short, and the very last practice and game, Trager had a complete 180 and decided to give soccer his all!!  To say we are proud of him is a huge understatement.  I thought Kyle's face was going to stay in a permanent smile.  =) Trager sprinted with the rest of the kids and even kicked the ball a few times.  As a reward, he got to play goalie, which is his very favorite.

The icing on the cake was when Trager got his trophy.  There's something about your first kid getting his first trophy.  We may just hang on to that one.

Getting his shinguards and cleats at Scheels!



On the way to the first practice.


First game.


Trager and Bailey standing at their posts.



Bailey getting ready to play goalie!



During the last game when Trager was actually participating!


The final huddle...



The TROPHY!!




T coach pulled Trager aside to tell him how proud he was of him and how much he improved.  We are so thankful for encouraging coaches who never gave up on him!