Guest of Honor

We had the privilege of hosting a great friend (more like a family member) in our home for a few days.  We affectionately refer to him as "our soldier".  I mentioned Ben in a previous blog, here.  We first met Ben in Georgia, where we enjoyed the short time we had with him.  Then, Ben was sent to North Carolina.  He was then deployed to Haiti and Afghanistan.  We are so thankful that God has now brought him safely back to the United States.  Ben had some leave time, and we are so honored he chose to spend some of that leave time with us.  While he was here, we enjoyed lots of great time together eating, chatting, watching movies, seeing the city, etc.  But I think Ben had the most fun playing with our kids.  Landry quickly attached herself to him and all we heard for the rest of his stay was "Ben, come on!  Ben, where are you?  Ben! Ben! Ben!"  And as for him, one who has never really been around young kids, he was outstanding with both Landry and Eli.  We thought he would be sick of them by the time he left, but he tells us he already misses them badly.  What a sweet guy!  Here are some pictures I was able to get of our time together.

This is from the day we spent in the French Quarter

Ben and the kiddos

Landry stole Ben's "woobie".  Yes, that is what all the tough Army guys call this type of blanket.

And Ben and Eli played a game of "Monkey See, Monkey Do."

Eli think's Ben's phone is much cooler than mommy and daddy's

We can't wait till Ben can come visit again!

Studmuffin!

This outfit called for a faux-hawk and a photoshoot.....

Just can't seem to pick a favorite :)

Wordless Wednesday - A Typical Saturday

Family Night-Pizza Party

I mentioned in this blog that we are trying to start a tradition of "Family Night" at our house.  So this week, we had a Pizza Party.  Poor Eli slept through the whole thing, but it was probably a good thing since he wouldn't be allowed to eat anything.  It would have just been a tease for him.  The rest of us, however, had a great time.  We each made our own pizza.  I would have gotten lots of toppings to choose from, but Cory and Landry are only into CHEESE.  Next, we made a dessert pizza to share.  Everything was delicious and I think we will be having pizza parties more often.


You'll see that Landry didn't want to "waste" her cheese putting it on the pizza.  She wanted it now!

The finished products!

Yummy!

Spreading the cream cheese mixture on the cookie crust

And having a little fun with the left overs

Now to add the fruit.

You'll notice a few strawberries with bites out of them.  Landry just couldn't resist.  Good thing it was only our immediate family eating this!

Everyday after lunch............

we have a 

DANCE PARTY!

And it gets wild and cray sometimes.  You should see the moves on Eli!  LOL

Just ignore that crazy lady you hear on the camera.  

Fashion Designer

I seriously think my child may grow up to be a fashion designer......

Who else could make a skirt out of underwear?

  

Cory thinks she will be a theater major.  With the drama I witnessed in the Doctor's office yesterday, I'd say that's a pretty good guess as well.

Nothing Like It

Have I mentioned that I have the happiest baby ever?  His smile goes all over his whole body and is present almost always.  He is a real confidence builder, and I am so glad I get to see his precious face daily!  

So what is even better than that wonderful smile?  His laugh!  There are few things that can compare to the sound of a baby's laugh.  You can go back to this blog or this one to hear some of Landry's little laughs.  Those moments are priceless and those laughs are infectious!  Here are some recent moments we've captured of Eli laughing.

Youth Events

Cory and I have the privilege of working with and ministering to Junior High and High School students.  While this is Cory's vocation, I consider my job, "youth pastor's wife," just as important.  I am there to be a helper to him, to talk to students, to teach students, etc.  I love the job, but I must admit it has gotten much tougher with 2 young children. With that said, I try to attend as many youth events as possible, even if I have to bring my kids.  

Here are some pictures from the latest events we have done with our youth group:

Pool Party

Landry has a best friend in Georgia named Reese and now a best Friend in Louisiana named Reese.

Pool Devotional

Eli getting lots of attention

You can tell he eats up the attention

Here are some of our wonderful moms!

Girls' Pajama Prom

Hair demonstrations

Pedicures!

Dresses

and Facials!

Fun!  Fun! Fun!

Wordless Wednesday - Dress Up

(I know I have a lot of dress-up posts, but each time Landry dresses herself or others, its a little different.  I want to keep records of all of these moments.  Notice the bears are completely dressed down to the bows in their "hair".)

LUAU

We had a Luau at church last night!  It was an awesome time of fellowship and fun!  I am that nerd who goes all out when it comes to dressing my kids, so I had lots of fun with this.  My mom happened to buy a grass skirt for Landry a few weeks back, so what could be more perfect?  She also embroidered shirts for both Landry and Eli.  In addition, as I was out at Old Navy looking for little flip flops, I found an adorable Hawaiian Shirt in Eli's size on clearance for $3.50.  Score!  

Before we left home, I let Landry decorate her own flip-flops

Then we put the whole garb on.  Doesn't she look like a Hawaiian Princess?

Next, I dressed Eli and gave him a faux-hawk.  Oh you know you want to squeeze him!

Cory and I were not as decked out as the kids, but I still thought this called for a family picture.