Merry Christmas and Happy 2008!

We hope your holiday season was filled with endless fun. We welcomed Lori's mom, sister Amy and nieces Emma and Kate. (Jack missed the trip because he had to work).

Santa Clause came, just as planned, and brought many treats for the girls. It was a special and magical Christmas, since each of the girls had some understanding of the holiday. Emma (age 4) had the most fun of all anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Elves on Christmas Eve and Santa on Christmas morning.

We missed our family that was away this holiday. Celebrations were held in Wichita at Rob's parent's home and in London (Rob's brother and family celebrated their last Christmas in London). We have much to be thankful for this holiday season... family, friends, health, happiness and the eagerly anticipated move of Scott and Monica back to the U.S. in mid-08.

We look forward to an exciting 2008 with even more fun times in store:
January: Lori takes her doctoral comprehensive exams. She is entrenched in studying at the moment, so don't be surprised if you don't hear from her until February.
April: The exciting arrival of baby Claire.
July: We plan to take a trip to Wichita to celebrate Lilly's birthday (7/1) and the Fourth of July.

Have a safe New Years celebration, everyone!

Please check our our new videos below. :)

,

Unwanted Guest... a scorpion!

Today Rob had his first sting by an unfriendly scorpion.
The recent rains have "invited" the scorpions inside, and one made its way to Rob's computer bag. When he placed the strap on his shoulder, the scorpion was waiting and stung him a few times on the arm. Luckily Lilly and I weren't hurt, but we were able to witness the event... and the eventual sacrifice of the scorpion in the laundry room sink! We visited the ER a few hours later because he was exhibiting some weird symptoms: involuntary arm twitching, sore throat, difficulty with vision, etc. The doctor said he would be fine. For children who exhibit really bad symptoms, there is an antivenom (good to know for Lilly and future baby #2). All is well now... Scorpions- STAY AWAY!

Oh Baby!

IT'S A GIRL!
We had an ultrasound today and found out we are having another girl!
We are very excited to welcome Lilly's sister to our family in April. We have decided that her name will be Claire... no middle name yet. The best news of all was that the ultrasound identified that she is very healthy, just the right size and has all her body parts in the right places. :) We couldn't feel more blessed.