Swimming Lessons

Eliana had her first swimming lesson on Sunday.  She loved every minute of it, and is excited for her next lesson. 

Pre-lesson

Getting used to the water

Swimming with support from her instructor

And her favorite part - jumping into the water!

Buddies

Here are Jeff and Judah cuddling on the couch watching football and reading together last Sunday.  

I think they like each other. :) 

Date

Reflecting back, much of the first few weeks as a new mom now seem a blur.  However, one particular conversation during that time remains especially clear.  I had just lugged newborn Eliana in her carseat across a large and icy hospital parking lot in a heavy snowstorm to an appointment.  I was exhausted and emotional. After the appointment one of the nurses looked down at Eliana and then told me, "You know, she's going to be your best friend.  The years will go fast."  As Ellie grows and her personality develops, I already understand this nurse's words.  I enjoy my girl so much, and cherish our time together ... like this date we had last week for a haircut for E followed by hot chocolate. 
   

Post haircut sporting a braid, lollipop, and tummy (!?)

Congratulations!

Congratulations to Christian & Kara on their engagement!  We were thrilled to learn the exciting news over the weekend.

Eliana & Judah have been calling Kara "Aunt Kara" for a while now, but we're excited for it to be official!  The four of us can't wait for the wedding!

Snowplay

Just after Christmas, a snowstorm came through and left us with about a half foot of snow for the kids to play in our front yard.  We have had fun making snowmen, snow angels, and sledding.

The snow you see in these pictures is now gone, so the kids are hoping for more snow!

In Loving Memory: Grandma Thompson

Elizabeth's grandmother, Grandma Thompson, passed away last Friday, at the age of 86.  I (Elizabeth) am mourning the loss of my amazing Grandma and my children's Great-Grandmother, but am comforted to know that Grandma is now rejoicing in Heaven.  Grandma Thompson was truly an inspiring role model for me - she served the Lord with excellence in her home, profession, and community.  Her obituary can be found here.   

Since her passing was expected, Eliana and I were able to travel to Illinois a few days before Christmas to visit with Grandma and say our goodbyes. Here we are with Grandma a week before her passing:

And here follows a selection of other fairly recent pictures with Grandma, with the exception of my Grandparents' wedding portrait from 1950. 

Newlyweds

At their 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration

Thank you for your love, Grandma!  You will be missed.

Pop Pop's Wedding Reception

Pop Pop, Jeff's paternal grandfather, got remarried a few months ago.  They opted for a small ceremony, and had a reception last Friday when family would already be in town.  Going to a wedding reception with two young children is a challenge, but it was also a fun time reconnecting with family, eating and dancing!

Judah decided to put his finger in his nose as soon as this picture was taken

Unfortunately this is the best picture I got of Pop Pop & Geri

Although, I got a great picture of Eliana with her great grandfather!

Eliana and Jeff's cousin Annie

Hosea and Judah rockin' out on the dance floor

Isn't he cute?

Christmas Part Two

Part two of Christmas was at the Jones household in PA.  Gramma, Uncle Kevin, Aunt Krista, Cousin Hosea, Uncle Christian & Aunt Kara were all there to celebrate Christmas together.  It was a fun few days together. 

Eliana and Hosea coloring with Gramma

Of course, Eliana enjoyed helping Hosea open his gifts

It was great to see the new Texans for the first time since their move

Hosea with Aunt Elizabeth

Eliana loves her new bear from Uncle Christian &
Aunt Kara

A rare picture of the two of us!

One of the highlights of the trip for Eliana was Gramma's collection of
Berenstein Bear books.

During a snowstorm, Hosea built a snowman with Aunt Elizabeth