January at home

January flew by and I'm not sure what we did- except try to keep the house together. Owen is really into building forts and towns and playing house, restaurant, store, hospital, etc. and Grace is happy to join in. Here are some highlights from the month--

The fort is apparently a great place to read, snack and wrestle.

Grace's little house is always on fire- and in need of rescue. I just wish it didn't happen during meal prep.

The Town brings out ALL the toys.. the house, firehouse, farm, school, zoo, animals, superheroes and more. And to create the rolling hills underneath are dinosaurs- kinda fitting.

Grace's new kitchen is getting alot of use and love. The sunroom is their play "house".

Giving thanks for snacks.

And why not fill up all the (clean) kids' cups with water and start selling them??

And finally, this is just encroachment. (These new "fences" and garage for the "house" did not last long!)

Lots of f-u-n! And clean-up.

Owen's Place

Owen got a cash register for Christmas and it is definitely a favorite. (Thanks Aunt Elyse!) Playing store, he turns the playroom into "Owen's Place", where you can find snacks, tea, movies and many toys for sale- ranging from $.99 to $100- as well as find many toys NOT for sale. (Hint, you'll have the best luck if you're looking for girl toys.)

Grace handles returns, childcare and tea service.

And Mommy mans the restaurant and DVD rentals from the "Orange box".

Thank you for shopping at Owen's place!

Hip Hip Hooray!!

Last month, we learned that Grace's hips have healed! She got the "all-clear" from her doctor to get out of the brace. Yay! Grace quickly began to run faster, slide, swing, wrestle and wear dresses.

We thank everyone for all their prayers and support since we first learned G had hip dysplasia and was put in her first brace at 1 month. We are also very grateful for her doctors, who were determined to correct this problem using therapy instead of surgery, and were cautious and thorough throughout the whole process. We will continue to follow-up with them, and she will continue to wear the brace at night to make sure we are doing all we can to prevent any other issues with her hips. Through it all, Gracie has been the biggest trooper and never let that brace get in her way. We are so happy for you sweet girl!

Fun with Uncle Chris

We got some quality time with Uncle Chris while he was in town for the holidays. Lots of playing and laughing,

HUGS, and a sleepover. So fun!

We love you, Uncle Chris. Come back soon!