Merry Christmas!

We celebrated our "family" Christmas today before we leave for WI tomorrow. Kayla's trying out her "mini-boppy" from G/G Varner! Maybe this will make tummy time more bearable . . .!

Yes . . . this is an "Elmo" flashlight -- I know, what will they think of next!

The plan was to open gifts after Joshua's nap -- the bummer was that I (Lisa) was catching a quick nap when he woke up, so the poor boy had to wait for Mommy to get up. I know -- it's pathetic!

Pure excitement!

Our first Christmas with two kids! Joshua's showing Kayla the intricacies of working the drill!

Kayla as baby Jesus!

Isn't she angelic? Our Christmas Walk Thru was tonight and Kayla was baby Jesus for the last half of it. We (Mommy and Kayla) had a REALLY rough day, and I was very skeptical that she would "perform well" -- and lo and behold she was fine the entire two hours. Oh me of little faith!

For some reason, this is the perferred holding position when Bryan holds her . . .hey, whatever works!

I don't know why these get out of order. Oh well. Kayla was right there next to the live sheep. It was very emotional for me as I thought about the reality of our Savior being born in those circumstances.

On a much light note . . . Joshua and I made sugar cookies this week. Well . . . actually . . . Betty Crocker made the mix, but we had fun choosing which cookie cutter to use and which sprinkles to use. Joshua even personalized them (while I had my back turned) by putting one fingerprint in each cookie!

Kayla's One Month!

OK . . . for whatever dumb reason, I can't separate these pics . . . so, the top picture if Joshua trying to pull the stickers off of the ornament that he just put the stickers on! We (Mommy and Joshua) had fun painting and stickering!

The bottom picture if of course Kayla -- she is one month old today! And no, I did not try to get her hair to stick up -- it does that naturally!

Another day . . .

Joshua's really enjoyed his "bricks" -- or should I say knocking down his bricks!

Kayla's first bottle -- thank the Lord she took it just fine!!

Say AH!

Joshua's Birthday cont'd

We pretty much spent the entire week celebrating Joshua's birthday here and there. This beautiful rocking chair was handmade by John and Lucy Snow -- one of the pastor's on staff -- it is amazing!

Joshua's checking out his new tent from Mommy and Daddy. Best part is that it collapses in 15 seconds!

Kayla's first pair of jeans! I am LOVING the pink! 3 week, 2 days old.

Putting more ornaments on the tree! This one is special becuase it has 2004 on it -- a gift from the Wellers. They gave us a "date night" this week and babysat the kids -- it was wonderful!

Happy Birthday from Grandma and Grandpa Varner -- the dump truck even talks!

Happy Birthday Joshua!

Last night, we celebrated Joshau's 2nd birthday! We had some friends over for pizza who have a daughter who's 2 1/2 and another daughter who is 4 months. This was my attempt at making an "Elmo" cake . . . FYI -- it is VERY difficult to make RED icing! Anyway, it was a fun evening!

This puzzle is from G/G Nelson -- it even makes animal sounds when you put the puzzle pieces in the right place! Joshua really is enjoying it! I think we'll open the rest of his birthday gifts on his actual birthday.

The group shot -- nothin' too fancy, but we had fun!

Chuck E. Cheese, Take Two

I coudn't put up all of the pics in the first post, so here's a couple more. Here's Joshua riding Clifford, the Big Red Dog!

Daddy helping Joshua with Skee-ball -- you know, that can be a dangerous game with a 2-year old!

Trip to Chuck E. Cheese

We put up our "first" Christmas tree this past week. In the past, we just figured it wasn't worth the hassle since we spend Christmas in either WI or KS. However, we didn't want Joshua to be deprived! He really got into putting the ornaments on to the tree!

Yesterday, we went to Chuck E. Cheese's -- our first time there. It was WONDERFUL to get out of the house for a bit and Joshua really enjoyed it . . . and so did we!

Joshua was obviously more enthralled with the entertainment than looking at the camera!

OK . . . somehow these pics got COMPLETELY out of order. This is Kayla's very first bath -- so far, she seems to really enjoy them!

Back to Chuck E. Cheese . . This is pretty much how the games went . . . Joshua would lose interest about 10 seconds into the game, and then Bryan or I would "finish" up!

More pics!

OK . . . I was a bit over zealous in "poofing" her hair after her bath . . . but
I thought it was still cute!

Our first picture with all four of us. Joshua's infamous "smile!"

Kayla Joy -- how precious. 6 days old.

Joshua is really enjoying his new "bricks" -- Happy 2nd Birthday a little early!

Daddy's doing a little multi-tasking!

Yep . . . she's got one full head of dark, dark hair!

Helping Grandma make cookies!

What can I say?

Ahhhhh...just right. That's feels gooooood.

Grandma arrived from Kansas via air Sunday Noon. She brought with her a very special gift from Aunt Rebecca...a giggling Elmo chair. Making sure the battery is in here...

Kayla's first van ride with big brother.

Final moment before leaving the hospital.

Ready to come home. All ready to face the big big world.

Yep, a full head of long, very dark (almost black) hair. It will compliment Joshua's very empty head of short, very light (almost white) hair. Salt 'n Peppa

Lisa and Kayla with some mother-daughter bonding time. Nice designer gown.

Mommy, I can hold her all by myself. Why are you standing so close to me just off-camera? I got this covered.

Allow me to introduce to you my little sister!

Daddy and Joshua like Kayla's nice yellow hat, but still doesn't beat Joshua's Elmo shirt

Kayla Joy Nelson was born November 10, 2006 at 7:35am (8lbs 15oz)

Just makes you laugh, doesn't it??

In trying to "prepare" Joshua for the new arrival, we've been wrapping his bear with the blankie -- and this morning, he got the idea ON HIS OWN to put the bear in the back of the double stroller, and he wanted in the front -- SCORE FOR US! I'm sure it'll only be smooth sailing from here on . . .! Ha, Ha!