The Siak Cousins

Joey took the Siak cousins pictures today. We have tried several times to get a good picture and with Joey's fantastic camera and photography talent, we were able to get these. I love them! I'm just going to have to work on Ella's forced smile.

Impromptu Maternity Shoot

Joey brought his camera to our New Year's celebration at the Siaks this weekend. Our goal was to get a good picture of the grandkids together, and we didn't expect to get some awesome pictures of Matt and I. We had a lot of fun and it was great to document our pregnancy!

This looks sweet, but Matt was actually shaking my belly to wake him up.

Making sure my husband is relaxed.

I love this cheesy picture!

That's Super Awesome

Ella and Matt have discovered when they sled together, they go pretty fast. So fast, Ella thinks it's "Super Awesome!"

Noah Sledding

We got back from Charlotte to find 8 inches of snow on the ground. The kids got to sled yesterday for awhile, and they waited in anticipation for daddy to get home to sled with them after work today.

SNOW!!!!!!

Anyone who knows my mom, knows that she love snow more than anyone on this earth. She hopes all winter that on one of her visits to North Carolina she will get to see at least some flurries. We were so excited to get to play in the snow with everyone this weekend! The guys did some major snow ball fighting, built the worlds greatest snowman, sledding and snowboarding on sleds, and laughed a lot!

Preparing the snowballs

I took a less awkward picture of the McGees but this one was so much better.

Hannah Beth braved the snow for a little while

Us!

I love spending time with my family!

Sledding

The Buhlers... They will become a family of 4 hopefully this week!

Nana loves the snow!

Wrestling Uncle Buck

Wii Bowling

Awkward Family Photos

This might go down as the worst picture ever. Love it. But the handmade shirts Aunt Bekah made were adorable.

Present time!

Sporting their super hero capes that Aunt Bekah made them. So creative!

Ella didn't want to pose in her cape for this pic, so Bek put it on.

Posing with Baby McGee's Auburn bear

Waiting for the chaos to begin!

We had to leave for Charlotte pretty early on Christmas day because of the snow storm heading for NC. We left just in time as it was starting to stick on the ground. We got to Rachel & Bucks that afternoon and it didn't take too long to dig into the presents! We were spoiled once again by mom and dad and feel so blessed!

Christmas Morning

Playing their new DS games

Waiting in anticipation to start opening presents

The kids woke up early on Christmas morning (don't they always?). We had a great time opening presents and enjoy our last Christmas as just the four of us. The kids got a lot of great toys and crafts, plenty to keep them busy for awhile! We are so blessed to have each other!

Christmas Eve Night

Noah asked Jesus into his heart on Christmas Eve night! Pray for him as we disciple him and get him plugged into the Word. And as he begins this incredible journey of trusting his Savior and wanting to know Him more.

It was the best Christmas gift we could have ever received!

It's Christmas Eve!!!

In anticipation for St Nick's arrival, we have been busy at the Siak house. We crafted with the many craft sets the kids have been given from the grandparents this afternoon. Watched the new Owl movie that came out (Matt and Ella crashed on the couch). After a serious dance party to old school Christmas music, we set out to do our traditional cookie-bake. I skimped this year. Cookie mix out of a bag + store bought icing. But the kids will never know it wasn't from scratch, right? Home Alone 2 is still on the to do list for tonight. And the evening will end with us all refocusing on why we celebrate - it's Jesus' birthday! Our favorite Christmas song is from Third Day, and the chorus lyrics go like this: "Baby Jesus born in a manger, humble Saviors birth. You left your home in heaven above to live hear on earth. Baby Jesus do you know you'll die for all our sins? But in three days you will rise again!"

The Christmas Play

Noah got to perform in the Christmas play again tonight. To say I was proud is the understatement of the year! Enjoy the videos below!

Noah's verse

Noah's solo

Gingerbread houses

All the kids got to decorate mini gingerbread houses on Saturday afternoon. They had a ton of fun, and made quite the mess. They snuck a few pieces to eat too. In the end we had 4 creative, beautiful houses to enjoy this holiday season. I love watching the kids use their imagination!

Christmas with Papa Siak

This weekend we got to spend time with Papa Siak, the brothers, cousins, and wives. We enjoyed a lot of laughs, some great food, and celebrating Christmas early.

Yeah, my nose is getting huge!

Silly Nick!

Noah & Jack playing with Buzz

Noah was so excited to get the new Buzz Lightyear!

Benjamin is such a precious little boy!

Sweet Cousin Love

"I give you my heart."

"Where can I buy a gift? That's worthy of your love for me? Nothing seems good enough. No gift compares with calvary, but still I want to give you Lord, a gift to show you I adore. A gift to show my love for you. Here's my gift to you on Christmas day!" This picture is of Noah singing his solo last Sunday night. The words to his solo brought tears to so many eyes, and he has the sweetest presence when he sings. I can't wait to watch him one more time this Tuesday night!

Noah also got to read from Romans 10:9-10 at the end of the play. It was so humbling to watch my son speak such truth to so many people. I was so proud!

Sledding!

We woke up to SNOW!

We had heard that there was a slight chance of snow for our area, but as of late last night the forecasters thought that it wouldn't hit us. Boy were they wrong! We woke up to 3+ inches of snow this morning! The kids could hardly wait to get out and play so after a good breakfast we headed out to our sledding hill. Enjoy!