Christmas Time

Looking at my blog I just realized it has been almost 2 months since I have written a post. We have now lived in Ohio about 6 weeks. I am going to catch-up going backwards, starting with Christmas.

I was super excited this year that we got to go to FLORIDA for Christmas. The last time we were with my family for Christmas was 7 years ago right before we moved to Kansas. Our kids had never experienced Christmas in Florida. Our realist Payton did make sure she let us know it did not feel like Christmas since Florida is so warm.

We had a wonderful Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Salem, then had Christmas morning as a family, before heading on a plane mid-day to fly to Orlando. We got to spend a whole week with family, enjoying the warm weather.

Christmas Morning in Ohio

Elsa and Anna were in Dayton Airport

Arriving in Orlando

Swimming on Christmas break

Christmas with The Wiens Family

 

This picture cracks me up, reality of taking pictures with little ones.

Cousins 3 weeks apart in age, checking out each other's booboo's

We had some good down time and got to visit Jordan and Jaime on the East Coast one day then headed to Bradenton to visit friends on the West Coast the next day. We loved being outside!

Mr. Southards insists on stopping at a family favorite on our way across Florida, Parksdale Farms for world famous Strawberry Shortcakes (and milkshakes)

Don't mind #3, she will get her share of the whip cream.

Daddy managed some naps himself during nap time

Enjoying walks outside

Nothing like a playdate with my sweet friend Lindsay and her 6 kids (one is hiding behind her). Just a quiet afternoon with 10 kids 6-years-old and under!

Had some precious time with my sweet Grandma who is 93 years-young. She is now living in a home (my Dad refers to as a resort). Buster got to visit for her New Year's party.

 

 

 

 

We flew home New Year's Day in time to have our dear friends from KS the Zimmers spend the night with us. We were so thankful for our trip, but were also glad to come "home" to Ohio.
 

Easter

We had a great Easter yesterday. What a great day to celebrate Christ's Resurrection! Steve delivered a powerful sermon (yes I am biased) and then we had friends over later in the evening. This is the 4th Annual Southards Easter Dinner and I believe this year was the biggest yet. Here are pics from the day.

Egg Hunt

 Presley caught on very quickly

Miss Michelle brought the highlight of the evening, live chicks for the kids to hold!

Payton was really into the chicks while Colton ate his candy the whole time just watching the action.

We have had many of the same families over the years and added some new ones this year. We invite families close to us that do not have any extended family in town to celebrate with. We have added 3 babies since last year plus Stetson on the way.

Trent and Jessica with baby Titus 3 weeks old. Last Easter was their first Sunday in KS as our Youth Pastor and Titus has been a sweet surprise this past year as Jess wasn't sure if she would be able to have kids.

The McNeil Family (neighbors)

The McAtee Family (missing Cali who is 2 months old who was sleeping) (neighbors)

The Zimmers Family who added baby Alton this past year (good friends from church)

The Gaeddert Family (Jenna is on staff at church)

The Reiswig Family (Jason is on staff too)

Our growing family

I had to include the following picture as it was our first Easter we hosted and Payton is wearing the same dress Presley wore to church in the top picture and Colton is my belly.

December/January Update

About a month ago my parents came to visit, we love having them here around the holidays but their Florida blood can't take too much cold weather. We had a great long weekend and really didn't do much but hang around and enjoy each other.

Colton turned 3 while they were here.

Christmas was low-key we were home alone as a family.

Christmas afternoon we met my in-laws at the Lakehouse for a day then headed to the farms to see both the Southards and Coats families

Since the holidays we have been staying home and trying to stay warm.  This winter has been extra cold and we have had a lot of quality time laying low enjoying new toys and making up things to do.