Off to One Thing 08 in Kansas City

On December 26th, we packed up the car and headed north towards Kansas City. We were headed to IHOP's One Thing 08 Conference. Matt and Alexia flew back that day because he needed to get back because he was one of the worship leaders who would be singing at the conference. Jordan was flying the next day to Michigan so he could drive his girlfriend back to Kansas City. He didn't want her driving by herself. So, that left me, Carlos, Taylor, Landon, Sierra driving.

My sister Stephanie and her family were headed on 75 South coming to Florida. We were headed on 75 North headed to Kansas City. We kept in touch and when our paths finally crossed it was just south of Atlanta . We decided to pull over at the famous Hwy Restaurant - Cracker Barrel.

The weather was gloomy and cold that day!
My sister, her husband Todd, my niece Ashley and my nephew Nathan. My other nephew Travis couldn't come this trip because he is on the high school basketball team and he had a tournament that he had to play in so he stayed back in Indiana at my other sister's house.

We were all so excited to see each other! I am so happy it worked out for us to take a little time to meet and catch up a little bit.

Taylor getting a hug from his cousin Ashley!
It was so cold so we hurried inside. Taylor and Nathan!
All of a sudden I saw something sparkling from Nathan's ears.

Yes, he got his ears pierced. Oh brother :-)

Our friends George and Janice were going to One Thing too so we were following each other. They stopped at Cracker Barrel with us too.

Steph and TaylorSteph, Ashley and Sierra

Steph, me and Todd

Steph and Landon

Our visit was too short but we were thankful for the time we had.

It was so hard to say goodbye! I really miss my sister's a lot. I have to plan a trip to Indiana.

Happy Birthday Nathan!

Happy 18th Birthday Nathan! This will be an exciting year for you . . .high school graduation, starting college in the fall and so much more. We pray a hedge of protection on you and know with the Lord you will accomplish great things. We love you! Uncle Carlos, Aunt Emmy and the kids!

Happy Birthday Cake!

Some of Travis' friends stopped by to give Steph a birthday present.The crowned her the Birthday Queen!Nathan gave her a card and present too. Also, Ashley gave her an adorable outfit and a necklace.Steph getting a birthday smooch from Andrew!Todd surprised Steph with a wonderful ice cream birthday cake. I guess she liked it :-)
What a girl!
Carlos and Steph!
She even got a birthday smooch from Carlos!
Happy Birthday Steph! We all love you!

Happy 40th Birthday Stephanie

Today is my sister Steph's 40th birthday. After church we went to the Mexican Restaurant in their town and celebrated with chips, salsa and fajita's.

My brother in law Todd giving me a smooch! My other brother in law Joe has been pretty sick but I heard he is feeling better today. Hopefully we will see him later on this afternoon.

Sierra loves to wear her JESUS sweatshirt!

The Leaders of the Pack :-)

Maybe we shouldn't ask . . . . .

Michelle and Abigail
I don't even think Jordan knew she was giving him a hug.
The Birthday Girl Welcome to the "40" club

The End of Indy!

After breakfast we all headed back to our hotel rooms to packup. Some of us finished early and decided to take it easy and rest while the others finished up . .. . .Can you see Todd making his way into this room????????????????????? Look closely because............................

SMASH!
We checked all our luggage into the hotel baggage check and then headed back out to the mall and also to the theater. We promised the little kids we would all go see Alvin and Chipmunks today.
This theater is super nice and huge! Plus, it's so convenient everything is under roof.
Carlos and the girls . . .waiting for the movie to start.
Part of our goofy family!
My mom is a very healthy "natural" woman. She eats organic . . .uses all natural everything and sprays Oregano on just about everything. When she pulled it out in the movie theater the boys yelled, "Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!"

Poor mom . . . . all the grandkids make fun of her Oregano because it smells horrible! Well, it is now 5pm and we are headed back to the town where Steph and Michelle live. We had a great two days and enjoyed our time together in Indianapolis.

Thanks Todd and Steph for the idea!

A Sledding We Will Go!

Sierra wokeup bright and early and was ready for some playtime in the snow.

My sister pulled out some sleds for her to use.

On your mark . . .

Get Set . . . .
Go . . . . . . . .Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
Mom, can we move here?
My Little Snow angel and me!
Testing out spots to take our New Year picture since we never got our Christmas picture taken.
The lighting is better the closer the camera is. Sierra then put away the sled and moved on to ice skating on the driveway.
She might not ever want to go home!
Mom, can you please make some hot chocolate?

Me and my goofy sister Stephanie!

My nephew Nathan and me

My nephew Travis and me

We ended the afternoon by getting in a few games of Rummi Kube.

And Jordan . . . .he got in some praying and studying! What a good boy!