Merry Christmas from the Holtons!

Leaf Man

Today, we read Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert.  The kids thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the illustrations which were all made out of leaves.  Afterwards, the children decided to venture outside and make their own pictures from leaves in our backyard.  



Renee's "Flower"

Zach's "Fire-breathing Dragon"



Ava's "Leaf Girl and flower"





What means the most to me

Lucky 13 and never been better. Proud members of the "Forever Club"!

Four angels growing up too fast. I cry just thinking about the time that has already passed...trying to make every moment count. 

My heart is overflowing with love for all of them. Thank you Lord, thank you!

Thomas-8 months

Here are a few pics of our sweet boy this month...he is fast approaching 9 months! He is crawling like a mad man and his personality is really shining through! We just love this little guy and we can't imagine life without him!

I make this face when I am sad or when my gums are bothering me...those top teeth are about to break through!

Even though I prefer my freedom to crawl all over the house, I still like to jump too!

I loved making a gooey mess with this teething biscuit!

Brothers

It wasn't that long ago that my big boy was the size of my baby boy. I am so glad they love each other.

Not a big fan...

of peas...

or green beans!

Best Buddies

March in pictures

I just don't have the time to update my blog as much as I would like. I don't want to get rid of it but the posts may be few and far between...and they might just be pictures. But at least it's something. So, here are some things that went on during the month of March and not necessarily in order... (Thomas will have his own picture post next...)

The three oldest are all playing soccer for the first time

Before...

and after!

Glamour girls

A quick and easy project shared by a friend of mine...bookshelves made out of vinyl gutters!

Growing up way too fast for Mommy

American girls

(The girls took their first trip to the American Girl store and they were in awe...as was I at the prices!!!)

Acting out our history lesson (Pilgrims, Indians and the first Thanksgiving Day)

Two teeth gone!

Celebrating (early) Jeff's 36th b-day with his family. His mom makes some amazing cakes!

So incredibly blessed!

Car show

Zach and Jeff had some good "guy" time at the Auto Show. Both were in hog heaven looking at all the cool cars!!

1st stop-The Varsity
(then they walked around the Ga Tech campus...Zach was glad he had his jacket on to cover up his Bulldog shirt!)

Toothless

Our boy is growing up! Zach lost his first tooth a few weeks ago...it was loose for awhile but was suddenly knocked out when he tripped and hit the side of our bed face first! At first, I thought he just cut his lip so I was holding my hand under his mouth to catch the blood when all of a sudden, I was holding a tooth! His tears dried up pretty quickly after that and he was very excited to put the tooth under his pillow that night. Now, he is $1 richer and anxiously awaiting the three other loose teeth to fall out...preferably on their own with no help from the bed, he hopes! Ahh, seems like only yesterday when he got that very first tooth :(

Daddy/Daughter Dance!

Last year, Ava attended her very first Daddy/Daughter Dance. This year, Renee was SO excited to be able to attend as well! The dance was held at North Metro Tech and the theme was "Masquerade Ball". Jeff and the girls, along with one of Jeff's friends from work and his daughter, plus two friends from church and their daughters, went together as a group. They first had a special dinner at Ippolitos where the girls enjoyed pizza. Then it was on to the dance where they were given a free masquerade mask and enjoyed dancing and special goodies to eat. Ava and Renee had such a blast spending time with their favorite guy! I know this will be an annual tradition they look forward to every year!

My beautiful girls

Daddy's girls

l-r: Ava, Maggie, Renee, Hannah, Olivia and Emma

Dancing the night away!