Day 3...

Well yesterday was day 2 of our advent. We had hot cocoa and read Luke 1:30.

"And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." 

My our home and all who dwell here find favor with Jesus. 

Day 3 was to read a Christmas book and continue with verse 31 in Luke 1. 

"And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus." 

I love the Christmas book we read. It's a board book. Simple. Does a great job of not being negative about the fun of Christmas trees, presents and Santa but remembering and reminding the Jesus is the true center of Christmas. 

Our Little Advent Tree Farm...

Just completed day 1 of our advent calendar. Today we read Luke 1:26-27...

"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary." 

I love our advent calendar. It slows our mornings. Calms our souls. Creates memories. Builds traditions of our family. And it is just so fun. 

Knox "12 Month" Check Up...

Technically we are a bit behind on our check ups. So when this check up happened you were more towards 18 months old than 12 months old...but none the less here are your stats Beast!

Length: 32.25 inches. 65%
Weight: 24 lbs. 5.5 oz. 35%
Head Circumference: 19 inches. 75%

You are dense...that's all I know.

Tess 2 Month Check Up...

You are healthy. May we never take those 3 words for granted. I am so thankful for those words with each check up for each of you guys. 

Here are your stats Tess Brinley. This was really your 2 month check up:

Length: 23.5 inches. 75% 

Weight: 13 lbs. 12 oz. 95% (hey girl hey)

Head circumference: 16 inches. 80% 

Little Sissy Pie (a nickname given to you by Lulu. We, in your younger newborn days, may have started calling your chunky monkey...well we couldn't let that catch on very long so Lulu called you this and my heart melted. I love it! So you are Tess "Sissy Pie" Brinley Robbins. I love it will all of me. 

Faces of Tess...

Seriously these may be my favorite pictures ever. They are just so funny. So progressing...

Totally asleep. 

Close up of sleepy sissy pie. 

Startled awake. 

Goes to the groggy one eye blur.

Then comes the rub my head side to side snarl. 

Then comes the "oh hey mommy it's you."

Lastly, okay I'm up mom so what's up. 

This picture i love because I remember as I was taking it the other 3 were literally in our bedroom with Daddy screaming and wrestling while jumping on our bed. I just thought what a picture of peace amidst the storm.

Those cheeks. Oh. my. word. 

Play days at K-Kauai...

Not the island...the Kamp! We love that we have our own little playground that we go to. It's like a big cage that mommy can close the gate and you guys can run/crawl all over this thing! I love it! It's got bigger slides that you are gaining bravery with and little slides that even the little dude can do. It's just perfect! This particular day we had gone to the bank...which is my fav b/c they give little lollipops for your kids but to my kids it's like the golden ticket! It's like their favorite treat! They think it is so fun! Once we got home and daddy came home from work we grilled outside and had our picnic...we actually do this often. We do love creating memories and being outside with the fresh air and the simplicity but our favorite part, as parents, is simply not having a total mess of a kitchen to clean. We just throw leftovers down the hill and we are done!. It's magical and total game changer!

Poppy's Marathon/Mommy's College Memories...

Well, dad had a goal to run a marathon. He did it! He really did it! Shay ran half of it with him and it was great to be back in Fayetteville to see the 'ole stomping grounds. I finally got to see my name on the senior walk and show Shay my college apartment and Chi Omega house. It brought back some sweet memories. 

My mom was so emotional at the end of the race. It was so sweet to see her and cheer on my dad. She is the most amazing woman that has never wavered in being the biggest supporter of my dad. What a wonderful example!

It's totally official. 

Go Chi O! I was probably the least involved sorority girl ever but I got to play intramurals, get cool tshirts, and prayerfully someone saw Jesus in me...even if it was just in the prayer at our house meetings. 

Visitors...

We have a fun few weeks. Nana and Poppy came to visit for a weekend and Granny & Pa came through on their way home from Texas. It was so full of family and we loved it! 

Nana had surgery on her hand but that didn't stop her from loving on you little Tess. 

"Nice to meet you Poppy."

They are awesome! 

New crocs...I know their little feet will just keep growing...I just love their little feet and at times want the little to stay forever. 

Love Pa holding little Tess. I also love that he has his Branson Trucker hat. 

This was just a funny picture of Knox with this mustache pacifier. It's so funny. Shay laughed so hard. 

3 Months Old and Others...

3 Months old...this is where you really start paying attention. Well at least making some recognition of things around you. It gets sweet with faces and coos. All your siblings love you to pieces...literally they sometimes are so up in your space it feels like they might take you into pieces. It's all out of love sissy pie!

That dimple...

Seriously I have a weird thing with y'alls sweet feet! Knox's yours are very, shall we say, dense. 

Rolls for days and I LOVE them. Healthy girl!

Love that I caught a mid spit up shot. 

Our crazy neighbors old, ricketty swing set. It's old but it somewhat works and the girls love it. 

Aunt Jennifer (mommy's best friend) made this onesie for you. We love it mostly b/c of who made it! 

He's already dominating his older sister...I think Belle will be his wrestling buddy. 

We loaded up the whole fam and went to the NAIA Tournament to watch Garvin (K2 leadership guy) play in the championship game. We love IWU. 

Seeing this picture made me remember Knox and his pacifier...he loved that thing so much! More than any of the girls have. L & B just stopped using theirs at 6 months b/c they found their thumbs and then Tess you have never taken to a paci. You love your finger and pulling at your ear while sucking on your finger. 

I love our #4!