Top priority this year was to go see the EC. That’s short for Mark’s brother and his family. The kids were blessed to spend time with them while we traveled back and forth to Ukraine and frankly, Mark and I were jealous. We needed some niece and nephew time and good ol’ visiting with Mark’s brother and wife.
In January, we were off. We spent three and half days with eighteen children and four adults under one roof. Oh yes we did. Our kids were a blast! And Mark and I got in our much needed visiting time!
A and Emmie had so much fun with the babies.
Of course, reading books was a favorite. Josiah with cousin H.
Games were a must.
Mark got a great panorama shot of family worship!
My niece G. Our nieces are growing into some pretty amazing young ladies!
Liam and Uncle B had a good round of Uno.
This year the EC asked for really nice swings for Christmas so they could read outside. Mark and Uncle B installed them while we visited. And of course we all had to test them out.
The EC have a great piece of property which includes goats, chickens, cows, cats and a dog. While we were there, Uncle B came home from a vet call with a calf who didn’t look like it was going to make it. The kids absolutely loved spending time on the farm and feeding the animals. And, as of last report, we were informed the calf was doing good and thriving.
As you can imagine, leaving the farm is tough. Really, leaving the cousins is tough. They made a ton of memories and it’s such a blessing to see cousins that get along…even if they (along with a sibling) leave you stranded at the pond to find your own way home. I continue to pray that they will all stay close as they grow up.
While we visited, we crashed a birthday party (with permission of the hosts) of some of their friends. It was a great time meeting new people and watching a bonfire!
I could not have imagined a better visit. We’re waiting ever so impatiently until we can see them all again!
Emmie’s shirt says, “One of a Kind” How could I not get this for her?!
Liam showing off his new glasses. We realized in November that he was having trouble seeing the screen at church. Our church isn’t large and the screen isn’t that far away. So, off to the eye doctor we went. Nearsighted like dear ol’ ma!
Scenes of reading.
After Emmie’s MRIs, she usually needs a bit extra time with Mama and Daddy, which means winding up in our bed during the night. 
Tot likes to help with my projects. Especially embroidering towels.
She just couldn’t hang.
Her exact statement: Mama, I washed my hands.
Our neighbor’s son, K, playing a little tune.
December was a month of breaking things. My crockpot slipped and hit the counter. Thankfully, Mark was able to fix it. My dad made a gorgeous chopping block that I dropped and broke. Thankfully, Dad was able to fix it! Klutzy me and the wonderful men in my life who fix my breaks.
Yeah, these cuddles are wonderful.
To say my kids were attached to our neighbors is an understatement. I absolutely adored these memories as they were preparing to move the next month.
K would only go to Ace and it cracked us all up that he was the only one that could take him from his mom. 
Off for a ride.
Mark painted while Emmie was at an appointment.
We painted the girls beds but the girls’ were ready for their new layout before the beds were ready. 
The girls’ new bedding came with a pillow that didn’t really match. Enter matching fabric that I used to cover the pillows.
And the vanity chair. Actually, Zoe did the chair. She didn’t want to paint it, preferring the shabby shic.
I found some really cute vinyl decals we put up on the long wall.
I also added the fabric to to the top of the white curtains.
We added shelves for some storage.
Rocking the new glasses like a pro…and being photobombed by his little buddy.
As requested…a white ninjago cake.
Lining up to go to the Sibling Shop. The kids draw names and then “shop” in the goodies available for that sibling.
All the kids gathered together to hear 
Okay, we did get them a few small things and some stocking gifts (which are dvds or audio cds).
Tot got some fun ears.
Trying to figure out where they were going.
Next year. A practice driver! Eek.
Zoe asked for a very basic cake.
We even got some good visiting time with Uncle J and Aunt Yaya and family.
Present time is always exciting.
Oh man, I don’t know if Emmie is excited about another baby or not. 😉
Double piggies…this girl!
You can create your own mini-figures. So, I made one of Emmie’s neurologist and one of her neurosurgeon. Next time we go, I’ll have to actually make them and buy them for the docs!
Emmie loved this little table.
Drawers ya’ll. Drawers full of Lego bricks everywhere! 
When we told them what we were doing, they were a little skeptical that it would actually be fun. 
The only two brave souls for pictures!
