So Very Much To Be Thankful For

This Thanksgiving we traveled to Anthem, Arizona, my sister's beautiful and amazing new home (or rather the new home of my beautiful and amazing sister). She and Matt moved this past August for his job. While we were very sad to see them go shortly after we arrived in Texas we're very happy for them in their new city (northern Phoenix) and house. They finally get to experience regular family life where Matt leaves in the morning and comes home at the end of the day and no longer has to disappear for months on end to dangerous places.

As such, this Thanksgiving they wanted to gather both the Holleys and the Burchs around one table to celebrate family and togetherness. And gather we did - a group of 13. The Hotel de Burch was wonderfully accommodating and luxurious. And the food was all DELICIOUS! Matt and Alexis thought everything out to the last detail to make sure everyone had a wonderful and relaxing holiday together. The kids especially loved being reunited with their cousins. With 4 under 4 running around we regrettably took too few pictures but here are a few.

Thanks again, Matt, Sister, Holley, and Levi for having us, sharing your amazing home, and inviting us back. You know we'll take you up on it. The sooner the better!

Happy Birthday, Amma!

In honor of Linda's birthday today we offer this beautiful comparison as photographed & laid out by Bapa. Linda was slightly younger than Natalie when hers was taken but is it uncanny or what?!

Sis-sahs

Natalie (about a hundred time a day): I see Ahh-rey Rowse!
Us: Yes, you do see her. Natalie Grace and Audrey Rose are what?
Natalie: Sis-sahs!

Here are some recent pics of our already-best-bud girls.

Skittle and Dot

Natalie and Audrey met for the first time yesterday!  Since Audrey graduated from her isolette to a crib she's now allowed to travel to the NICU's family visitation rooms, one of which has a window into the waiting area.  (Siblings under 12 can't go inside.)  Natalie has done an amazing job understanding that she has a sister (since she'd never actually seen her), that her name is Audrey, and she was excited to finally catch a glimpse.  She pointed out Audrey's nose, eyes, hair, and fingers.  Glad we have our quality control expert. :)

My mom says that she has the 2 best girls in the world but she has to fight me for that claim now.  My heart was full watching these 2 yesterday.

Here we go again

Natalie's going to be a great big sister

don't you think?