Since Jody had to work on Christmas Day we postponed our Christmas celebration with grandma and papa Brooks until the weekend of News Years. We had a good time goofying around, opening presents, and eating 24 hours a day (with some work in between - building fences). Santa Claus even found his way with a tricycle for Faith.

We went to Healy for New Years and spent New Year's day at Great Grandma Penka's house. We had a house full of guests and enjoyed eating a satisfying meal of Mountain Oysters, potatoes, vegetables and plenty of desserts. We had a good time visiting and opening White Elephant gifts. What a beautiful day.

Jody had to work on Christmas day doing home health so we didn't get to leave town. However, Bill and Kimberly graciously invited us over to celebrate with their family. We had such a wonderful time. Faith got a Princess gown with shoes and a crown from them. We enjoyed a wonderful meal including Prime Rib, potatoes, salad, beans, homemade rolls (which Sarah made) and desserts. Faith had a good time playing with Quin who is about 6 months younger then her.

Faith was up at 5:30 am to see what Santa left. He managed to get a full kitchen down the chimney. Faith LOVED it and played with it all morning long.

After Mass we opened up gifts. Among Faith's many many presents she got a Mrs. Potato Head which she felt the need to wear the glasses. Faith also got lots of Princess stuff including dress shoes. We had a Merry time together. Then it was off to bed to await Santa's arrival. Faith informed bother mom and dad that Santa was coming and Rudolf was going to be on the roof. It was exciting for all of us.

Chris really got into the Christmas spirit with his own Santa Outfit.

Chris got off of work early so we were able to go to Christmas Eve Mass at 4:30. The children's choir sang which Christopher Hogan was part of while Sarah served Mass. The church was completely full and there were seats set up in the gathering space. Faith just woke from her nap before mass when the pictures were taken so she doesn't look her happiest.

Faith's school had their Christmas program on Friday night. The toddler's program entailed songs with hand actions. The songs were "Noah Built a Great Big Ark", "Ring Those Bells and Turn Around", and "Happy Birthday Jesus". The kids were all very cute to watch. Each child wore an Angel T-shirt with jeans and a halo made out of garland. We have the program on video if anyone would like to see it thanks to Kimberly. After the program we went out to eat ice cream with Kimberly, Sarah, Chris and Matt. Mom and dad were so proud of their future star!! (I would like to apologize for the red eyes in the pictures - I'm still trying to figure out how to fix that on my camera.)

Old Cowtown had a "breakfast with Santa" event for kids to go and meet Santa and of course eat breakfast. The morning included arts, crafts, and Santa stopping to see every child. Of course Faith isn't a big fan of his yet but I'm sure she will learn to appreciate him soon. Santa also read "The Night Before Christmas" to all the kids. After that we were allowed to go through the museum itself and see how Christmas was celebrated 100+ years ago. Time sure has changed!!

We decorated the tree and Faith helped daddy put the star on top!!

We had Thanksgiving here at home this year which also happened to be Bill's birthday. Faith helped blow out the candles on the birthday cake. We had plenty of company around to enjoy the day including Grandma and Papa Brooks, Grandma and GranGran Brown, Uncle Martin, Uncle Kevin and Angela. The day was filled with food, football, looking through black Friday ads and working on the basement. We all had a good time. I'm not sure why grandma Brooks isn't in any of the pictures.

Sarah, Faith, and Jody made gingerbread houses at the church the weekend before Thanksgiving. Sarah's turned out to be the best, however Faith enjoyed eating hers the most.

Faith was a cow for Halloween. Aunt Shelly, Grandma Brooks and Great-Grandma Penka all came down. Once Faith learned that she was getting candy just by saying "trick or treat" she didn't want to stop.

Our church had a "Trunk or Treat" where the kids trick or treated cars instead of going house to house. Chris and Faith dressed up as the farmer and the cow. They won best costume and received a whole bucket of candy!!

Our pumpkin patch didn't quite make it this year - it produced 1 pumpkin so we decided to go to the Applejack Pumpkin Patch. They have all kinds of fun stuff for kids including a huge slide, a corn maze, a corn pit to play in, a barrel train and so much more - not to mention plenty of pumpkins. Faith was excited about the trip even when she was sitting in her car seat to go. We all had a good time. Happy Fall everyone!!!

We went to the zoo, as we have done thousands of time before, however this time we remembered our camera. Faith's favorite animals include the cows, the "quack, quacks" (ducks) and elephants.

Faith went to pre-school on her birthday and they all enjoyed Elmo cupcakes. However, shortly after the party Faith got sick with the stomach crud and was sent home. What a crummy way to celebrate her birthday. These pictures are the kids in her class.

We went to eat at Chili's on Sunday with all the family that was still in town. Once again, we left with full tummies.

Faith had her birthday party on Saturday with an Elmo theme. We had about 20 people at the house to celebrate. Grandma Brooks made some Lasagna and we all filled our tummies. Then we enjoyed an Elmo cake baked by Faith (mama helped). The opening the gifts ended the evening. We all had a good time watching Faith and the other kids. Thank you to everyone who came to the party and for the great presents!!

Faith assisted mom in baking her birthday cake. She LOVES to cook.

Faith recently started preschool at New Song Academy in Wichita. At first she didn't really care to go to school but now she is waving bye to mama before we even get into the door. We have only one picture of the 1st day - and that is all she wanted.

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA'S FARMWe went to Grandma and Grandpa Brooks's house the first weekend of August and then Faith stayed with grandma and papa for a week at the end of the month. Faith had a good time. She really loved the Kitties however I don't think they enjoyed her as much. When they heard her coming they ran away as fast as they could move. However she did catch them a couple of times (with the help of grandpa and Kevin).

WHAT A BUNCH OF CUTIES!!!For the fourth of July we went to New Mexico to see everyone. This was the first time everyone has met Faith and we really had a great time. Faith rode her first horse and yes mom rode one as well. Hopefully we can get back there more often because it is always so great to be with everyone.

Faith loves to play at the park and Andover has a wonderful park. We recently bought a trailer for the bike so now we bike ride there. Even though our rears are sore for two days after, her enjoyment is well worth it.

Shelly turned 34 this year. She was a little over one week past surgery. She is doing well and we are all really proud of her. For those of you who don't know, she had the lap band surgery done and even though it has been tough, she is pulling through. She is also living with us for the summer acting as our live in nanny. It's great to have free childcare.

Shelly went into sugery and when she was recovering we went across the street to Mimi's. We thought it was a fun place.

This past week Faith got to spend time with the Hogan's once again while mom and dad worked. This coming week they are all headed out to Orlando to Walt Disney World. Hope they have a wonderful time!!

Kevin graduated on Saturday from Fort Hays State Univeristy with his Math degree. He plans to teach high school math next year in Scott City. Kevin graduated Cum Laude and even though mom caught him playing with his tassle like a cat, we are all really proud of him.

We went to Silver Dollar City on Wednesday and Thursday. The weather was beautiful. Faith isn't quite the thrill rider that her mom and dad are but she's getting there. We all really had a good time. Faith got to hold bunnies, ride in frogs and have her first huge lollipop. Chris and I tried to climb through the Tom and Huck fort with her, however it is really meant for kids (we believe 5 and under). We were just a little too big for it but we entertained the crowd. We had several elderly couples laughing at us as we tried to get ourselves out. We were told it was more enjoyable to watch us get out than to watch the shows in the park. Darn, wish we were on the payroll!!

Throughout the next couple of days we just enjoyed the town of Branson MO. Faith and Jody went to the Titanic while Chris golfed. We also went to several playgrounds and miniature golfing. Faith is such a social little being that every child we met got a hug and became an instant friend.

We went to Branson for the week of Chris's birthday and boy did we have a good time. On his birthday we went to Springfield to the zoo where Faith got to feed the Giraffes. We then went to Lambert's to eat. If you've never been there you are missing out on an EXCELLENT chicken fried steak. When we got back to the condo we had german chocolate cake.