Some Adventures Since.....

Our family has sure been crazy busy with life and we love it. Lately we have been going on many bike rides and walks to get out of the house. There is this great place we go to where the kids get to feed all sorts of farm animals. Elly had her first sleep-over at our house with her cousin Maya. Maya was so brave and didn't ask once to go home. The girls had a blast staying up late talking and being girls. Andy and I had even more fun listening to them. Layla is growing way too fast and those kissable cheeks have not gone away. In fact the cheeks happen to be a good pillow during nap time.

The three, little, girls at Vivians first Birthday.

Elly feeding the sheep. She was unusually brave.

Eating breakfast with her cousin Maya in there matching pajamas.

Bedtime.......(Sorry photos are out of order.)

Christmas 2009

Christmas came and went so fast this year. It was so good to be around all of our family and friends during the holiday season. It was so fun to see Elly participate in all of the fun traditions. Elly was very aware of all the traditions from Santa Claus to present opening. This year she knew exactly what she wanted Santa to bring her " pink and purple, bubble blowing, mermaid, bike." I know it is a mouth full but Santa's little helper (Cindy) did a great job in tracking it down. It was a hit on Christmas morning and has been ever since. Layla loved to observe all the fun and excitement. Santa brought her a bouncing seat with some new toys. Layla has definitely been a good girl to her parents this year and Santa knew it.

Christmas morning with Dad.

The bubble-blowing, mermaid, bike.

All of my beautiful sisters at our first annual Pence Christmas party. What a great night with all the grown ups in our families. We even learned a few things about our parents and their courtships. So much fun, thanks everyone for making it such an enjoyable night.

Santa made two stops for us. One at the Blackhursts residence and one at the Pences. Boy we must of been really good this year.

It is priceless to see the look on the kids faces when they see Santa. The excitement is tangible.

The Pence clan. Minus dad of course.

First Snow and Christmas Cheer!

Well we finally received our first snow. Snow brings out the Christmas spirit so much, I just love it. And with Christmas right around the corner we were all so excited to see the white stuff falling. Andy for some reason thought it was 85 degrees outside and wore his shorts to shovel snow. Got to love it.

Elly wasn't feeling the best and opted to take a rest on the couch. Poor thing, she has been anticipating the snow for a while now.

The Pence 2nd Annual Christmas progressive dinner was most enjoyable. We started at the Madarietas with appetizers and then off to Tyler and Angies for baked potatoe bar. We ended the night at our place with desert. What a fun night full of family and great food!!

The girls enjoying play time with cousins.

The guys downstairs enjoying the man cave.

Sweet Vivian with her momma!!! Its the babies first Christmas Vivian being the oldest and Hudson the youngest with Layla and Marley in between. Regardless its all of there first Christmas.

Baby Layla with her daddy.

Here is our cheese ball at Target on Black Friday weekend. At least she is smiling.

Thanksgiving 2009

Thanksgiving this year was a joy of course. Although we were missing family members we sure enjoyed those that were present. This holiday is definitely one of my favorites, where we come together as family and show our appreciate and thanks for all of our blessings. We sure have a lot to be thankful for this year. From a new addition to our family, our health, and especially all the happiness we have in our lives. (I realize this is a be-lated thanksgiving post but with all the Christmas cheer I didn't get around to it until now:))

The Thanksgiving table before we all gave thanks and ate

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Grandpa carving the beautiful turkey.

The amazing cook!!!

And of course Elly and her turkey hat she made with Izabel and Ford. Gobble, Gobble.

Family Photo Fun

First off I wanted to thank everyone for there input on our family photo. Be looking for 2009 Christmas card in the mail shortly. I wanted to post some of my other favorites. So I hope you enjoy.

Skipping rocks with dad.

Elly being goofy. I think she was in her imaginary land, with her being the monster coming out of the sea. Love it!!

Sweet Layla and her cheeks.

Daddy and his girls.

This photo reminds me of one of our engagement photos. I think it is the way I am looking at Andy. Love him.

Family Photo Vote

Well, we finally got around to doing our yearly family photo. After the rush of getting ready we made it just in time for this amazing sunset. Cindy, my sister, was generous enough to take the time to take the pictures. Thanks Cindy!!! So we are having a hard time choosing the picture so we thought it would be fun if you all helped us by telling us your favorite. Which ever photo gets the most votes, wins the prize of being the Pence 2009 family photo to be showcased on a Christmas card. So make your choice in the comment section and all are welcomed to vote. Each photo is assigned a number. We sure appreciate your input:)

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Halloween 2009

We had our first Halloween party with both our families and friends and it was loads of fun. Both of our families minus a few made the shindig. Everyone pitched in to make the party a success from food to decorations. Kristie and Ryan deserve a big shout out for bringing the over stuffed pinata. This Halloween was one to remember from great costume get ups to yummy food and amazing company . Thanks everyone!!

The Pence family with Alice in Wonderland and the rabbit, Star Trekker, and Princess Leia.

The Halloween Bunch!!

Pinata Fun. Dane saved Halloween by breaking the pinata or we would still be there hitting it with the kids.

Is that the cutest "Alice in Wonderland" ever?

Is that Jason Mraz and a go go girl?

The adorable Zickgraf family.

The cutest 50's couple ever.

Sisters.....minus Summer and Jenelle. We missed you guys but we sure had a ball.

The serious or not so serious farm family.