Erik Turns Three

Christmas

Ellie got a phone call from Santa a few days before Christmas. He was checking on her and her siblings. He let her know that she was on the good list. She loved it! Thanks Grandama

The girls put out cookies

and Dad tried to eat them

but they love him anyway

Here is Kelsy opening her Life Book from Aunt Carol, She loved it!

Connor got his Xbox game, he is sharping up on his shooting skills

Erik loved the train set from Santa. It was a struggle getting him to open anything else

Elizabeth loves her pink telescope, it had to be pink so glad Santa found one

We did get a little snow on Christmas morning. It was enough for the little ones to get out and enjoy!

Chief Pinning

For some reason my pictures are not looking that great but you get the idea. After a six week training process, which was not fun for anyone in the family. Brian was pinned as Chief Petty Officer. We are all so proud of him. I put the pictures in the wrong order sorry:(

Erik loved the candy tree we made for our little celebration. Brian had his parents, my parents and our family friend Chris come in for the pinning. We had a great time!

Erik was very excited about going up in front of everyone. Big Thanks to Mom for helping with him during the ceremony

Connor and I put the pins on the collar and Kelsy put on his hat. It was a nice time to celebrate our family accomplishment.

Chief Oelke

EASTER

Mom and her girls!
OK, i tried to make this work and the pictures posted in the wrong sequence.
At least they are posted right?!

Easter morning

the only picture of connor...he will love this when he sees it

erik just being erik

so proud of her eggs

Elizabeth dying eggs

Kelsy and friends getting ready to go to prom. They are beautiful!

Happy Birthday

Brian turned 32 this year. Here are a few pictures from his birthday weekend. We surprised him by taking him to a car show in Springfield on Saturday. SpiderMan was there which was a bonus...he is Ellie's best friend. She said next time she sees him she is going to take off his mask so she can see Peter Parker. If we had actually purchased a car for Brian from the show...now that would have been a birthday...maybe when he is 52.

Snow Day!

Kelsy and Connor were home for 3 days. I'm sure Elizabeth and Erik were thrilled to have someone else to play with besides mom. Everyone enjoyed the snow...except Erik. He cried every time we tried to put his coat on so he didn't go out. Here are a few pictures of the fun we had inside and out.

Kelsy and Connor had snow fights and shoveled Fun!

Who doesn't like to eat snow?

Our Street

Elizabeth grabbed the bag of little umbrellas and crawled under Erik's crib and played.

Erik pulled out my old camera and took pictures

Erik got into the tub with Ellie...pj's and all

Springfield Zoo

While the big kids were away Brian and I took the little ones to the zoo. It was a beautiful day in December and we all loved being outside.

Erik and Brian

Elizabeth loved feeding the giraffe

We were all exhausted by the end of the day. Yes, Erik has red shoes on. The are Lighting McQueen and he won't leave home without them.