Uncle Brian Surprise!

I won a webcam at my work Christmas party, and Mark and I conspired with Brian to schedule a web chat for a Christmas surprise! Mark spent a lot of time getting us all 'hooked up' and ready. It was so much better than a phone conversation, and everyone was thrilled to have nearly an hour to talk with Brian! He seemed really happy to have the face to face interaction, and we were surprised to see his mustache!

Madeline and Brian even exchanged 'dance moves' over the web, and of course we had to interpret the brother/sister movie language between Bri and Meg. I even gave Brian a virtual kiss from his big sis! Having this special time with Brian was the best Christmas present of all...

Christmas with Nana, Aunt Megan & Gigi

We were so happy to have Nana, Megan, and Gigi come to our home for Christmas. We really had a wonderful time together! The Lincoln Logs from Nana and Megan were a hit and brought back memories of building cabins for hours with Elizabeth, Brian and Megan when we were little... The girls also love their keyboard from Gigi!

We are so blessed to have had such a wonderful Christmas season!!

Spamalot!

Mom wanted to carry on the tradition of going to see a Broadway Show over Christmas. Spamalot the Monty Python musical happened to be at the Walton Arts Center while Mom, Meema, and Megan were visiting. We had a wonderful time and laughed so hard our sides were hurting! Even Meema thought it was outstanding!

Magical Christmas

I can't even begin to express how fun this Christmas season was for our two girls. I don't think it gets any better than ages 6 and 3. They were mesmerized with Santa, Christmas, and importantly that Jesus was born on Christmas Day!

Ella learned several Christmas songs in her preschool class, and I will never forget how she sang about the little 'Jord Lesus' asleep on the hay!

We also started a new tradition (thanks to Aunt Marianne and Uncle Mike) with the Elf on the Shelf. Alan (Al for short) the Elf watched the girls each day, and then went to the North Pole at night to tell Santa about their behavior. The Elf arrived back at 3344 Jasper Lane in a different location each morning. Works like a charm!

The Girls...All Snug in a Twin Bed

Madeline & Ella have started this new habit of climbing into the twin bed together after mom and dad say goodnight. They seem to sleep better, and I think it is so precious that they don't mind being snuggled up in a little twin bed together. There's even room for Bitty Baby!

The Kings of the Wilburn house, Tiger & Diego

As Madeline says, we are now even: 3 girls and 3 boys in our house. They are such sweet cats!

Just a Swingin' with Caden, Colin & Carmen

The girls adore their cousins so much, and it is always fun to play in Uncle Jay & Aunt Tracy's nice back yard!

We wish Papaw's tractor was Pink

The girls had an opportunity to go for a ride in Papaw's new tractor while he was working the field by the house. They had so much fun! It was really nice of Papaw to show them how he turns the tractor, how he keeps the rows nice and straight, and how he can listen to the radio during his rides!

Thanksgiving with the Ebert side

Sister shot before heading to Aunt Katy's house

Cheers! We're having fun well before dinner time

Aunt Katy, you will never live this down!

Yes, Nana thinks I am SOOOO cute

Picture perfect with Daddy

Madeline & Aunt Katy (we won't say great)

Aunt Meg & Ella are so happy to spend time together

Hollywood doesn't have room for both of us!

Ella just smiles as Madeline socks her one during Wii boxing

Even GiGi had fun with the Wii soccer challenge


Hanging out with the Ebert clan is always a good time. Especially when there is whip cream involved (sorry Kate, couldn't help myself). We had a great meal at the Cushing's, and the Wii was a hit with the Wilburn girls. We all had an opportunity to spend some time on the phone with Uncle Brian, too, which was such a blessing. We love you, Bri!

Thanksgiving in Missouri

Who would guess that we're cousins instead of siblings? It's amazing how much we look alike!

Pretty sure we were saying Papaw has stinky feet, but at least everyone's looking at the camera!

Riding Papaw Bob's golf cart is always a highlight

With Grandma & Grandpa Great

I think Ella and Colin are talking strategy- they must have Grams' competitive nature!

Grams finally gets a rest with her girls after making a wonderful meal!

Awww...

My crazy little Indian, Ella Kate

We were home in Missouri over Thanksgiving for the first time in several years. As you can see, we had a great time with Grams, Papaw Bob, Grandpa & Grandma Great, and Jay's family. The girls had a great time with all of their cousins, especially Madeline and Caden who won the 'pot' for both card games! We are so thankful for our many blessings, our health, and the love of family.