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.

Dear Santa,

Mommy said we could only ask for three things each this year because our new playroom is already full. That makes it a really, really tough decision. If you want to bring four things, Santa, that would be okay with us. I would like clothes for my American Girl doll (Lucy), some jewelry, and roller blades. Ella would like an American Girl doll, but mommy and daddy said she has to be 4. So she would like clothes for bitty baby, jewelry, and something Dora. Thank you, Santa, and please bring Uncle Brian something on the other side of the world.

Love, Madeline
age 6

This video was taken back in August, but I had to post it now that I know how to upload video to the blog. After dinner one night, Mads and Ella started making up songs about how much they love each other. Of course, there was some classic bossing of little sis' involved. I think the video captures these two completely and how they act around the house. This one's for you, Uncle Brian & Aunt Megan!

Thanks for the Halloween shirts, GiGi!

The girls love 'accessorizing' their Halloween shirts from GiGi (Great Grandma Ebert). Check out the homemade Halloween necklace, glitter belt, and purple Tshirt underneath. We are stylin'!

And Whoooo went the wind on Halloween night!

We went to the Ahern's for a pre-trick or treat Halloween party in our neighborhood. The girls had so much fun at the party that they only wanted to trick or treat for a little while! Fine with Mom (and Papa Doc) given we have enough candy to last two years! Daddy set up the Halloween Castle for the trick or treaters to go through on our sidewalk. He is very proud of the addition of a 'fog machine' to Halloween night (hence the blurry picture).

St. Joseph's Fall Festival

St. Joseph's school has a wonderful Fall Festival every year. Daddy the Cowboy set up his Haunted Halloween Castle for the Kindergarten room. They have a chili supper, cake walk, and every classroom is decorated for Halloween to host kids' games. Hannah Montana and Cinderella had a blast! The best part was a pony ride in our Halloween costume.

Go Tigers!

We had the best time with the Willmeth family in Springfield! It took less than 5 minutes for the kids to act like they had known each other their entire lives. Tanya and Eric have a beautiful family and a beautiful home; the best part was that it felt like old times! We also enjoyed going to Tanya and Eric's church on Sunday, and the girls went to Sunday School with Braden and Aubrey. We can't wait to get together again soon!

Happy Birthday...Cha Cha Cha

Halloween Birthday Party!

Costumes, games, haybales, pumpkins and presents...What could be more fun?! Especially when you add about 16 little girls! Madeline had a great turnout for her 6th birthday party. The kids went all out with their costumes, but Grams wins the prize. The girls were so excited when Grams the Clown appeared! Daddy (AKA the cowboy) also used a fog machine that was a big hit with the little princesses and witches. Our Madeline was Hannah Montana (for the 2nd year in a row). But, of course we had to get a new costume!

Mommy, Daddy and Ella bought Madeline a horse for Lucy, Madeline's American Girl doll. She also received a VTech computer from Grams that she loves. She has spent hours filling out her first 'Journal' (Hannah Montana, of course), and Hannah Montana shampoo and body wash makes bath time extra special!