Day 25

Today we're thankful for...

Chris: the holidays. 

Rachel: with the financial review finished, budget done, and the board meeting over, work will slow down and I get to enjoy the holidays with my family!

Harper: my new Christmas pj's. 

Kinley: my little puppy (stuffed animal)

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably the fact that I'm home after a very long day away from him in Phoenix. 

Snakes and Lions

Today we're thankful for...

Chris: the ocean, that it reminds us of how small we are. 

Rachel: seeing my kids overjoyed. Last night after the parade at DisneyLand, they lit up the castle for Christmas and blew snow all over us on Main Street. The girls were beyond excited! 

Harper: for Cammie coming over. (One of her favorite McDougalls!)

Kinley: for a flashlight to look for snakes and lions, like that lion (as she points to the golden retriever).

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably sitting outside in the California sunshine. 

Harper Highlights

Two awesome Harper moments from today:

As I'm doing her hair she asks, "Where are we going today?"

"It's a surprise."

"But where are we going?"

"To the happiest place on earth."

She draws her breath in excitement, "we're going to God?!" 

...and...

On the long walk back to the car after an incredible day at DisneyLand, I notice Foster is asleep again. 

"Foster's going to be awake all night, I just know it."

Then Harper says with a sly grin, "Foster's nocturnal..." 

My four year old is smart and funny. 

Today we're thankful for the McDougalls. They are some of our best friends ever, and we are so grateful for them!! We always love the time we get to spend with them. Can't wait to see the rest of the fam tomorrow!

He's Home

We are all so thankful to have Chris (aka Daddy) home again! The story of our reunion will have to wait till tomorrow, we're all exhausted. But so so thankful!

Day 15 - We're so Close!

Today we're thankful for...

Rachel: one more day! Tomorrow night my husband will be home, and I am ecstatic! I love him, I miss him, I want to hear his stories, I want to see his face. So soon now!

Harper: my collection box. (I also love her collection box. I love the way a child can view such small, inexpensive trinkets as glorious treasure!)

Kinley: that we got to go to the movie theater. (My mom, my saving grace, took the girls to the movies so I could catch up on work during Foster's nap time.)

Foster: he wouldn't say, but I know he is thankful for his newest skill: clapping!

Day 13

Today we're thankful for...

Rachel: helping hands. It was a crazy busy day, and so many people stepped in to help me: my sister (via FaceTime...hair advice), Brenda, Isabella, the lady behind me in line at Fry's, Courtney, Lori, Carly, and my mom. Thank you all so much!

Harper: flowers and dandelions and fairies. 

Kinley: my brother. 

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably snuggling close to me in the baby bjorn. (I just love kissing his soft head!)

Day 12

Today we're thankful for...

Rachel: numbers. As stressful and busy as work is right now, there's always an answer to be found in numbers. 

Harper: cupcakes and my mermaid doll. 

Kinley: mom (happy sigh...)

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably taking his sisters to school in the morning. He doesn't usually get to go when daddy's home. 

Day 10

Today we're thankful for...

Rachel: the Bravermans, for keeping me company while my hubby is gone. 

Harper: ballerinas that have wands and ballerina dresses. And I'm thankful for princesses. 

Kinley: dragons who roooaaar and flying dragons. 

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably yogurt melts. He really loves those things. 

Day 9

Today we're thankful for...

Chris: (Can't reach him today. That's Asia for you.)

Rachel: visiting with friends

Harper: going to Mrs. Heidi's house for dinner, and my family, and I'm thankful for dad. And I hope he doesn't fall out of the airplane. (Um...)

Kinley: go to Heidi Lynn's house for her birthday (different Heidi, she turned 3 today) and going to Mrs. Heidi's house for dinner

Foster: he wouldn't say, but probably all the new toys he played with today between little Heidi's birthday and grown up Heidi's dinner

Day 8

Today we're thankful for...

Chris: (from Myanmar)

Rachel: my husband. I miss him when he's gone. I'm so proud of him and love that he loves to help others. He is adventurous, brave, and so good at what he does!

Harper: climbing rocks and princesses (I believe she was thankful for both, not that she likes to climb princesses...)

Kinley: that we had fun at the playground (we really did!)

Foster: he wouldn't say, but it's swings. Definitely swings.