Where has the time gone?

This entire year just flew by!  I can't believe that at this time last year I was just going to to the doctor and confirming my pregnancy with Kendley, calling her Carlos, and not even knowing she was a she!  Now, we have an amazing little 4 month old girl that Jeff and I can't spend enough time with. I have never enjoyed looking at and playing with someone and much as I do with her.  We both love her so much!  A lot has gone on since my last post.  Since I am at work, I don't have many pictures to post so I will have to do that at another time. It looks like my last post was right before Halloween, so I will begin there.

  Kendley was a football for Halloween.  This was Jeff's choice.  He said, "when else is she ever going to want to be a football."  I didn't have an argument for that so, a football it was.  She actually made a super cute football!  Jeff and I took her to our Church and did a trunk or treat.  Basically, we decorated our trunk and then handed out candy to literally hundreds of kids.  It was a lot of fun and we are already looking forward to the next trunk or treat! 

  Thanksgiving was the next big holiday.  Jeff, Kendley and I went to Louisville to visit my parents.  We are lucky enough to have his parents half way between us and Louisville. We often use them as a pit stop on the way.   The Thouvenots certainly don't mind the extra time with Kendley!  Over Thanksgiving we celebrated Christmas with my parents and my Grandma.  As always it was a concern if everything would fit in the car for the way home; Jeff has become an expert car packer!  We had a lot of fun and it is never enough time!

  Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, I made a big decision in my career.  I decided to inform my school that I will not be coming back next school year.  Jeff and I have decided that we want Kendley to have the same opportunities and care that we did growing up. In order for us to best do that, I am going to stay home.  It is funny how you don't appreciate things your parents did for you growing up until you have a kid of your own.  I feel so thankful that I even have the chance to do this for our family and look forward to spending more time with Kendley and any new little Elcherts that may come our way!  For now, I am looking into possibly teaching part time at an online school but who knows what will come of that.

  Christmas was especially fun this year because it was our first Christmas with Kendley and we were able to see our families.  We started our vacation with a great Christmas at home with just the three of us.  It was fun opening gifts and celebrating a start of a new time for Jeff and I with kids!!  Then, we took a few days and traveled to Jeff's parent's house where we were able to celebrate with his family.  My parents also were able to make it to O'Fallon for Christmas.  It was nice to see everyone and again, never seems like enough time! 

After Christmas, Jeff had to go back to work.  Kenldey and I however did a little more traveling.  We flew to Louisville to see my parents, sister and her fiance Justin.  We all (minus Justin) went wedding dress shopping and found a perfect dress for Melissa.  I am so excited for her and Justin and can't wait for the wedding.  She is going to be a beautiful bride!  Our Christmas vacation ended with a New Years fondue get together at our house with a few friends.  Most of the time was consumed by playing Kinect on xbox 360 and drinking Jeff's amazing sangria!

Here is to a New Year, spending time with the ones we love most and realizing what is most important in our lives!

I will add more pictures of Kendley and the family when I am at home!