Sullivan Christmas

We headed to South Bend the weekend before Christmas to celebrate with the Sullivan clan. Patrick quickly found chairs and got the Venias to play train with him.

Luke was very popular at the party...


...but was happy just to chill out.

Becca was very happy with all the willing laps for her to sit in.


The kids found great ways to keep themselves busy.



My Grandma surrounded by 5 of her eight children.

My cousin Mike and his wife are also expecting so we had to get a shot of the two pregnant ladies. Too bad its a little fuzy.

As per tradition, we made the children entertain us with song.


We had the cousins open gifts from each other. They were very good about taking turns.

Luke just wanted to taste 'em.

We also gathered to baptist young Luke. His brothers were excited to welcome him to the faith.


It was great to see the Sullivans and we hope it won't be a year until we all gather again.

Pre-school Christmas

Patrick had his Christmas program at school. This picture is the two Pre-K 3 morning classes combine.

The gift Patrick made for us at school.

We'll have many more pictures after Christmas so come back again soon.

Christmas Tree Sunday

The second Sunday of Advent has been declared "Christmas Tree Sunday" here in the Hatton house. For the second year in a row, we went out to Talbott's Tree Farm with the Showalters and found our tree. Here is Patrick and the girls as we wait for the rest of the party.

Here we all are, four adults and 6 kids under the age of 5, on our search for the perfect tree.

Becca did very well in her new-to-her boots that are still a little too big.

Mike and Patrick lead the way into the woods.

All the kids got to take a turn at cutting down the tree under the careful eye of Mike of course.

Its hard to tell which Showalter girl this is. They all have the same coat.


The victorious tree hunters with their prey.



After cutting down the tree and having dinner, we drove through the East Peoria Festival of Lights.




Patrick was very excited about the firetruck.

And here are the 4 and a 2/3 Hattons in front of our tree.

Quotes:
The morning after we got the tree, I was coming down the stairs with Becca and told her there was a surprise downstairs. Her first response was "Grandpa...Grandma?" and was a little sadden my my no. When we got to the living room she looked up and said "Oh the Christmas tree. It's beautiful!" and brought much joy to her mother's heart.

After finishing his dinner one night this week Patrick declared that it was time for a special treat. I asked him what he thought he should get. He replied "Something awesome! Like TOAST!" I laughed so hard I cried. I'm glad he can get so excited about toast.

Not sure what our schedule with be like the next two week so in case I don't post again, Merry Christmas to you all!

Sorry its been so long

Its been awhile since I last posted but not a whole lot pictures have been taken. Here Mike attempts to stretch before his soccer game with a little help.


We hosted our first Thanksgiving this year. Mike did a wonderful job with the food and Grandma & pa Sullivan were able to join us.

Becca spent the time running around and bringing books to whom ever had an empty lap.

Trains and castles were also very popular this weekend. Patrick and Mike had a blast setting up various train settings.

Becca was more involved in the demolition aspect of the fun.

Mike even tried to make one big hill with a straight run-off but the trains did not play along.

And here is Mike looking happy on Saturday. I'm glad he did not know the fate of the Irish for that evening.

Quotes: At the Thanksgiving feast, I asked the kids what they were thankful for. Patrick said "I'm thankful for Thanksgiving!" Becca's reply was "I'm thankful for costumes!" which is another favorite activity for the kids.
We learned that a friend of ours is stationed in Iraq and that a little boy here in town is nearing the end of his battle with leukemia. We continue to thank God for His many gifts and hope you will add these families to your prayers.

Becca is two!

Becca turned two yesterday so here are some pictures of the celebrations, thus far. Here she is opening a present.

Patrick graciously helped her.

The kids are now rolling in the toy money.

I think her favorite gift so far is Tinker Bell.

This arrived today but she hasn't seen it yet. I'm sure she'll love it.

Some other pictures. Mike once again shows off his weight lifting skills. He's still working on what to due when #3 arrives.

And speaking of #3, here he/she is growing beautifully in my belly. Nobody seems surprised that I'm pregnant any more just at how far along I am.

Halloween Festivities

We hope everyone had a happy Halloween. Here are the kids with their pumpkins.


we had a dress rehearsal a few days before and Mike try out his lumberjack outfit.


We went to a birthday party first on Saturday. Here's Mike hanging out with Teddy, the little brother of the birthday girl.

Our kids were ready to go long before some of the others so we let them run around outside.


We went trick-or-treating with two other families with total of 8 kids all under the age of 5.

Being uncreative, I dressed as a Canadian.

Here's Becca running up to the door.


Some group shots of the kids begging for candy.

This was the last house and the kids were ready to go to bed.


I tried on Belles' wig when we got back. I think its beautiful, don't you?

Thanks to the Showalters for having us over and letting us beg in their more-kid-friendly neighborhood. We had a record number of trick-or-treaters this year..at least a dozen! There will be another post this week to celebrate Becca's big day so come back soon.