Our Time in Wisconsin

I've been enjoying lots of family time, so have taken a little break from updating this blog. I've got a little time on my hands now, so get ready for a photo explosion! On Saturday morning, December 16, 2006, we packed up our car and headed west. After a minor problem of our car not starting (battery issues), we got a jump and were on our way! Our first stop was Ohio where we delivered Christmas presents for a church outreach. We spent the night there and finished the trip on Sunday. Isabella is usually a pretty good traveller, but this trip didn't go so well. She only napped once during the ride and that was only for about 45 minutes. The poor kid was so tired and uncomfortable and couldn't fall asleep. We arrived at my parent's house around 10pm that night. The next day, we had a little belated birthday celebration with my family.

Birthday Pictures

As you can see in this picture, we bought Isabella a little birthday hat but it ended up being a little small. She looks kind of like a trucker in this picture! "I'm such a big one year old!"

Uncle Scott lighting her cake with my Dad and Andy looking on. We were short on birthday candles, so had to improvise a little. That's a Benetti birthday for ya! Isabella smiles as we all sing Happy Birthday

She stuffed her face with the ice cream cake and, shortly after, became one unhappy girl as her hands and mouth became super cold.

Isabella received a new doll whose pacifier she tried to steal.

She also received a new outfit from my cousin Bridget, a little papazon chair from my brother Scott, and a learning toy from my sister Lori. One of my mom's co-workers gave her a dancing Grinch. Here she is playing with it. . .

Christmas Photos

We spent Christmas Eve and my grandparent's house. Here is her first taste of a candy cane.

Don't worry - Auntie Mary was watching her extra closely.

Auntie Mary helps Isabella open her presents on Christmas morning.

Our little family on Christmas morning (just before heading off to visit Andy's family).

Kilps Family Visit

Tyler, Isabella, and Jacob - we tried to get a picture of the cousins, but Isabella would not sit still.Jacob with his new ballsLots of toys for the little ones!

Another bit of exciting news is that Isabella is really starting to walk a lot more. Here is a video we got of her. Unfortunately, you'll have to turn your head to watch it since I can't figure out how to rotate it.

We took the kids to the park.

It was a crisp winter dayIsabella loved to swing
Jacob playing on a horse

What could be more relaxing?

All the fresh air wore Jacob out

It looks like Isabella is cooking something up for the boys.

Remote controls are probably one of her favorite things to play with - right up there with telephones. This child loves buttons!

Here's Tyler! He's getting so big! What a cutie!

Attempt #2 at a Cousin pic - Isabella is about to make a mad dash for it!

Isabella entertaining Tyler

Andy's extended family gets together a few days after Christmas. We all gathered at his Uncle Tom and Aunt Debbie's house this year. We were able to get a picture of the whole Kilps family at this gathering. From left to right: Laura (Andy's sister) holding Tyler, Chris (Andy's mom), David (Andy's dad) who is holding Jacob, Me, Isabella, Andy. Front row: Tim (Laura's husband) and Tom (Andy's brother).

The youngest members of the family: Elena Bisone, Tyler Meade, Sammy Bass, and Isabella Kilps

During our time in Andy's hometown, we visited with some of Andy's high school friends and also reunited with our good friends, the Golackson's. We met halfway at a Culver's and spent several hours catching up.
Isabella and Caedmon holding hands. Aren't they a sweet couple!

Isabella and Lily chatting away. They seem so grown up here. We are heading back to Pennsylania on Saturday (Jan. 6th). We're praying that the trip back is a little easier on Isabella than the way here was and that our transition back into life out there goes smoothly. For now, we're going to soak in all the family time we can get!