Still catching up on 2014 events!

Here are a few highlights from November and December 2014.

Lorelei and I enjoyed a few "dates" to the library for story time.

After story time, Lorelei enjoyed working on puzzles and playing with the stuffed animals.

Some times, we went out to eat after the library or worked on a craft in my office.

In November, we gathered for our usual Thanksgiving family dinner, which included someone new this year, Cameron, who is now Jessica's fiancé.

The grandkids enjoyed dining at their own table in the kitchen.

December found us finishing up our first year as service missionaries for BYU Idaho's Pathway program with this wonderful group.

We also had the opportunity of going to the temple with two of our students, Erin and Trisha, to support Trisha during her first time at the temple.

The year had flown by quickly, as we found ourselves enjoying our second Christmas home with family since returning from our New York mission.

The holidays started with the annual Ellis Siblings Christmas party, held at Pat's house.

Here are all of Carl's siblings, minus Beverly (in Utah) and Billy (in Pennsylvania). Brother Jerry had passed away many years ago.

(left to right) Sharon, Stuart, Donna, Pat, and Carl

The white elephant gift exchange always brings a lot of laughs. Bill is the lucky recipient of a pink bathrobe.

Our family made gingerbread houses for home evening during Christmas week.

Our traditional Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas program was held at Lauren and Dan's new home.

There weren't too many of us gathered around the Christmas tree on Christmas morning this year at our home-- just the three of us.

Jeremy and Nicole and baby Rae spent Christmas with the Egans in Pennsylvania and the other kids stayed in Utah and Minnesota. 

Baby Rae is excited about her airplane trip to Pennsylvania. 

Lauren and Dan and kids joined us for Christmas dinner later on in the day.

Lorelei loved the Christmas gifts Santa brought her!

Cross Country -- again!

For many years, Carl and I have attended every single cross country meet for five of our children. When the last one graduated from high school, we breathed a sigh of relief, thinking that our days as cross country (and track) parents were over. This Fall we found ourselves back at the  cross country meets, this time as cross country grandparents! It was fun to cheer on 9th grader Elayna, who is on the J.V. team, and the mighty Mustangs!

Uncle Jeremy, Aunt Nicole, and baby Rae cheered on Elayna at a meet that was close to their home in Tomball.

Hopefully we'll still be alive to cheer on baby Rae, who is sure to be a cross country/track star like her mommy and daddy.

After the meet, we watched Elayna and her Uncle Jeremy have some fun at a nearby skate board park.

Beautiful Fall trip to the Frio River

In October, we all stayed together in a large cabin on the Frio River. An autumn trip to the river has become a tradition. 

The cousins enjoyed  their time together.

This was the first River trip for Lorelei, Dahlia, and baby Rae.

It was also baby Ben's first time on the Frio River.

It was too cool for the babies to get wet in the river, but the older kids had fun jumping in.

The grown ups enjoyed watching the kids and  relaxing.

Jeremy had perfected the art of relaxation. 

The kids had their quiet moments inside the cabin while we had family devotional and prayer.

There's nothing like a roasting marshmallows, and telling Halloween ghost stories around a campfire.

It was quite a job packing up kids and food for several days, but well worth it for all the memories made. 

Halloween in Bemidji

I'm still trying to get caught up with events on the blog. The day after we had a pumpkin carving party at Lauren and Dan's place, Carl and I flew to Minnesota to meet our newest grand baby, Luke, who was born September 25

What a joy it was to hold 4 week old Luke  for the first time. 

It was so good being with Colby and Saige again!

Saige showed me her collection of stuffed animals.

Colby demonstrated his electric car driving skills.

We enjoyed jumping on the 

trampoline.

Just being around these grandchildren and seeing them dress up for Halloween was a treat.

They sure do love their baby brother.

Due to a minor complication, Courtney had to stay in the hospital for one night while we were there. This little nursing baby was a trooper and was so good and content with bottle feeding while his momma was away.

Everyone was happy when Momma got back home.

We headed out to the park to see the national Christmas tree, cut down in a Minnesota forest, and headed for Washington D.C..

It is hard saying "good bye to these little ones, knowing it will be a while before we see them again.

This little Luke is such a very sweet, good baby. What a blessing these new additions to the family are!

September 2014 family visit

Carl's brother Billy, his wife Carol, and Carol's sister Elaine visited family in Houston for a few days. Carl and I had spent a wonderful Christmas at Elaine's home in Bainbridge, New York when we were on our mission. 

Since Billy and Carol live in Pennsylvania, it is a treat when they come to Houston. We just enjoy being together, going over memories, talking and laughing.

We had a group movie date.

We spent a day in Galveston, visiting the Storm Museum to learn more about the devastating hurricane in 1900 ("Isaac's Storm) and going on a free mini cruise on the Bolivar Ferry in Galveston Bay.

I love being with my in-laws and love the ocean! 

I love seeing the Ellis siblings get together.

Sharon, Donna, Billy and Carl -- four of seven surviving siblings (a total of eight).