Extra play time with Dad

Shane left yesterday for NTC (National Training Center) in California for about a month.  Most of their weapons, vehicles, and things were shipped via train a few weeks ago, so they haven't had much to do leading up to NTC.  This meant we enjoyed quite a bit of extra time with Shane the past few weeks, just being a family.  We had a great time exploring more of Kansas, shopping, trying new recipes, napping, playing games, and just being silly with Matthew at home.  I tried to pay extra attention to how sweet Matthew and Shane were during this time, since I knew they wouldn't be together for a month.  All of these "regular" pictures are a great reminder of our sweet husband/daddy and how much we love him!

 

 

Christmas in Kansas

A few pictures from Christmas time at the Darville house.

I loved having three stockings to put up!

 Hanging out under the Christmas tree.

 Our handsome little man helping with the Christmas lights.

2012 Family Pictures

My siblings and I gave our parents a family photography session for Christmas.  Since we live in different states, there are few opportunities for everyone to be in the same place at the same time.  So, we actually gave them the gift in November, and planned the session to be the weekend before Christmas.  The photographer came out to mom and dad's new house, and we took pictures on their land.  It took quite a bit of work coordinating ten outfits, three little ones naps, and everyone getting ready at the same time, but we think it was worth it!  I love looking at these pictures and being reminded of what a crazy wonderful family God has blessed us with.  Enjoy some of our favorites!

 

 

First Snow

We got our first snow of the season in Kansas on December 31st.  Unfortunately, the snow storm was moving through Kansas the day we drove back from Texas, but we adjusted our plans and left West Texas very early to avoid driving through the snow at night.  We ended up driving the last three hours of the trip through the storm, but Shane managed it with ease (I was terrified).  Needless to say we made it, and came back to a very white and snowy home sweet [cold] home.  Since I had no clue how this snow stuff worked I was surprised that the snow stuck around for over a week, I was finally getting more accustomed to it when it started to melt.  The picture above is one I took the morning after the snow out our back door.  We took Matthew outside that afternoon, but only for a few minutes as the temperature did not get above 19 degrees for a few days.  He really didn't care much for the snow or bitter cold, but was a sweet little guy nonetheless.

Four Months!

{at 4 months Matthew...}

...weighs 11lbs 13oz

...stayed in his first hotel with mom and dad

...measures 26 inches long

...is constantly chewing on his hands

...experienced his first snow 

...still wears 0-3 months pants

...has good control of his head
...sleeps 10 hours at night
...rolled over for the first time
...loves being held
... reaches for things
...has the biggest toothless smile
..."talks" randomly throughout the day
...likes reading books

Three Months!

{at 3 months Matthew...}

...weighs 11lbs

...measures 24 inches long

...went to the church nursery for the first time

...takes 5 1.5 hour naps everyday 

...wears 0-3 months pants

...likes dad to throw him into the air 

...went to his first Aggie football game

...sleeps 9 hours at night (yay!)

...wears size 1 diapers

...loves watching TV (no we don't let him watch it on purpose, but he will find it whenever anyone has one on)

...had his first non-family babysitter

...was really sick with a bad cough, throwing up, and fever for the first time

...still loves his swing (he takes at least 1 nap everyday in it)

...sleeps in his own room at night

...started drooling like crazy

1st Lieutenant Promotion

Shane was promoted to 1st Lieutenant on November 21st.  I am so proud of him and how much he has learned throughout this past year and a half of service in the United States Army.  He sacrifices so much to be in the Army, a job he truly loves, and has completed extensive training to make it to where he is today.  Though the Army takes him away from our family often, I am thankful that he is able to do something he not only enjoys but excels at, while providing for our family.  God has truly blessed us, and watched over us during Shane's time in the Army.  It is never easy, but it is definitely an adventure we're in together.  I trust that no matter where we (or he) goes, God will not only continue to provide, but protect us both every step of his Army career.  Way to go Shane, you have one very proud family!