The Nottingham Forest

Baby Bath

2010-08-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

questionable

acceptable

comfortable

Settling In

2010-07-31T08:39:00.000-07:00

our first "sleepy" baby

yeah!

This is how I kept mom more comfortable those last few months.

so many extra hands to help

so little to have such big problems!

Bringing Home Baby E

2010-06-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

such a big day....

Violet told me everyday for a week, "I glad you came home, Mommy."

A Family of Six

2010-06-10T11:15:00.000-07:00

"I love you baby, Mommy."

Happy Birthday, Eden!

Meet Eden Sarah Nottingham

2010-06-10T08:06:00.000-07:00

Taking a break in the blog catch up to introduce our daughter!

39 weeks

40 weeks and 1 day!

When a woman is giving birth, she has sorrow because her hour has come, but when she has delivered the baby, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a human being has been born into the world.
John 16:21

Eden Sarah Nottingham
June 3, 2010
4:55 am
8 lbs 18 inches

Praise God from whom all blessings flow......

Christmas Goes South

2010-05-25T14:26:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to spend Christmas in Florida!

On a beautiful, sunny, 80 degree day, we headed out to find the one.

We tediously made all the ornaments from scratch!

Take time to notice the color-coordinated, random, abstract art exhibit Winter did under the tree that includes billiard balls and nativity figures.

A Time to Dance

2010-05-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

Winter on stage!

Leaps are her favorite.

Sweet Six

2010-05-25T09:40:00.000-07:00

Birthday morning...chocolate chip pancakes, six white snowflakes, and telephone calls!
An American Girl Tea Party!
Bring your favorite friend and celebrate!

Can mom make petits fours?
.
... 6 are specially made for the Birthday Girl

...too much attention for our Winnie

Winter and Mom went on a wonderful date to see the Nutcracker Ballet. After burgers at the Red Robin, we headed downtown Saint Louis to the Fox Theater to be carried away to the Land of Sweets!

The Holly Jolly Trolley

2010-05-25T09:26:00.000-07:00

We visited the Saint Louis Museum of Transportation and boarded the Holly Jolly Trolley to speak with the Old Man himself.
Winter and Violet declined one on one seating.

My Man

2010-05-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

This man...took me here...for my birthday!

Fall Program

2010-05-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Asher finished another semester at the Chesterfield Homeschool Network. This is his second year involved. The network is a great addition to what we do at home. He is there every Thursday for 12 weeks in the fall and then again in the spring. He enjoys art, music, literature, communications, science, geography, PE and drama all taught by amazing teachers. Winter started this fall with an art lesson. The semester ends with a program showcasing what they have learned.

Most weeks, Asher said his favorite subject was geography.

While brother and sister are at school, Violet and I go grocery shopping and enjoy the girl time.

I Eat Too Much Candy...Violet

2010-05-25T07:46:00.000-07:00

a Fairy, a Pootsie Roll, and a Ringwraith

Fall Favorites

2010-05-20T20:57:00.000-07:00

Learning Some Soccer

2010-05-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Lost Tooth

2010-05-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Sir Asher is Eight

2010-05-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Deep in the heart of Covenant Forest, Sir Asher celebrated his eighth birthday with fellow knights, beautiful maidens, mead, cake and a ferocious battle.

Sir Asher's warning...
Make your hearts strong.
Have your weapons ready.

Wingshaven

2010-05-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Wingshaven is the name of our school. We want to give our children wings to learn, grow and eventually leave the nest. We want to provide a warm, safe place with roots.

...no shoes required

Home through the Mountains

2010-05-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

Showing the kids where it all started.
Barter Theater in Abingdon, VA, the place of our first date!

you might be a redneck if.....

papaw and mimi and three sweeties

Can't Forget Crabbin'

2010-05-20T18:45:00.000-07:00

Nothing like catching them fresh off your own dock and steaming them alive!
(in MD not DC)

D.C. in a Day

2009-12-05T20:14:00.000-08:00

We made D.C. a stop on our many legged jouney home from M.D. We deciced to go for the overview tour of our nations capitol this time around. A wise choice with three younger kids and 90 degree weather. We did have Night at the Musuem II on our side. A favorite in our family. Our kids couldn't wait to see all the cool stuff from the movie :)

Violet thought she was going to see her cousin at the top. She was running and yelling "Wincoln! Wincoln!"

Sweet Kulp Family

2009-12-05T19:51:00.001-08:00

The Kulps did so much to make our stay in Easton memorable. Not only was Jeff given amazing opportunities in his internship, we were so welcomed as a family. They found and secured our lovely accommodations, they were sweet (instant) friends for our kids, they taught us all about crabbing and eating the darn things, they gave Jeff and me Friday date afternoons....

they loved and cared for us.

Beach Hopping

2009-12-05T19:31:00.000-08:00

We loved the Island of Assateague. It is a barrier island of the coasts of Maryland and Virginia. We even got to spend a few nights on Chincoteague, famous for its wild pony swim.

Our Spot

2009-12-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

This little spot was fifteen minutes from our house in Oxford, MD. It was part of a city park and beside an old church with bells that rang. We picnicked and looked for sea glass here weekly. The ice cream shop was fabulous! The stinging jellyfish did put a damper on things.

Preachin'

2009-10-20T13:19:00.000-07:00

Jeff preached on Sunday evenings at this charming little chapel. Those in attendance were from Shore Harvest (the church at which we were interning) and the surrounding communities. It had recently be restored. The acoustics were beautiful for singing, but not so much for a screaming two year old.
It was a sweet place for first memories as the preacher's family.

ringin' the bell

Country Livin'

2009-07-03T18:05:00.001-07:00

We lived on the most extraordinary property in Maryland.

The original house was over 100 years old.

The screened in porch became a favorite spot for reading.

Don't you love the table!
The famous "hidden" staircase delighted the kids' imaginations.
It was really just a second set of stairs leading into the master bedroom, but deserved its place on the blog.

This pantry made me feel like Anne of Green Gables.
I kept looking for a bottle of Aunt Marilla's currant wine.
Asher learned to operate the antique phonograph in the back right corner.
The old music set the mood.

The house was furnished with family heirlooms and antiques.
Not sure why they rented it to us :)A private half mile lane led to the house.
The foxes were some of our nearest neighbors.
Here is a glimpse of the creek in the back of the property . It emptied into the Choptank River a few hundred yards outside our cove. the old boat house and dock our place by boat closest neighbor by boat
This hydrangea bush decorated our table with flowers all summer

On our way

2009-07-03T17:42:00.000-07:00

We spent two months in Easton, MD this summer interning. It was a rich time packed with challenges and adventure. Our van was pretty packed too.

the troops

Winter observed the idea of writing messages on car windows. Why not?

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge

The bridge is over 4 miles long.

Winter's feelings

Asher's feelings

13.1

2009-05-19T09:12:00.000-07:00

My friend Erica and I escaped (right before finals) to Indiana to run the Indy Mini.

erica is in front; i am peaking around; and i don't know the white t-shirt guy
we were pretty impressed with our stride in this picutre!

You learn a lot about a person when you run 13 miles with her.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

Hebrews 12:1

New Neighbors

2009-05-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

These little guys moved in on the down spout by my kitchen window.
Violet struggled with the egg to baby bird concept, so she called them the egg-a-babies!And I thought I was busy trying to keep my brood fed.

Readin'

2009-05-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

For a home school update, Asher is reading!
Mom and Dad are very proud of his hard work.

Violet does anything she can to get attention during school. This is her laundry room costume.

Needless to say, we lost all focus at this moment.

A real Potty Girl

2009-05-18T10:57:00.000-07:00

Violet is obsessed with trying to use the potty. She can't stand being the only person in the house in diapers. She takes off her clothes, holds her crotch and begs for her quack quack (her potty seat has ducks on it). You may think this is a good thing...it is not. She has very little success and much frustration.

More recently...she is also trying to change her own diaper. Not pretty either.

Just wait sweet girl, it will happen.

Good-byes

2009-05-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

At seminary, everyone is in a transitional phase of life. You put it in the back of your mind most of the time, but come spring it happens. Sweet families graduate, pack-up and leave. Just like that. You have seen them every day for months or years and then they are gone. You have helped each other survive fire, flood, finals, and languages...seminary. The community here is real and alive.
Asher is getting hit really hard. His two best buddies are leaving.

Asher and Hampton at my door after a sailing trip down the drainage ditch.

Asher and Gage(the other friend) came to my door with this bird they "found" in the woods.
I was just glad it wasn't another rabid bat.

I sure will miss having them knocking on our door.

A Morning with Dad

2009-05-17T14:17:00.000-07:00

Jeff took the kids to the Missouri Botanical Gardens one Saturday morning. I picked up a friend from the airport, went to Trader Joe's and had some quiet time. It was a beautiful morning for all us us!

Egg Colorin'

2009-05-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Everyone was very proud of their Easter handy work this year.

Violet had some new ideas.

And, no one complained when I turned them into "doubled" eggs for the next night's dinner.
(Asher thinks the term deviled eggs doesn't make sense)

Picture Takin'

2009-05-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Yearly, every "good" mom should get a perfect Easter photo. Right? Well...once in seven years I have snapped a good one (with a disposable camera). It happens the same way each time...kids dressed in their best, color-coordinated, spring fashions. ..hair fixed and bellies full without any disasters. After all that, you are late for church so you get the later-Honey look. SOOOO We wait till after church so the kids can roll on the floor, drink red cool-aid and chew on some part of their shirt. Now everyone is hungry again and tired of being dress-up. Picture Time!
This year we had potential...a good background, no snow, everyone could stand unassisted, no one's eyes were swollen shut(ash on his 2nd Easter)
After about four pictures, I told Jeff to go inside so he wouldn't start twitching. I finished up with that hope that maybe I got one. I then noticed I had my camera on the wrong setting :) blurry pictures. Oh well!

I am so thankful for the Gospel! Nothing about the first Easter seemed picture perfect, but everything was being made right.

I am so thankful for the Gospel! Nothing about the first Easter seemed picture perfect, but everything was being made right.

got my camera in focus

proof of my one good Easter photo

Easter Egg Huntin'

2009-05-07T13:35:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell you how excited my kids were for this egg hunt!

I wish you could hear how sweetly Violet says, "egg."

Spring Breakin'

2009-05-07T12:57:00.000-07:00

We made a trip to Indiana over Jeff's spring break. We stayed at the family lake house. We hadn't been to Richmond since August and it was so good to see friends and family. The two nights our three kids spent with grammie and papaw were pretty cool too!

Just Being Me

2009-03-16T13:39:00.000-07:00

cheesy smile

spaghetti toes

Sweet Sisters

2009-03-16T13:32:00.000-07:00

Turning Two!

2009-03-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

early morning birthday wishes

a doggie kee-kee (cake)

plenty of help opening gifts

New Shoe

2009-03-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

A week before her second birthday, Violet took a fall off our bunk bed ladder (about a 5 foot drop). She of course was right within my arms' reach and I watched the whole thing without being able to intervene. She had on her new fluffy princess dress and it ballooned out like a parachute. It failed to break her fall significantly. All the dress obscured the exact nature of her landing, but I could tell by her cry it was not good. She calmed down, but she refused to put any weight on her right foot. She just sat where ever you put her. Anyone who knows Vi knows this is highly unusual. It was a Friday evening, so we decided to avoid the ER and see what tomorrow held. She ate dinner that night and slept peacefully with some ibuprofen. Next morning, she was her usual sweet self except she announced she was a doggie and crawled around on all fours barking and playing...avoiding walking at all costs. We contacted the doctor and some other specialists on campus and decided to wait till Monday. The consensus was that it was probably just a soft tissue injury. She just crawled around the rest of the weekend.

On Monday, the pediatrician felt her leg and sent us to a orthopedist who confirmed a toddler fracture. In less than an hour, she had a violet cast on her sweet little leg. She called it her new shoe. She couldn't wait to show her daddy.

We sprung for the gortex, water-proof model (a whopping $30!).

After a week, she was walking everywhere with her new shoe.

They didn't have a boot small enough to fit her little foot so she wore a sock with grippers on it.

I sent my daughter with a broken leg out sledding.

She is completely healed up now and we have the cutest cast ever as a souvenir. Asher thought it might be fun to start a cast collection. I emphatically disagreed!

Grafton, Illinois

2009-03-12T17:55:00.000-07:00

Jeff planned a secret family getaway for us. His intent was to pull the whole thing off, packing and all, without me having a clue where we were going. But, I found his trail on weather.com. We were going back to Grafton to see the eagles and stay at Pere Marquette in the lodge. He still did the bulk of the preparation. What a man! It was just what we needed before we jumped into another semester.

Asher took a picture of the view from our room.

Despite frigid temperatures, we left the cozy lodge and warm indoor pool for some fresh air.

A Visit From Our Sue

2009-03-12T12:28:00.000-07:00

My Mom, also know as Haaz Sue or Sue for short, made a visit in early January. Not a lot of pictures because we were all in various stages of a stomach bug. We made it to the Butterfly House. We were all there, but Winnie made all the pictures.

Those are cockroaches hanging in gobs!

Winter wore the pink hat hoping to attract a landing butterfly.

More Christmas!

2009-03-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

The Nottingham family, coming from many different directions, met in Saint Louis for a few days together post December 25th.

Emma made Winter a decorated jar of "Things I Like About You".

Asher's favorite new hat

The girls had a much anticipated tea party with hot chocolate and marshmallows.

introducing the cousins to the City Museum

Not pictured are cozy times around the fire, some competitive rounds of bananagrams, going to the movies, and two little girls struggling to say good-bye.

Cookies

2009-03-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

What I learned baking cookies with my kids:
-a gingerbread man can be a cyclops
-5 bottles of sprinkles is too many options
-a cookie can never be over decorated

-you can eat raw cookie dough...lots of it...and never show the first symptom of salmonella infection

Christmas!

2009-03-03T18:21:00.000-08:00

We had warm, worshipful Christmas day. We started off with stockings. Moved on to breakfast, biscuits and chocolate gravy. Our annual nativity is not available for publishing at this time. A couple of highlights: Joseph (Asher) tries to keep the donkey (Jeff) moving by feeding him M&Ms. The angel (Winter) wears pink cowgirl boots as she announces the Saviour's birth to the shepherds. Violet makes many cameos eating stocking treats.

We didn't leave our house till supper. We walked across campus and had a lovely Christmas dinner with friends.

Is It Christmas Yet?

2009-02-26T18:36:00.000-08:00

We like to stretch out the celebration of Christmas. So, we spent one Sunday afternoon opening the bounty that family had sent across the miles.

One Small Baby....

2009-02-26T18:31:00.001-08:00

The Tallest Tree Ever

2009-02-26T17:47:00.000-08:00

Since we moved into the-ski-lodge of a house, we went in search of the tallest, biggest, (cheapest) tree ever. We found the deal and the tree! The guy even brought it home for us in his truck. Jeff manned the lot :) The kids couldn't believe our good fortune.

One of the rare moments when Violet was putting an ornament on as opposed to taking it off... "my pish".

I was sweetly telling Jeff how this 10 ft tree was any kid's dream tree. We had to laugh because it is his dream tree too. As long as we have been picking out trees together, I have had to remind him of ceiling height restrictions.

Asher asked if we could keep it for next year.

Christmas Recital

2009-02-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

Winter danced her way through another semester of ballet. Her teachers do such a good job making it special and keeping it fun. They danced to the tune from Charlie Brown Christmas, Christmas Time Is Here. Do all ballerinas like cookies this much?

Walking to Church

2009-02-26T17:32:00.000-08:00

By Winter Nottingham (5)

Easy Bake Oven

2009-01-25T20:03:00.001-08:00

The Nottinghams love the Free Store! We look forward to shopping there at least once a week. Sometimes you score big....a brand new, still in the box Easy Bake Oven! Winter wasted no time!

"This is my first cake ever!"

The Free Store is a donation center set up by the seminary. Students and others in the community can donate their trash for other people to treasure :)

Our Ballerina Turns 5 !

2009-01-16T19:16:00.001-08:00

Winter and her "best-cousin", Emma.

tutu cute!
rehearsal

inspecting
getting crafty

cake!

performing to the Nutcracker Suite

What fun to celebrate Winter!

Thirty-three

2009-01-06T14:17:00.001-08:00

I felt so celebrated on my birthday! The kids chose an "underwater" theme for my special day. With some research on Dad's part and a lot of half kept secrets, we headed to the City Museum and World Aquarium. What an amazing place! It is hard to describe. I'll let their website:

.Housed in the 600,000 square-foot former International Shoe Company, the museum is an eclectic mixture of children's playground, fun house, surrealistic pavilion, and architectural marvel made out of unique, found objects...

the most monumental, monolithic, monstrous montage of monkey bars in the world.

That's right! Ice... man. I am dangerous.

I wouldn't say I was stuck here, but I did need a couple trial runs.

"The Cake" always elicits a huge amount of excitement at our house. I think my sweet, talented friend, Wendy, did a great job capturing the zany requests of my 4 and 7 year olds!
This is only the g-rated party. Jeff planned a night away for the two of us the following weekend. It included a tour of the Saint Louis Art Museum, tapas, a movie and a night at the Cheshire Inn. Thirty-three ain't half bad!

Reece's Roaring Party

2009-01-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

We made it to Indianapolis to celebrate Reese's 3rd birthday. This little guy loves his dinosaurs. Wish I had more pictures of the prehistoric fun we had.

Violet is feeding a real baby! Too bad its not real food. I love the way Violet switches into mommy mode around anyone her size or smaller. Thanks for hanging in there Avery.

Trick-or-Treat

2009-01-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

Trick-or-treating is fun to read about even if it is January! Candy is candy at our house no matter the shape, color or season! Our participants are as follows: Winter-the world's sweetest clown, Violet-the world's shortest (and cutest) fairy, and an unidentified ninja with big sticks.

The Fairy trying to turn her mom into tootsie pop.

The Ninja revealing his deadliest move.

The Clown flashing her precious smile.

The Fairy unhappy with the pace strikes out on her own. Notice her height to hat ratio.

After making the rounds, we climbed in the car and headed east to Indianapolis. I told Asher and Winter that I trusted their wisdom on how much candy they should eat. The conversation that followed was hilarious as they shouldered their new found responsibility. I am proud to say that no one puked. Not bad for a four hour car ride and three gallons of candy. Violet just ate till she fell asleep.

Our Halloween Party

2008-11-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

We just couldn't resist a Halloween party in our fun new house. Costumes were optional. We provided popcorn, mulled apple cider and a warm crackling fire. The kids couldn't believe they were not invited! Just into the party, Asher snuck upstairs in a costume he put together from my closet. He was sure we wouldn't recognize him, but I would know those long legs anywhere.

Princess Leia & The Scarey-Clown-Man ( with Asher)

Ninja Rae & Dr. Rock Climber

John & Peter

Nerdy Couple

Peace & Quiet (with Colette)

I am a terrible in the moment photographer so I missed lots other fun guests. It was a great time.

My Mountains

2008-11-09T19:17:00.000-08:00

I still love the mountains. We took a family trip down home this fall. We got to celebrate my step-brother's wedding and enjoyed a full weekend of family time. We had plenty of fun with Haaz Sue, Aunt LaLa, Papaw 'Tucky and MiMi, Uncle Phil and Jessica, and Aunt Linz and Trey.

Brandon and Ashley were married in the same church as Jeff and I. What a treat to experience that church again.

Asher was the proud catcher of the garter. He was a little confused and tried to give it back.

Our kids are always looking for a party. They danced their sweet little hearts out. The favorite song was "Shake Your Booty". It has since become a family fave.

These pictures are in my dad's back yard. We are soaking up a beautiful fall day.

No more front teeth.

A Warm Rain

2008-11-09T19:02:00.000-08:00

I just can't tell you how much we enjoy living at the Balcon House as we call it. It has a huge back yard with a stream bed that run across it. The bed is only full right after a rain and I guess it is really a drainage ditch and mosquito incubator. But that aside, our kids love having "water" on our land. The last warm rain, Winter begged to wade. Ignoring the contamination levels of suburbian runoff and trying to be spontaneous, I agreed. Violet didn't need an invitation or permission. She really never does.

Wildlife

2008-11-09T18:40:00.000-08:00

Jeff had to be out of town one Sunday. So we headed to the Lone Elk Park. Very neat place. It has a bird sanctuary and some elk and bison. Like everything else in Saint Louis it is free. We did take some pictures of all that, but these are just as wild and full of life.

My First Half!

2008-11-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

My dear friend Lori encouraged me to join her in a half marathon in Valmeyer, Illinois. Lori's running partner, Diana has connections in Valmeyer and it is only about 45 minutes from our place in Saint Louis. Diana and her man hosted us the night before the race. We walked to the start! The weather was amazing. The course was gorgeous. The company was the best. The giant breakfast after the race was good too.

Lori spent the next night with us in Saint Louis and saw our little world here. What a sweet time we had. I hope she can come back with the whole gang next time. I miss her tons.

Celebrating 7

2008-10-26T18:38:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Asher is seven! He told his sister today, "Your brother is not a little boy anymore. He is growing into a young man." He later questioned me, "If I ask Winter and she says it's o.k., then can I call her butt-brain?" Growing up is little steps forward and little steps back, I suppose.

We had the Nottingham family out from Indiana to celebrate with us. They all slept at our new place, fourteen people total...all sleeping in beds! We all journeyed downtown to a Cardinals game minus the two-and-under crowd. Sorry no pictures.

Emma trying out our popular rope swing. It is a campus favorite.

New skate board and armor (as Asher refers to it). This picture is not a testimony to his skill level.

We invited all the neighborhood ninjas to celebrate.

We made our first ever pinata.

The exploding volcano cake!It is easy to draw a crowd of kids any Saturday afternoon on a seminary campus.

Still Lifes

2008-10-11T20:49:00.001-07:00

I love to just watch my children get completely lost in what they are doing. They work recklessly with no worry of mistakes.

The somebody decides to eat the finger paint.

Lake Erie with Best Friends

2008-10-11T20:25:00.001-07:00

Asher and I got to spend time with our best friends. We crashed the Ford Family Vacation in Vermilion, Ohio. It was such a gift. Jeff took the girls back to St. Louis while Asher and I headed to the lake.

hoping for that perfect wave!

our charming boys!

I wish I had a picture of me a Sue. We are lucky to have some of the boys since I am not sure we stopped talking for five days! It was a priceless time together.

Snuggling Sisters

2008-10-11T20:18:00.000-07:00

Violet loves to give good night hugs and kisses and thinks it is hilarious when I pretend to put her in bed to sleep with her sister.

Keeping Busy

2008-10-11T19:51:00.000-07:00

These are a little out of order (we are still in the apartment), but they really capture Violet's dynamite-comes-in-small-packages personality. This answers the question of what Violet does during home school. I often wonder if we are giving Asher ADD :)

Asher and Winter are all about keeping their crazy little sister safe. Here is something they rigged up so she can sit at the big table and color "without risk of injury".

The Butterfly House

2008-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

We visited the Butterfly House at Faust Park. The conservatory displays 60 different species of butterflies in free flight! They are everywhere! You often need to dodge them. There is a strict no touch policy...try that with a 6, 4 and 1 year old. Later, we had a picnic in the park. Violet was very taken with the "dogs".

32 Balcon Estates St. Louis, MO

2008-10-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

We have moved! We are now living in an amazing house that the seminary owns. We are still on campus, but have a ton of space. You really must see it to believe it. This is the only picture I snapped on moving day. I''ll try to post some pictures of the house soon.

Hummus Among Us

2008-10-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Violet loves hummus. She doesn't want crackers or pita just a spoon. Maybe this is because I ate so much of it when she was in-utero. It is a family favorite, but she is over the top!

This is her I-can-smile face.

Grant's Farm

2008-07-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Sweet pictures of a trip to Grant's Farm. It really was President Grant's farm, but is now owned and operated by Anheuser-Busch (yes,beer). Lots of fun animals from goats to elephants.

Spy Glasses

2008-07-22T13:00:00.000-07:00

Asher's favorite toy hands down is legos! He made these glasses. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos.

4th of July Party

2008-07-21T17:56:00.000-07:00

If your kids are anything like ours, they are always full of ideas. Most of Asher and Winter's border on bazaar and illegal, but every once in a while they come up with one that you think...we can make that happen. Back in January, Asher started talking about a 4th of July Party. The concept grew and took shape. We talked about it over and over and over. We had to say no to a few things like hot chocolate and a huge fireworks display, but we narrowed it down to a bike parade and a marshmallow roast. We invited everyone on campus plus more friends to join us.Asher and Dad making some perfect roasting sticks. Winter rides off to join the parade.

As the grand marshal, Asher surveys the crowd.

I love the look on his face here. It says, "My Mom and Dad love me completely."

Enough reflection, "Charge!"

Violet is along for the ride as usual.

You did what?

2008-07-14T19:03:00.000-07:00

O.K. After almost seven years and three kids, we are still learning to let the ages of our children inform our vacations. We cooked up the idea to go camping in a trailer (piece of cake) for two weeks. It was great fun, but a huge amount of work and we cashed out after a week. The lake house is where we want to be...hot water, laundry facilities, black out shades, mommy and daddy's own room. Here is a glimpse into the adventure.

Our first stop was Indianapolis. We got to meet the newest Nottingham, Lincoln Samuel. We fell in love instantly. The girls spent a couple of nights at Josh and Marisa's awesome new house while the boys went to Richmond to pick up the trailer. It didn't end up being that simple...trailers never are.

We camped at Harden Ridge Campground. We were about fifteen miles south of Bloomington, Indiana in the Hoosier National Forest. It was a perfect spot covered in tall trees and close to the lake (Lake Monroe). My bff, Susan Hoffer and her two boys came down to join the party.
Asher and Jakin were in full color swimming in their skivvies.
The lake was flooded and the beach was completely under water. What adventure!

Of course it rained, so we found some alternative forms of entertainment

...a movie in the back of the van

...bowling at the I.U. Student Union.
I just couldn't resist these sequence photos. Jakin was amazed at the ball return.Asher was mesmerized by the animation on the electronic score keeper and Winter loved sporting her rental shoes. Bo had his mind on the cookie shop we passed.

We said good-by to the Hoffer's and hello to Aunt Pat. Pat is quite the camper and she joined right in with fun.

This is a group photo of interpretive class a ranger did one night. Asher and Winter learned about butterflies and made their own version to take home.

We had the honor of meeting a great great great aunt! She is 100 years old.!!! She was a babysitter for Mike's (Jeff's dad) father Fred Nottingham! Aunt Ethel is in a nursing home in Bloomington, IN. We visited her one Sunday afternoon. She sang some songs for our kids that she learned in Bible school as a little girl. Winter also sang to her. Winter's tenderness was beyond her years.

Nothing says, "Good morning!" like a campfire.

We did attempt some short hikes....very beautiful area. We found geodes. I was the most excited and couldn't resist a real field photo. We managed to crack one and dull our ax :)

We spent a day with Jeff's best friend from high school, Matt Bailey and his family. We went to a children's museum in Bloomington and had a picnic at a local park. It was really fun to reconnect with Matt and Tamara.

They had just acquired a new puppy, Henry. Violet couldn't keep her hands off.

Sawyer and Asher
Eden and Winter

Like I said earlier, after one week of roughing it, we realized accommodations with all the amenities are more our pace so we packed it all up and headed to the Nottingham lake house in Eaton, OH. We hung out at the lake and enjoyed some time with friends and family.

We did some creekin'

...and caught some crawl-daddies.

Violet and Asher are headed California in their fighter plane.

Violet is pretty sure she has had enough camping to last her till she is at least two.

My Best Cousin Emma

2008-07-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

I just love these two together!

Asher at 6 1/2

2008-07-13T19:46:00.000-07:00

In May, Asher graduated from Bible Study Fellowship's preschool program. He completed five years. It was very hard for him to say good-bye to something so special. That night at dinner we started a new tradition...the Courage Candle. Asher was the first recipient. He gave a short speech about time passing and the grass withering all while choking back tears. He went on a road trip back to Indiana with Dad! He stayed with Grammie and Papaw while Jeff went to a presbytery meeting. He helped Grammie with her visiting toad.
Grammie planned a trip to a friend's farm where Asher made friends with a pig named Larry and rode in giant tractor.

Got No Strings

2008-07-13T19:26:00.000-07:00

Winter enjoyed another semester of ballet. She couldn't wait for her recital. Her class performed at the campus chapel...big stuff! Her sweet teachers made costumes. They danced to Got No Strings from Pinocchio. Our sweet Winter did a beautiful job. costumes!
on the big stage!
grand finale!
avery and winter

Shades of Violet

2008-07-08T19:38:00.000-07:00

I am so glad God gave us Violet. She is a lover! Mom, Dad, Asher, Winter, outside, dogs, shoes and any thing chocolate are just a few of her romances. She is full of fun. She is full of her own ideas :) A wonderful photographer, Kelly Park, captured Violet's one year old amazingness for us.

Happy Times!

2008-05-01T19:47:00.000-07:00

We were so excited to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana to celebrate the marriage of Mark and Sarah. We were a pretty big part of the show with a groomsman, a ring bearer and a flower girl. It was so good to be with family and enjoy our Indiana friends. The wedding was tender and dear.

We started out with some fun cousin time at the Children's Museum.

The wedding was at Redeemer Presbyterian Church, but we had fun with some outside pictures.

Here is a couple links to the "more" professional pictures. All the pictures are amazing!
h http://www.pictage.com/client/eventPhotos.do?event=438518&category=32&photo=677 ttp://www.pictage.com/client/eventPhotos.do?event=438518&category=8&photo=137

Introducing Black Beans...

2008-02-21T19:37:00.000-08:00

!YUMMY!

Valentine's Day Tea

2008-02-21T19:28:00.000-08:00

Winter hosted a lovely tea party for a couple of her new friends.

Hangin' Out

2008-02-21T19:22:00.000-08:00

Veggie Tales!

Our Little Bug Turns 1 !

2008-02-21T18:48:00.000-08:00

The Big One!

Violet insisted on going to Chuck E. Cheese.

She had her first ever pizza. She crammed and crammed.
Mom, Asher, and Winter made the cake.Time for the candles. Violet wasn't sure how to do the blow thing. She had plenty of experienced help.
She knew exactly how to do with the cake thing.
Happy Birthday to you, Little Vi !

Grafton, Illinois

2008-02-21T18:34:00.000-08:00

Over Jeff's January break, we hopped over to Grafton and enjoyed some bird watching. Bald Eagles winter there. It was amazing to see them. We had a cozy time at the lodge too.

Ribs and Bibs

2008-02-21T18:29:00.000-08:00

We finally got our grill going. It only took six months :) We celebrated with some face lick'n good ribs!

What Violet Likes...

2008-02-11T17:47:00.000-08:00

Sippin' milk from her own sippy cup.Playing in the doll house.
Climbing the ladder to the top bunk butt-naked.

Florida Sunshine

2008-02-09T14:10:00.000-08:00

We had some beautiful weather in Florida this year. Papaw's new boat was great for cruising. Asher and Winter couldn't decide if being above deck or down in the cabin was more fun. Violet learned life jackets don't work well for crawling and you can take an awsome nap in the galley. Jeff and I are sure that after down sizing to our apartment, we could probably live on the boat...at least a few weeks anyway.

When Mom and Aunt Marisa got tired of dozing by the pool...

2008-02-09T14:09:00.000-08:00

With five children, 6,5,4,2, and almost 1, the fun never stops and the moms are always tired :)

We caught geckos. This one is aptly named Never-Die-Danny because of the blunt head truama inflicted during his capture.
We caught up on cousin time. Winter would only go to Florida if we promised Emma would be there.

We caught colds.

When the weather turned cold, we headed to an indoor playland.

We ventured out for dinner. Nothing draws attention like a table of fourteen roasting marshmallows!

We helped Mark and Sarah with wedding invitations.

We treasured lots of little moments.

Celebrating with the Nottinghams

2008-01-29T18:35:00.000-08:00

Asher was given his daddy's old teddy bear. You would have to know how Asher feels about his dad to understand what a special gift an old worn out bear could be to a six year old boy.
-too cute-
-a new baby doll for the best little mama in the world-
buddies
Violet really liked Reese's new train...
and big sister's new baby doll.

Spidey!

2008-01-29T18:30:00.000-08:00

Ash loves all the Spiderman gear he scored. -not pictureed...Spiderman snowboots!

Burly Beach Buffs

2008-01-29T18:17:00.000-08:00

Nothing like Christmas Eve on the beach in Ohio. Mom and Violet preferred the roaring fire in the cabin.

Throwing rocks on the frozen lake made the top five list of favorite things done over the Holidays.

Thanks Papaw 'Tucky and MiMi

2008-01-29T18:08:00.000-08:00

While we were in Kentucky, we met Papaw 'Tucky for dinner and he loaded us up with presents. We barely made it to the cabin before we tore into them.

-sitting pretty in her brand new stroller with her new pink boots-

First Christmas

2008-01-29T18:01:00.000-08:00

Have I mentioned it is Violet's first Christmas? :)

Aunt Lindsay's

2008-01-29T17:39:00.000-08:00

Aunt Lindsay hosted us in Richmond, Kentucky for a Christmas brunch. She and Haaz Sue cooked up a delicious spread and showered us with gifts.Linz made the cutest snowman cake.

Violet was very excited to open her first Christmas presents ever.
Some more of Aunt Linz's handy work...a poncho and hat.

Ash

2008-01-29T17:32:00.000-08:00

Asher is always cooking up something. This time it was a hiking party complete with hot chocolate and cookies. Six inches of snow made it even more fun.

-Asher, Knox, and Tristen-

Candy Cane!

2008-01-28T17:37:00.000-08:00

I found Violet making off with a candy cane from our tree. It was her first taste of real sugar!
She protested loudly when I removed it from her chubby, clinched fist.It was good while it lasted.

How Do You Eat It?

2008-01-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

When Can We Eat It?

2007-12-11T19:39:00.000-08:00

You cannot have too many sprinkles and sprinkles are good on absolutely anything.

Owl Puke

2007-12-11T19:37:00.000-08:00

As most of you know, we are schooling Asher at home. We are really enjoying this opportunity to learn together. Here are some pictures of us dissecting (digging through) an owl pellet (vomit). It was just as gross as it sounds. Rodent bones and fur vomited-up by a large bird. concentration!
Asher still has hope of completely assembling the mouse skeleton .

6:45 am

2007-12-11T19:28:00.000-08:00

As I was cleaning up the kitchen, I turned around to see this scene unfolding.

two bowls of cheerios, two pistols, a pair of shades, your bag packed,
and the Bible in the middle!

Ready for the day :)

Out On the Town

2007-12-11T13:18:00.000-08:00

As a birthday present, Grammie and Papaw Nottingham gave Winter tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet at the Fox Theatre in downtown Saint Louis. It was an unforgettable evening for Mom, Dad, and Winter.

Winter had a new fluffy pink dress to wear. The drive downtown was beautiful with all the lights. We celebrated over dinner. Winter was asked several times if she was in the ballet! She could only blush.
The theatre was amazing. We walked in to find Old St. Nick and yummy peppermints greeting us.
We had read the story several times and even brought our book. Winter followed along page by page on the edge of her seat. Her little feet swinging to the music.
The second act, she crawled up into her daddy's lap and fell asleep. It was the perfect ending!

Winter's Very First Ballet Recital

2007-12-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Winter's finished her semester of ballet with a sweet dance and cheese and cracker (cookie) party. All though performance comes naturally to some immediate family members, Winter is much more reserved...paralyzed by attention. We were delighted to see her comfortable and enjoying herself.

This is Winter and Abbeyrose one of her first and fast friends in St. Louis. They live on campus only one apartment building down from us.

Don't miss the voice of the proud big brother cheering on little sister.