Aaron and Stacey Drake

Friday, February 29, 2008

New Pictures Soon

Sorry we haven't had a chance to get any new pictures up this month. Check back for pictures in the next week of Anna's first birthday and our trip to Austria.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

I don't see how Stacey can take four little kids out in public at the same time, especially to a place like the magic house (and take pictures too!). Our kids are blessed to have the greatest mom in the world!

The Best Gift Ever!

Stacey's brother got the kids a bounce house for Christmas and it has to be one of the greatest gifts ever. I think more for us than the kids. It is perfect for getting out excess energy (especially for Noah). If you have kids you should get one (or a nice uncle)

Ella Dance

Ella has been in dance class for the past few weeks and absolutely loves it. I don't think she will be on Dancing with the Stars anytime soon, but she is having lots of fun.

Making Christmas Cookies

We had a great time making Christmas cookies with the kids, although I think the cleanup was more work than the cookies. Seth isn't big enough to make the cookies but he sure enjoyed eating them!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Thiess Farm

We discovered a really cool farm to go to before Aaron leaves for Austria called Thiess Farm. It's a pretty normal farm but during the fall they construct a huge playland for kids all out of hay bails. There was a zipline, corn maze, pirate ship, castle, obstacle course and tractor ride just to name a few things. They also had a maze that was completely closed in, if you didn't have a flashlight it was pitch black! I think Mom and Dad had just as much fun as the kids. It was a great family day. Here are some pics...

Rid'em Cowboy!

Lots of pumpkins and tired kids

This is less than half of the playground

Ella zippin' down the line

I don't think Seth could be any happier

Food Fun

We do feed our kids vegetables occasionally too, but these are some good pics...

The best way to eat a carmel apple...in the bathtub!

Whipped Cream:
Calories: 15
Fat - 1g

Serving size: 1 Mouthful

Fall Festival Costumes

Aaron was in Austria during Halloween so Stacey took the kids to a fall festival at a local church. Stacey's parents were able to go as well and they all had a great time. Anna really didn't know what to think about her ladybug outfit and Seth refused to keep on his Giraffe head. Of course Noah and Ella felt right at home with their outfits. I think Ella would dress like Cinderella every day if we would let her!

Seth turns 2!

Seth turned 2 on November 6. He is getting so big. Aaron has been traveling so much over the past few months that he has really noticed how much he's growing up every time he comes home. It seems like his language skills almost doubled while Aaron was in Texas last month. His personality is getting more and more distinctive by the day and he is definitely all boy.

For his birthday we started out at his favorite train store that has tons of wooden tracks for kids to play on. Trains really keep his attention for a long time. Then we had lunch at McDonalds with a Playland and finished with a little party with Aaron's family.

Playing at the train store

Thrilled with his new puzzle

Taking Thomas for a spin

Blowing out the candles (well, trying anyway)

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Aaron's Grandma Goes Home

You may remember our post just two months ago about Aaron's Grandma turning 100 and the great party we had. Well, at 10:30 on October 22, she started a much better party that will last for eternity. She lived a wonderful, full life and impacted countless numbers of people (she knows now how many). We will not be able to make the funeral because Aaron leaves for Germany on Thursday, but we were blessed to have made the party and say our goodbyes. This truly is a time to celebrate the homecoming of a saint.

Edna Drake 1907-2007

Welcome to the family, Warja!

Aaron's nephew, Mark, is serving in Iraq but was able to get a few days off to come back to the U.S. to get married! While stationed in Germany, Mark met a wonderful young lady from Russia and they were married this past Thursday. It was great to meet and welcome Warja to the family!

Ella turns 4!

Ella turned 4 on Oct. 20. We celebrated at the zoo.

Special birthday curls!

Monday, October 15, 2007

Sept/Oct Kid Pics

Anna 7 months

Friday, August 10, 2007

Misc. Kid Pics

Another tooth bites the dust

Branson Vacation

While in Branson, we took a few extra days for vacation. I would say for relaxation, but that would not be true. Vacation with 4 small children is anything but relaxing! But it was fun. The kids had a great time at Silver Dollar City and the small water park at our hotel.