Laurie's First Post

We traveled to Florida last week to visit my family. The kids loved spending time with their Grandpa Tom, Grandma Mimi, and Uncle Will. Grandpa Tom, Sam and Josiah had a great time fishing on the bridge even though they didn't catch anything. Eliott didn't get to go fishing this trip, he had to go shopping with the girls. :) Josiah and Emma enjoyed wrestling with Uncle Will when he was visiting. Emma asked several times when Sallie and Bill were going to be there. We all look forward to seeing them in May.





























Emma and Josiah playing on the playground in Mom and Dad's neighborhood.















Eliott enjoying being held by Grandma Mimi.

A long delayed update

Here are a few pics to catch up with our lives.... text to come later ;)
















the kids and Sam feeding Lorakeets at the Birmingham Zoo!















Eliott enjoyed the zoo too!
















As you can see... the zoo really tires the children out ;)

Just once.......

Well, it looks like for the month of January I'll only be posting once. Update on the cd that I thought we'd have by now: It is sooooo close to being finished in the studio. Once we get it from there, it will be about two weeks for duplication. Please, be praying for us!

The family is doing very well. Eliott is looking more and more like Eliott and not as much as Josiah ;). Now, he still looks a lot like him, but not as much as he used to. He is growing so much.

Josiah is learning to read. He won't be in kindergarten until fall, and we really haven't forced it on him. He's just asked enough questions until he's beginning to figure it out. Laurie was talking with her mom today about putting s-t-i-c-k-e-r-s (that means she spelled out that particular word) in their valentine cards and a little bit later he says, "I really like stickers, mom." :)

Emma is looking beautiful as ever. She doesn't go anywhere without someone commenting on her curls and blue eyes. She is adjusting very well to having a little brother. She loves holding him.

Laurie is busy keeping up with all three children. Eliott hasn't started sleeping through the night yet, so she will be looking forward to a full night's sleep soon.

Pics will come.... I promise!

Hope all is well, with everyone who reads this!

Grace and Peace to you,

Sam

Christmas Highlights

Here is a video of pictures from our Christmas times with family to sum up the year and season. May you be filled with the wonder of Christmas all year long! Click here to watch. Don't forget to scroll on down too if you haven't read the Christmas update or seen the other pics below.

Christmas with the families....

Laurie's Family came to our house today for our first family Christmas gathering. Bill and Sallie, Will, and Laurie's mom and dad drove all the way from Pensacola (plus Bill and Sallie flying in from CA the day before) in a Honda Accord with a trunk full of gifts. Laurie made delicious Mexican chili for lunch. Then, we spent most of the afternoon opening/playing with gifts and just spending time together. It was a really great time... Among other really awesome gifts, Laurie's parents gave us a really nice, Pentax 6 megapixel digital camera. Here are some pics below:



Monday, we gathered at my sister's house for Christmas. It was great... we played UNO Attack, Scene It, and ate Zaxby's chicken. As well as shot Josiah's bow and arrows and Mitchell's blow gun outside. We just went up for the day.

Below are some pics of our time with both families... enjoy.





















amidst the gift opening celebration!















Uncle and Aunt with Eliott
















Bill admiring his tinker toy contraption















Emma showing off her bath robe whilst Josiah has head lamp and new pj's :)















Emma enjoying Brianna's christmas gift... she did let her ride on back.















Josiah with his bow and arrow!

















Eliott doing what he does best.... getting lots of hugs;)

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Laurie and I have both been sick with strep throat so I apologize to those who have checked our blog after reading our Christmas card. Laurie's feeling better and I'm on the mend. I believe this is the worst sickness I've ever had. Well, enjoy the Christmas tree farm post below and I promise Laurie and I will have the Knowles 2005 update and some Christmas pics to go with it. May you be blessed as we remember the birth of our Lord Jesus.

Grace to you!

Sam

We got a christmas tree today!

This is the second year we have gone to Pine Hill farms to pick out our christmas tree.



They have reindeer at the farm. They are so cool.



Josiah and Emma at the farm dressed for the occasion.



Josiah at the wagon loading spot. You ride in a wagon down to see the reindeer.