Christmas in KC

Watching the ice skaters

Hanging out at Crown Center
Crown Center

Marcus checking out this jeep

Marcus trying a new gadget

Cole and Carson working as a team

Carson with his laptop

Marcus and his Bendaroos

Books!

Cole and Mom

Carson

Alexis, Maven, and Marcus

Opening gifts

Christmas morning 2009

Sweet Maven

Dad and the grandsons

Dad's brothers and sister

Mom and Dad with the boys

Our family 2009

Christmas Eve 2009

Crown Center

Merry Christmas

Looking at the Gingerbread house exhibit

The Mayors Christmas Tree 09

We went to KC for Christmas and had a really great time with my family. We were thankful to get there just before a big snow storm and leave after. It was really neat to have so much snow for Christmas, and I'm so glad we didn't have to go anywhere or do anything while the streets were so bad. We had the annual Ballew Christmas Eve get together at my parents house, with about 35 family members braving the weather to get there. I always look forward to that time, and it was really nice. On Saturday we ventured out in the evening to go over and hang out with the Minnis family, which is always a nice time.

Levi used a lot of his time off to study for boards, though he took the whole day off on Christmas to just hang out with us. We all enjoyed the time with my Mom and Dad, as well as Greg, Alexis, and Maven. It was quite a scene on Christmas morning with 4 grandsons taking over the house with all of their "boy" presents and toys! I think Dad, Greg, and Levi enjoyed some of the toys just as much as the little boys! :) Let's just say there were about a million nerf bullets laying all over the house...and you considered yourself lucky if you weren't shot more than once every few minutes. There are a ton of pictures here...enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Our Graduate

Levi

The boys cheering him on!Silly

Waiting for the ceremony to start
Levi and Jenny
Miniature graduate
Happy for Dad

More silliness

Marcus

CRNA class of 2009 (Levi top row second from right)

Thanks sir

The boys

Ballews

Kellys
Levi and Jenny
The boys with Daddy
Our Family

On Saturday Levi graduated from CRNA school at Mount Marty College. We traveled up to South Dakota on Thursday morning, and it was an "adventure" to say the least. The roads were horrible for a good portion of the trip (all through Iowa), so we had plenty of things to watch for along the way. There were many (at least 60-75 easily)cars and trucks off the road mostly from the storm the day before. We were so thankful to get there safely. The boys enjoyed playing in the pool and staying at the hotel, as well as seeing their Daddy graduate. Two of the three boys fell asleep at graduation, but woke up just in time to see their Daddy receive his diploma. Levi's parents and my parents were there with us, and it was a special time for us all. We want to thank you (both sets of parents) for all the things (too numerous to count) you've done, and all the ways in which you've helped us through. You are a true blessing to us every day. We love you!

Christmas Decorating and Exciting News!!

Christmas 2009

Mr. Serious
Concentrating on getting it just right

Showing "the brothers" how it's done

The boys

Last Friday we all woke up excited to get our Christmas tree up and decorated, as well as the front porch. The boys couldn't wait to decorate and listen to Christmas music. We enjoyed the morning getting all of that done, then on Saturday we took the boys over to the gym to run off some energy. The 4 day weekend was relaxing and a real treat for Levi especially.

We will be leaving late next week to go to South Dakota...ahhh...this might be the last trip up there for a long time... Levi will be GRADUATING next Saturday (12/12) and we are SO excited for him and thankful to the Lord for bringing him through and confirming over and over again that this was the right thing for our family. Although he is not officially done until mid February, the finish line is very near...and even better yet, a JOB here in town has been offered and accepted! He has been studying very hard for boards, which he will take sometime in March. I know he would really appreciate your prayers in this. It's been so neat to watch how disciplined, organized, and determined he has been in these past few years of this program. The work the Lord has done and is doing in his life is so evident. Levi I'm so proud to be your wife. The boys and I love you very much! Congratulations!! (the boys and I will be sitting there next week with smiles plastered on our faces)