"Bust my buffers!" Ian's getting so big!

Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Reagan's Blooming and Growing!

Lilypie Second Birthday tickers

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Happy 31st!

Kelli had a great day celebrating her birthday. She went shopping by herself (a rarity these days), played card games with family, enjoyed a delicious Mexican dinner cooked by her brother-in-law James, fruit salad from her mother-in-law, and peppermint ice cream dessert made by her mom. She is so thankful for her wonderful husband, children, family, and friends who made her feel extra-special!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmastime!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year despite some colds that seemed to linger. We spent Christmas Eve with Kelli's family, Christmas Day with Matthew's family and then the extended Borchelt gathering was the day after Christmas. Lots of awesome family time and delicious food!

The kids on Christmas Eve night after church. Kelli and Matthew aren't pictured because Kelli was suffering from a cold.

Our precious little girl modeling dresses from her cousin Hannah - thanks for the cute outfits!


Ian looking at the gifts under the tree Christmas morning.

The main thing on Ian's wish list - happy boy!
Ian's Christmas gift to Mommy and Daddy - potty trained! No more diapers = more money in the bank!:-)
The Leighty cousins jumping in the wrapping paper!
Reagan eating the paper.
Books are always good gifts - it means cuddle time with Mommy and Daddy.

Merry Christmas!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Photo Shoot

At the end of November, we had our pictures taken at the Botanical Gardens. Here are our favorites - some you've already seen on our Christmas card.






Monday, December 20, 2010

2010 Year In Review & Christmas Greeting

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

“I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” This is a saying in one of Ian’s favorite books and a classic children’s story. The beginning of 2010 had us full of hope, wonder, and anticipation for what the Lord had in store for us. Jumping into 2010 was like jumping into that cold lake for the very first time saying in our heads, “I think I can.”

For Unto Us a Child Is Born

This could be known as the year one became two. In February, we celebrated Ian turning two and watched him grow into this active and ever curious little boy. He fits the mold of going from crawling straight to running because he’s always on the move. He loves to observe others and before long he’s imitating what they say and do. Through it all, he’s brought a tremendous amount of joy to our lives.

Another joy showed her face in the spring. A routine doctor’s check-up a week prior to the delivery revealed little Leighty 2 was ready to come out. The exact statement from the doctor was, “You’re not going home, you’re going to the hospital; we’re having this baby now.” A few hours later, Reagan Jane entered our world as a healthy baby girl. I guess you can say on April 1st, Reagan “fooled” all of us. On June 13th, she became a child of God through holy baptism. She now lives a life of leisure; eating, sleeping, and (Well, you know the other thing.).

I’ll Be Home for Christmas

It could be known as the year Matthew’s father, Fred, spent the summer in the hospital. After a routine surgery, Matthew’s dad developed a serious infection, which resulted in an additional surgery to remove a brain abscess and extreme antibiotic medicine over several months. While he has lingering effects, he’s on the mend, and we’re all grateful to you for keeping Fred and Debra in your prayers.

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen

This could be known as the year we had vacations with both sides of our family. In June/July, we voyaged to Sanibel Island with Kelli’s family. We spent time on the beach, swam in the pool, took a boat cruise to see jumping dolphins, and of course consumed some delicious ice cream.

In October/November, we spent time along the Fox River Valley with Matthew’s family. It allowed us time together and opportunities to relax. We checked out area wineries, visited an orchard, saw Starved Rock State Park, and found some excellent thrift stores.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

This year we witnessed the miracle of birth, the blessing of life restored, drew close to family and our Savior Jesus Christ. Through God all things are possible.

As we look back on 2010, we’re now saying, “I thought I could, I thought I could, I thought I could.” But actually, it’s not what we did but what God’s done in us. Christmas is a reminder of that; the most special gift, the gift of Jesus, the Christ child that would come into this world to save us from sin and death. To those who believe, we share life forever with him in heaven. This is the reason we celebrate and are filled with joy. It’s through God’s free gift of grace we receive every good thing.

May your hearts be filled with Christmas peace and joy all year long!

Matthew, Kelli, Ian, and Reagan

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Fox River

We took a family vacation with Matthew's family to Fox River Resort in Sheridan, IL. It was in a beautiful rural setting with leisurely activities on site and site-seeing not too far away. We all enjoyed our little get-a-way from the daily grind.

A miniature golf course was on the premises for our enjoyment. The weather was really nice one day so we all went golfing. Everyone even ended up with a hole-in-one! Here's Ian showing us how it's done.
Grandpa, Grandma, and Ian attempting to fish at the lake on site - what a gorgeous location!
We visited a place called Tanner's orchard, which had a great market to walk through and shop at. They also had an awesome playground, which Ian thoroughly enjoyed. Matthew and Kelli had a good time too.

Grandpa and Grandma are the apples of our eye.
The cool wooden train

A tractor just Ian's size
A blue tractor to climb on
A wooden airplane that Ian and Matthew are flying
Ian's on the job with Daddy's help
Grandma, Grandpa, Ian & Reagan
Firefighters
Reagan riding the neat tire horse swing
Ahoy the wooden ship!
Matthew and Kelli tried the tractors too - even had a race. Guess who won?
Wine tasting at Illinois River Winery
Perfect form
Our weird visit to an Alpaca farm
The view of the Illinois River from a lookout at Starved Rock State Park
Warming up at the indoor pool - the water temp was 89 degrees!

Monday, November 1, 2010

Trick or Treat

Friends from church at Trunk or Treat - Buzz Lightyear, Giraffe, Alligator, Cow, & Christmas Tree
Yes, it looks like Christmas Tree and Alligator are smoking behind the tree, but really they're just suckers
Trick or Treating on Halloween night in Sandwich, IL with friends Elephant and Pumpkin
The Leighty cousins - a bunch of animals

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Reagan

Our happy little girl...




I have no teeth!


Trying cereal for the first time - not so sure