"Lilly B"

My grandma Mary use to call me Nikki Bells. Darrel was teasing me about this one day and some reason started calling Lilly, Lilly Bells and then shortened it to "Lilly B". The first photo is of our "Lilly B" in late October or early November and the following two were yesterday. She is such a happy girl and has been babbling "Da da da da..."

I Like Lightning McQueen

Nicolas loves race cars, specifically Lightning McQeen, and anything else that goes fast... like Mr. John's ATV.

Christmas Letter 2009

Merry Christmas!
December 2009

Darrel has been lost in his books somewhere in the library. He emerges to eat and sleep. The semester has been grueling. At church, Darrel is a counselor in the Young Men’s Program working with boys ages 12 -18. Between school, church, and family of seven, his “free” time has been minimal.

Nicole really enjoys Maine. She has traveled to Bangor, Bridgton, Boothbay Harbor, Kennebunk, and Fryeburg just to name a few! She loves living close to the ocean and goes there every chance she gets. At church she is teaching the 4, 5, 6 and 7 year olds in Primary.

Daryl Cinnamon just turned 5! She loves being a big sister and helping with Lilly. She is a born leader as she directs her younger siblings in their homemade skits and imaginary play. Daryl loves crafts of all sorts and her favorite meal is dessert. She enjoys books, movies and music.

Corey is 3 and loves trains and really hopes Santa brings him a Thomas the Tank Engine toy for Christmas. He is also a peacemaker as he reminds Mom and Dad to say “please” when asking the children to complete tasks throughout the day. His common phrase is, “But Mom you didn’t say please!”

Nicolas is a clever 3 year old and a ball of energy. He exhibits no fear most of the time but on occasion is extremely cautious. He loves Lightning McQueen and things that move fast. He has a remote controlled truck that is his favorite toy. His new favorite word is “actually”.

Spencer is 2 now and he is testing the waters. Recently, a lady at the grocery store commented, “He’s got a healthy set of lungs.” This was due to his screaming because Mom refused to let him run up and down the aisles. Corey and Nicolas use to have the nic names “Shock and Awe” but Spencer has now earned both. He loves to be held and he is still Mommy’s little shadow.

Lillian is 7 months old. She rolls over. Her cheeks are ever so chubby and her smile brightens every room. She’s a conversationalist and has the most amazing things to babble about. She loves all of her siblings, Mommy and Daddy.

Darrel’s mom has joined our family and we are happy to have her living with us. Our family has been blessed in many ways this year. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Freeman Favorites:
Bearsie Bear and the Surprise Sleepover by: Bernard Waber
Ben and Jerry’s Pumpkin Cheesecake Ice cream
Christmas Jazz music – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Dexter Gordon Quartet
Hazelnut Cream scented candles
Sleep for Mom and Dad
Sending Our Love and Prayers from the Great North!

Fall Fun and a Family Chore

I decided to go outside and rake some leaves this morning. Along came Corey...then Daryl... then Nicolas and even Spencer. I hope they continue to be so helpful with raking leaves in years to come. Oh and the big machines were out.

Fun at the Children's Museum

More Fun at the Children's Museum

We have an annual pass to the Children's Museum in Portland. I love that the kids do not get bored of it after going week after week. It's a lot of fun to see them dress up and use their imaginations.

Halloween Super Heroes!

Daryl was BatGirl. Corey, Nic and Spencer were Spiderman. It was fun. This year our church had a candy hunt in the grass. The kids took their flashlights and searched for the candy in the dark. Usually we have a Trunk or Treat but this was fun too. Our wonderful neighbors who have adopted our children as their grandkids took them Trick or Treating. They had a grand time. Big thanks to Mama B and Mr. John.