Nutcracker 2009

It's Nutcracker time again! This is Maddie's 3rd year and Ella's first. They absolutely LOVE being in the Nutcracker. I think they make the cutest little angel and soldier ever!

Happy Father's Day!

Catching up

This spring has just been a whirlwind. I'm not really sure how it's almost come and gone...but it has...and I'm behind...nothing new. I've downloaded all my pictures from the last couple of months finally. It would have taken me all day to post all of them, so I'm just going with some of my favorites. This was Easter morning. We were up much earlier than usual because we had a sunrise service at church this year. I remember going to sunrise services when I was a kid, and I am so glad that we've started that tradition at EMC. Anyway, back to this pic. Maddie and Ella had a few minutes to check out what the Easter Bunny had brought before we were out the door.

I can't imagine there being a better place to see the sunrise on Easter morning than on the hill with our precious church family. I mean is that gorgeous or what??

We had plenty of time to go back home and get all fancied up to celebrate the resurrection of our savior. My babies just aren't babies anymore.

The ladies of the church decorated that beautiful cross behind us.

Jenny's best friend got married in April. I thought Jenny looked beautiful.

Maddie and Ella looked pretty cute too.

Now we are caught up. I left out quite a bit, but oh well. This weekend is the spring dance recital. I love seeing them all dressed up in their costumes. This is Ella's first, and she is sooooo excited! This picture speaks for itself.

Maddie is so grown up. She doesn't care to sit with us anymore. She would rather be with her friends. I am so thankful that she is blessed with some really sweet friends.

Valentine's Banquet 2009

As you can see, I downloaded a ton of pictures the other day, hence the 2 posts in 2 days. Last weekend was our 2nd annual Valentine's Banquet at church. I absolutely love seeing how everyone decorates their table. They are all so different, yet all so beautiful. I went with a beach theme this year...I think it was a little wishful thinking. I'm over the cold weather and ready for some sunshine! Anyway, Maddie and Ella got a new pet out of the deal, so they were thrilled. Introducing...Mr. Beta.

I couldn't fit every table, but here are some of my favs:

Christmas Morning

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We certainly did!! The girls' gold gift this year was a real "hair fixer" chair. Ella says that she is going to be a hair fixer when she grows up, and they absolutely love doing each other's hair. So, this gift couldn't have been more perfect for them...what a blessing! They have already had a ton of fun in their new salon. And have had us ALL in the chair. :) Here are a few pics from Christmas morning. Look for a sequel soon of their new set up.Notice the mp3 player in her ears, and her tongue sticking out...now that's concentration!

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

I absolutely love the Christmas season! I have to have my decorations up right after Thanksgiving, as to maximize the amount of time we can enjoy them. And every year, I spend lots of time on Christmas cards. I have taken thousands of pictures, just so I can have the "perfect" one. This year we're changing things up. We've decided not to send cards out. Along with most people, we are looking for ways to trim our budget. We are asking God to help us be creative with that. So, here is your "Christmas card" from the Hildebrands. Just imagine you've walked to your mailbox to recieve it. :)

We pray that you catch many glimpses of Christ's love for you during this Christmas season!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Halloween a Few Days Late!

We love Halloween! It is so much fun watching the kids dress up and have fun! The last several years, several of our friends have come over and we all go trick or treating together. That makes it even more fun! This year even us adults got into the costume action. :) Here are all the kiddos, minus Catherine and Chandler who joined us later.

Eric and Wade started conspiring at church last week about their costumes, but it was top secret! They were too funny about it. All the kids thought Eric was Hannah Montana, but I'm thinking he was a little too out there for her, so I'm going with Brittany Spears. :) I'll let you decide for yourself! The other two were prisoners, must be friends of Brittany...ha ha.

Of course when we found out the men were dressing up, we couldn't be out done! So, we decided to go as them. I think we got pretty close...how about you?

Princess Jasmine and Tinkerbell

After hitting the neighborhood houses, we headed to Aunt Jen's for a yummy Halloween cake, did I mention that Jenny rocks?

Easter Sunday

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday this year. I love experiencing the wonder of it all through the eyes of my children. For several weeks, part of Maddie's prayer at night would include, "Thank you God for sending Jesus to die on the cross for me." On Easter night, on her own, she changed it to, "Thank you God for letting Jesus rise from the dead!" She has prayed that every night since. Shouldn't we all be that thankful. I want to have a heart of gratitude, even on those days that seem less than joyful!

The Easter Bunny made a stop at our house.

Here they are checking out their loot.

Maddie and Ella waiting for everyone else to get ready.Ethan, Maddie and Ella dressed in their finest, to celebrate our risen King!