15 years

Fifteen years ago today I made one of the best decisions of my life. I love you Dusty!

Full of Christmas fun...and calories

We're back from Illinois. Had a great time with family and ate WAY TOO MUCH. Time to drag out that new Wii Fit Plus. I've been warned that the Wii Fit can get a little sarcastic with you. I've given it plenty of ammunition this weekend.

The stars aligned for Aaron and he woke up Christmas morning to find that Santa had left a Wii and a load of Wii gear.



Rachel ended up with several new dolls and a lot of toys. She never was lacking for something to open.



Santa brought Dusty a new pair of houseshoes. That was a good thing, because he said if he didn't get any for Christmas he was going to have to resort to duct tape.



Santa found me as well and among the packages was a painting by my Aunt Ginger. I hope you all had a great Christmas. And for all the friends coming back home this week....drive safely!

It's almost here

We went to the Christmas Eve service tonight at church. It was a very nice and uplifting service. Pastor Shelby did a great job!

Milk and cookies are out for Santa

Reindeer food is out

And these guys are tucked into bed......and to all a good night!

Christmasing in Indy

To kick off our Christmas week, we loaded up the kids and headed downtown. My intent was to eat dinner at Buca di Beppo. But after arriving, we found out we would have to wait 1 1/2 hours since we didn't have a reservation. I didn't think we'd need one for a Monday night. So we hoofed it a block south to PF Chang's.

Aaron kept claiming he didn't like Chinese...he didn't know what he would eat...only the New York strip steak ($22) looked good...blah, blah, blah.

After dinner, he declared the spicy chicken really really good...and we forged on. Next stop - Monument circle

Rachel really isn't freezing to death in this pic...just looks that way. She was thrilled with the lights and looking at the horses and carriages.

Just to prove I am in fact on this outing as well. But don't you think Dusty is rocking the hood. :)

Next - hot chocolate at South Bend Chocolate Co. on the circle. Aaron had another epiphany and declared that this was really really good as well. Amazing what wonderous food items you can find when you venture past McDonalds!

On the way home we stopped by our favorite house decked out in 30,000 lights synched to Christmas music. Hope you all have a great week!

Now the circle is complete

It's official - we have replaced every appliance in our kitchen since we've lived in this house. The last to go...the oven. However when you do buy a new convection oven, be prepared for a learning curve. I burnt part of the 1st batch of cookies.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party

Time for the annual Happy Birthday Jesus party at church. Cake, crafts, stories, songs, and fun! No pics of Aaron because he was too busy running around outside with his friends.

Poor Man's Stained Glass

So I didn't get the window in our bedroom sealed up for winter like I should have. The window faces west so when all this cold weather hit we had quite the draft coming through. So here's my temporary solution: I hung one of my quilts over the window for the time being. It looks kind of pretty with the sunlight coming through it. I'll be taking care of it with a more permanent solution this weekend.

Little kids choir

The little kids performed "Happy Birthday Jesus" this morning during worship service. All the little girls were dressed to the nines in their Christmas dresses. They did a great job and looked cute doing it.

2009 Hackney 4 Tree

Got a real tree this year. Was tired of the same old artificial tree every year, plus I like how it smells. Aaron was at youth group last night, so he put his ornaments on after he got home.

Archer Family - The Christmas Card shot

Double Take #2

It's Sunday again....time to see who has the same outfit on.

Today it was Rachel and Rebecca sporting the same skirt. Rachel would have had the same shirt too, but they didn't have her size at Children's Place.

Thanksgiving Recap

We have to have the Macy's parade on...even if no one is watching. This year though it kept Rachel entertained. She cheered on the balloons

Slicing & dicing

Taters being mashed, or perhaps whipped would be more accurate

Rachel wanted to set the table. We made turkey place holders yesterday for everyone






Aaron insisted on a drumstick


And after the dinner....Zzzzzzzzz. We also managed to watch 2 Charlie Brown Thanksgiving specials, heat up leftovers, shoot some Christmas photos for Mom and Dad and watch "Elf". Now it's time for bed. Black Friday sales are coming early!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Double Take

So we all shop at the same place at our church. :)

Tis the season...

...to think about Advent. I know - I haven't posted in over a week. To tell the truth; I haven't picked up my camera in a week. Tonight we made our advent wreath to get ready for the Christmas season. Aaron was on photo duty for most of the evening.

Sneak Peek - Collins Family

Sometimes you win...

Sometimes you lose...

However, since I tend to prefer the unposed and goofy pics...it's a win in my book. :)

A little culture

Occasionally Dusty and I like to dress up, go out to events, and pretend we didn't grow up in the sticks. :) Tonight we went to a performance of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. We heard pieces by Mozart and Beethoven. We also heard a three person ensemble named "Time for Three" perform a concerto written especially for them. I especially like when they launched into "Orange Blossom Special" for their encore. I think that's a song that my uncle Hugh would play on the fiddle. I never heard him play it quite like I heard it tonight though! First rate! It was a winner all around - The seats were discounted; I like to listen to just about any type of music live; and Dusty (the perfectionist, who appreciates anything that requires a lot of talent and dedication) declared it "inspiring"!

Sneak Peek - Andrea & Malachi

Made the best of the nice weather! Isn't this the cutest little guy! He's fast too...kept me on my toes. :) You did a great job Malachi!

Trick or Treat Recap

All the Hackneys, Painters, & Bohrers (and one Tharp kid thrown in for good measure) heading out to plunder the neighborhood.

Aaron as a spy

Rachel as Snow White. She insisted on wearing her dress-up plastic heels. That lasted all of 2 houses.

The big boys: Dusty with his collar up (He said he was cold. I think he was trying to be Joe Cool.) Paul armed and ready with the camera...need I say more. Jim....with a....sword....need I say more. :)