Saturday, December 31, 2016

2016 in a nutshell

Best Nine 2016


While I don't think these represent my best memories from 2016, they are my most liked photos from this year.  

2016, you've been great. You gave us

John and I visiting Cancun AND New York City
The loss of an amazing Uncle
Lots of music
Even more laughter
and an immeasurable amount of love

Dear 2017 - I'm excited to see what you will bring.

Friday, December 30, 2016

All the other stuff...

The two weeks of Christmas break are always a favorite of mine, but this year was just a little bit sweeter. I love the ages 8 and 6. These boys are fun. They are loving. They still want to please me <--- probably why I love this age. They hold my hand. They kiss me goodbye and hello. They snuggle. It's just a great age. 

This December was filled with a lot of great memories that I don't want to forget.

Both the boys wrote letters to Santa.



They had Christmas programs! This is the ONLY year they both will wear a cotta. Luke has 2 more times to wear one for his 1st and 3rd grade Christmas program. Evan is all done. :(
This year Evan had a special part in his program. He played the handchime. I think he picked this to by like his Gran who plays the handbells at church. 



We had our annual A Stirring Christmas. This was my favorite part of the night.



The boys had awesome Christmas parties!!


We did holiday baking and holiday decorating!



We snuggled...a lot.


We got our Uncle Fred Christmas cookies!!


We had EPIC nerf gun battles. (Daddy needs eye protection next time.)


But most importantly, we spent time with the people we love.





Christmas with ALL the families

I'm going to admit this. Christmas Day can be exhausting. It's a loooooong day. A great day. A fun day! A super special, magical day. But it's a loooooong day.


First stop is Grandmom's house! 

Skylar does what everyone else just wants to do! #handovermouth LOL! These two have a bond like no other. From the first time they met, but just connected. Yes, I know it is because that's who God made Evan to be - fiercely loyal and devoted to his loved ones. It's not that Luke and Sky don't have a bond, but Luke has a much much smaller secluded circle. Once you are in Luke's circle, it's rare you leave. But these two. I LOVE watching them. I pray and pray as Evan gets older he'll still care for his baby cousin this way.


 The kids waited SO patiently for presents. We had to eat our dinner while the stacks just sat under the tree waiting to be opened. They did so well. They even tried some of Grandmom's yummy food! But they couldn't wait for another second and poor Melissa was rushed through her dinner! At least there was an unlimited supply of wine for everyone!


Look at all these presents!!


Opening presents - paper flying, voices screaming out thank you, kids jumping up and down. I barely get any pictures!




Again it was warm enough for short sleeves and outdoor nerf gun battles! Since we only got about SIX new nerf guns this Christmas.... #bulletseverywhere


We took a short break to unload the car and then left again for Gran's! I was slowly fading, so I didn't take as many pictures. :( 

Again, Evan sure knows how to open a present, even if it's not his. That kid.

We finally got home and settled in for a long winter's nap. Long enough to re-energize us for round 3 with Mamaws!! Sadly, Sky wasn't feeling good and didn't get to go with us. 


Mamaws opened all her presents, with the help of some little elves.


And then we turned the kids loose with the camera. Man, these are some of my favorite pictures!



Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star upon the highest bough.
And have yourself A merry little Christmas now.