What a Year!

Happy 2014!  It's only been 6 days, but oh what a year it has been!!!  We had a fun New Year's Eve hanging out with our neighborhood gang at a bowling party followed by some good eats and drinks at our house with some friends.  A fresh batch of snow came just in time for the kids and I to head back to school on January 3rd.  After a slow and long commute to school, the kids were excited to be back with their friends and teachers.  However, (due to MORE snow and below freezing temperatures) we have not been back to school since! Snow day Friday, snow day today, and another snow day has already been called for tomorrow.  Aron's work even called for a snow day (now that's a first)!  We have been taking full advantage of this extra time together.  It's funny because I have never enjoyed cold weather.  At least, not since I was a child.  But there is something magical that takes place when you have your own children.  What you once thought you no longer enjoyed changes through the eyes of your children.  I am now a "four season girl".  I can not imagine living without each of Michigan's beautiful seasons.  The spring time tulips, the summer sunsets, the donuts and cider filled falls, and the beautiful snowy winters!  Don't get me wrong, summer remains my favorite and by February I will be over this cold stuff, but for now we are having a BLAST!!!  Happy 2014!!!

A few of the boys on New Year's Eve

Two cuties celebrating the New Year

Let the countdown begin!

 

On this day, we played in the snow for a combined 6 hours!  Sledding, shoveling, snow angels, snowmen, fort building, and snowball fights!!!  You name it, we did it!!! 

It was nearly 8:00 p.m. before we headed indoors.  We still had to eat dinner!

Temperatures dropped and wind chills picked up, but these two crazy kids were back outside having fun!

Can you see him under all that coverage???

We've gone through LOTS of hot cocoa, marshmallows, and whipped cream.

Cuddling with Mac while trying to stay warm.

We Love Christmas!

We have had a wonderful holiday vacation filled with many special family moments and Christmas celebrations.  Our first celebration was with my family on Christmas Eve.  I wasn't good about taking pictures, but we enjoyed a fabulous meal followed by gift opening.  We were all spoiled and went home feeling full (of love and food)!  Christmas Day was a quiet celebration at home with just the four of us.  I was wide awake by 6:00 a.m. with anticipation, but the kids decided to sleep in!  Finally around 8:00 I heard Russell coming to life followed shortly after by Sloane.  However, they weren't screaming about presents.  After a few moments, I tiptoed out to see what they were up to.  Both kids were putting together a breakfast for Aron and I!  It truly melted my heart!!!  After quick hugs of appreciation, the kids were off and quickly tore through their stockings and gifts.  We played all day with new toys and enjoyed delicious meals.  The next day we packed up and headed west to see Aron's family.  We spent three days visiting with family, relaxing, and opening more packages.  Now were are back home, Christmas decorations have been removed, and house projects have begun.  We have just a couple days left of vacation, but we plan on squeezing a LOT into them!

Day one of vacation Russell completed a Lego set he received for his birthday.

Day two - Santa delivered an early present...  A new Lion's jersey and two tickets to that day's game.

While the boys were at the football game, Sloane and I went to get manicures and pedicures.  So much fun!

Christmas Eve tradition.  Listening to Grammy and Papa read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Gift opening - MORE Legos!!!

Star Trek toys!

A new doll house!

Dwight Eisenhower collectible.

A new American Girl Doll and bunk beds for her girls!

Her girls need a snack cart too!

Mac's favorite gift - a new squeaky toy!  He squeaked it ALL day long!!!

Christmas at Grammy Carlson's house.  Remote control cars.

Mac received more gifts too, but he liked the ribbons best.

Christmas at Grandpa Carlson's and Bevie's.

Relaxing at Grammy Carlson's - Best Buds

Sloane played outside and built this cute snowman on Grammy's deck.

Watch out!  She has her own Nerf gun now!

First Snow

Our first snow has come and gone, but we were sure to take advantage of it while it lasted.  We are now anxiously awaiting another snow storm because Russell has BIG plans for a snow fort in our backyard.  

Our beautiful snow covered street!

Heading down hill!

Russell and Aron take a turn.

We definitely got our work out climbing this hill.

Fun with friends!

Back up the hill one more time then we headed out for donuts and hot cocoa!

Prepping for the Holidays

As Christmas quickly approached, we had plenty to see and do.  In one week, we managed to see Santa two times, attend three Christmas parties, and shop for gifts all while having FUN!  It has truly been a magical time of year.   

Visiting Santa at our favorite spot - the Bass Pro Shop

Carousel Fun

Posing for a picture while shopping.

An exciting dinner out at Rainforest Cafe

Face painting at Aron's work Christmas party

Having way too much fun in the carnival tent!

Just one of the many prize tables!

Race track wars!

Waiting to see Santa with the elves.

These were the sweetest elves. 

A visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus

Before the night ended, we were sure to get balloons.  They even lit up!

Watch out!



Tis the Season

This weekend has been one filled with cozy family moments around home.  After spending Friday evening at the Detroit Zoo for their Wild Lights event, we were filled with Christmas spirit.  On Saturday, with Christmas music playing in the background, Sloane and I put on aprons and made cut out cookies from scratch.  We also spent Sunday morning in the kitchen with all four of us making a delicious breakfast that included eggs, bacon, and pancakes.  It's been wonderful spending the weekend together listening to the sounds of the holidays while a fire crackles in the background.  We are definitely on the Christmas countdown... 10 more school days until vacation!!!

Wild Lights at the zoo with our neighbors.

The little rascals waiting to see the Polar Express 4D movie -Super COOL!

A Portion of the Lego Exhibit

It was difficult pulling this guy away from the Lego's!

We even got to see Santa!  Sloane was very concerned because she only told Santa one wish and she has three.  Luckily we have plans to visit him again this week.

Russell shared Santa's lap with a neighbor buddy.  How is it these two look like family?  Such cute boys!!! 

Silly boys goofing around by the ice sculptures.

The baker is ready!

Mixing all the ingredients.

Her favorite part - licking the beaters!

Look who showed up to help decorate.