Wrestling Season

January marked the beginning of another wrestling season.  This year Aron is an official coach for the team which means a lot of work for the men in our house.  They practice two evenings a week for 2 hours each practice and travel to tournaments every weekend.  They've only missed one tournament due to our winter vacation.  Aron is pulled in every direction at the tournaments so he can coach each of the boys.  It's exciting to watch Russell, but it is also exciting to watch Aron.  His passion for the sport is obvious.  Many of the parents have praised his coaching skills and other coaches have praised him for the sportsmanship of our team.  It is awesome to see the boys cheering on the sidelines and hugging each other after matches.  I never imagined loving this sport, but it has truly grown on me.  I look forward to my weekends in the gym.  In between matches, Sloane and I play games and color.  It has become a family sport.  Russell has grown so much this season.  He has earned 3 first place medals and a 2nd place medal.  We have regionals next week.  

A Trip to American Girl

In January, Sloane and I had a girls' weekend with two of our favorite friends. We packed up and headed to Columbus, OH where we visited the American Girl Doll Store.  The girls were in Heaven and us moms had a fabulous time as well.  We are already talking about doing it again.  

We made it!

Sloane's doll, McKenna, getting her hair done at the store's beauty salon.  McKenna also got her ears pierced.

Sloane and Sadie waiting at the doll salon.

Having dessert at the store's cafe.  Sloane had chocolate mousse in a flower pot.

Mom and daughter.  Love her!!!

These two cuties have been friends since the infant room at Grace Christian Childcare.  Time flies!

We decided to try all the dessert.  Yummy brownie sundae!

Ice cream cone trio.  Mmmmm...

I'm an Aunt!

On January 12th my beautiful neice Sara Joy was born!  She is absolutely perfect and we are all so thrilled to have a new member in our family.  I was able to spend a little time with her after she was born and am anxious to get my hands on her again.  Both Russell and Sloane are excited to be BIG cousins.  We can't wait to spoil little Sara!

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!