January...

Mom and I had a wonderful time at Catherine's wedding. We've known the family for years, and I babysat her and her sisters when they were younger! 

 

I found a glorious bit of sunshine. And then everyone else moved in!

 

 

They predicted a blizzard... and over-hyped it... and although we got the day off of work & school, we only had about 8 inches. Still good enough to play in!

 

 

NYE 2014

Boys had a blast. Continued our tradition of winter hike (dads) and Chuck E Cheese (the rest of us). First year that the kids were allowed to stay up until midnight. 

Christmas 2014

Boys were insistent that we leave out enough carrots to cover ALL participating reindeer.

Spent Christmas Eve with the Lacinas. Beautiful family picture taken at church.

Gift-opening joys

 

Christmas Morning!

 
Spending Christmas Day with the Konopacks

Jim's family gave us a dual kayak as a gift! We're so excited to use it this summer!

 

Post-Christmas visits with Alary & Averie!

Preparing for Christmas!

Always having a blast at the Livingston's Christmas Party. An early one this year. Darryl, Sue, Tom, Lynn, and Nicole and Rodney are great poker partners, too ;)

Took the kids to an awesome MU basketball game. Photobombed by the guy behind us.

Boy totally loving croutons. Go figure. 

One thing they always look forward to when decorating for any holiday is the collection of themed books that I'll bring out. Christmas produces the most, of course.

Decorating the tree.

Adorable sleeping child.

Making crafts with Grandma Lacina at her church's holiday celebration.

 

Both boys in the nativity play again this year. King Herod and a Shepard.

 

These pictures do no justice to just how EXCITED OLIVER WAS TO SEE SANTA! We love that he comes around each year on the fire truck ;)

Making gingerbread houses with Trenton in his class.

 

Adam the Elf causing mischief? Nope. He's generally just something the boys look forward to discovering each morning. Always hanging out in a new spot.

Oliver was the Clown Narrator in his kindergarten production of "The Little Engine That Could".

  

Trenton is absolutely loving basketball. His game gets better each week. Below, Harrison is about to throw him a pass.