January - Part 2

This was a SNOWY winter. We tried to enjoy it when it was warm enough to be outside. The Ortmans came out for snow fun one day.

Ned in our woods.

Elliott made it a little ways in his new snowshoes but prefered to ride in the sled . . . right on top of Lucy (the gray hat behind him).

Dutch loves the snow. That's Coco in the background.

Little snow girl.

Sled rides down the driveway made for fun smiles.

In action. 

This is how Lucy says "yes." "Mow." We think she is trying to say "more."

Holly made some awesome snow angels. 

Lucy likes to help back, just like Elliott. Though she finds her way on to the counters regularly. 

Tickle time!

Elliott loves to run to the basement and join me when I work out in the morning. How cute is this?

Toothbrushing time! 

Lucy's excited face :)

I was able to sneak away for a night with a great group of girls for some R & R at the Mirbeau Spa inn Skaneateles. It was an amazing getaway!

Heading out to dinner with Danielle, Holly, and Leigh. 

The whole group!

Unfortunately, Lucy was quite sick while I was away. She fell asleep on Jesse multiple times during their trip to the pediatrician. We learned that she had RSV which eventually turned to pneumonia. But, she recovered nicely and has long been back to her own, happy self!

Bringing Daddy his boots.

January - Part 1

Lucy loves her new backpack she got for Christmas.

That smile!

Elliott's new firetruck apron. We have fun baking together.

I had to take a conference call one day while Lucy was awake. She was quiet for too long and a went looking for her. This is what I found . . . 

Busted!

My workout buddy (not usually helpful but she sure is cute).

Lucy decided to wipe Elliott's feet one night before bed.

Aunt Hol made that skirt as a Christmas gift!

It's been brrrrrrrrrrr cold but at least it has been sunny.

Dinner at the Smiths'. The kids LOVED the chocolate trifle dessert.

Colton and Elliott.

Yum yum.

Hollyn, Emma, and Lucy enjoying their dessert.

Jammie time.

Looks like a grumpy face but it's actually a smile :)

Lucy tries to put her own boots on. It's hilarious!

End of December

Fear not! We are all still alive and so is this blog. I've been distracted and it fell off my radar for a little bit. Okay, a month. But I'm back. The good news is that we have had very little excitement so I don't have much catch up to do.

Coloring at opposite ends of our beautiful dining room table (made by Grandpa Brad and Uncle Cale).

We had a crazy warm spell right after Christmas and spent Jesse's birthday working outside. 

Lucy was ready to help shovel gravel with her two snow shovels she got for Christmas.

Country kids.

The kids were so excited to help unload gravel and move tree limbs.

Hearing protection to watch Daddy run the chainsaw.

Lucy sat in the wheelbarrow for a long time watching Jesse cut up the tree that fell during the November storm.

Claire and Penelope came up for dinner the Monday after Christmas. During adult dinner, Lucy walked up to Jesse with Elliott's superman costume. She was ready to dress up!

Super baby!

All smiles with Daddy.

Elliott had to have his turn in the muscles.

The kids always love playing with Penelope. It's amazing how ALL the toys come out when we have a visitor!

Cousin play.

Who is this big girl!?

She loves her buckets.

And she loves flying.

She housed Nutella-covered waffles at a playdate. Note that these were the family's breakfast leftovers, not snacks for the playdate. That didn't stop her. Mama's girl. 

Trying on her new bike helmet - a Christmas gift from the Ortmans.

Christmas Morning 2014

I didn't take many pictures on Christmas morning because I wanted to be in the action, rather than behind the camera. But, here are a few.

Christmas morning excitement. Unfortunately my phone had a mechanical issue during the better movie opportunity.

Elliott helping Lucy with her present from Santa. Can you guess what it is?

Her own snow shovel!

Elliott opening his present from Santa.

A big excavator! I love the excitement on his face!

He got right into it.

New mittens.

Stacking up her blocks from Garrett, Brittany, and Hayden.

So proud of herself!

Trying to put on her new Santa Cruz T-shirt.

I can't figure out how to put it on so I'll just hold it on my head.

Getting her new backpack adjusted.

All ready for camping in 2015!

We had a really lovely morning with our family. We hosted a lively and wonderful Christmas dinner at our house with 11 adults and 8 kids. Crazy? Yes. Awesome? Absolutely. Thanks to all for celebrating with us!