2014, We Welcome You

2014, we can't believe you're here, but it sure was fun to celebrate your arrival.

New Year's eve was Grandpa Jack's 70th birthday - a special day for an incredibly special man.  We SO wished we could have been in Seattle for the celebration.  If only airplane tickets were free...  

The fun part?  NYE sleepover with the Choi's, with a little Christmas sprinkled in too.

A Wii!!!!  Wow, thanks Choi's.

Discovering Mario Cart.

The littles give it a try.

Very happy boys.

Our midnight countdown at 9pm, complete with Sydney's firework display ;).

These were loud.

Breakfast!

Pop it time.

And one last dance party.

And now into January.  Not our month of health with a string of ear infections, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep.  There hasn't been a week when I haven't had at least one kid home from school. - coupled with holidays, snow days - this mama is craving some alooone time! :)

Sprinkled in however, are many sweet moments and highlights.  Here are a few:

The rainbow loom collection continues to grow.

This moment caught me off guard - seeing my middle read to my youngest.

Snow days by the fire (dad working on his class).

Taking it in.

Nice to have time to work on lego sets.  And we had to build the Space Needle in honor of the super bowl bound Seahawks!!

Polor Vortex round 2  meant incredibly low temps and no school for another day.  We BUNDLED up on this 10 degree day to get some sledding time in.

Ready to go.

This one thought the playground looked more fun.

The Westbrook sledding hill, Andrew wiping out in the middle ;).

A very happy Caden.

The smiles say it all.  

Christmas

Christmas 2013!!

 We started with the Christmas Eve Children's Service, followed by Shepherd's Pie/game night at our house.  

Cuddle bugs.

Didn't manage to get pictures of the shepherds pie, but here are the treats - shortbread, chocolate fondue, striped finger jello (my childhood favorite!), and some butter pecan ice cream.

Miss Kaleigh getting so big.

Mr. Olander's plate of goodies.

Grandpa and Tia!

The big boys.

The dice game - round 1 is tame.

Christmas Eve pj's.

A wonderful night.

Christmas morning!  These boys didn't wake us up until 8:30am!!  Best Christmas present ever.

 We started with stockings.

Football cards!!

Choo choo.  (Thanks Garret)

Yummy breakfast and final advent reading before presents.

Will received a "hug me Elmo".  He was a riot.

Caden with his new camera (thanks Grandma K and Grandpa J!).

Enjoying the fire.

After a lazy afternoon, we headed to the OC house for round 2.  Dave's aunt Shawn (of Beehive events in Charlottesville - she's amazing, been featured several times in Martha Stewart), made this beautiful garland.

OC Cousins!  And Elmo. 

Balls from Tia!

Not many pictures, but a wonderful, relaxing evening with family and all the usual suspects.  We've reached those golden years when the kids keep each other occupied and play well together.

Dee Dee, Martin, and Tia.

What happens when you meet your friends in wine tasting groups.

Truly so many gifts in this insanely wonderful Christmas season - may we hold most tightly to our savior, our great rescuer, who left glory and entered his creation in the most humble way possible.

"Glory to God in the Highest,

and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

-Luke 2:14

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Our weeks leading up to Christmas were full, and in many ways so sweet.  Grandma Kathy was here through mid-December, which was such a gift.

A snowed/iced out evening service meant an evening at home to decorate our tree.

Will's favorite branch.

The expert decorators.

The following morning brought a few inches of SNOW!

Which meant a day to stay in pj's and play games by the Christmas tree and fire..with Grandma!

Andrew and Spunky were very excited.

These two found a cozy spot to watch the snow fall.

A perfect day to make a gingerbread train...

and snow angels.

Snowball fight.

Getting his ammunition ready.

Our snow...bear?

Reading with Grandma.

A wonderful night at the IJM banquet - with my 8th grade Sunday School teacher Jan, who's husband started this amazing organization.  There were 1300 people there!

Zoo lights with Grandma Kathy!  

And a Maryland basketball game.

 And then began the week of all things Christmas - class parties, teacher gifts, treats for neighbors and co-workers, christmas productions, and parties.

One of my favorite mornings of the year - Christmas brunch with my bible study ladies.

 The YCF Christmas party!  We had about 60 people crammed into our home - such a fun time.  Notice Mac's skillful playing for our boys' toy piano.

 It was also the night of Andrew and Caden's Christmas school production (sadly no pictures, see video below), which meant a little dividing and conquering.

Redskins fan through and through.  Watching the last home game, with his jersey, helmet, two Redskins pillows, and blanket.  We cheered them on to the end, and are hoping for a better season next year.

Hmmm, video doesn't want to upload - will try again later :/.

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;

Let earth receive her King;

Let every heart prepare him room,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven and nature sing,

And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.