Down Time

Normally I dislike January.  It is generally too cold for my taste.  The days are short, and it seems dark and dreary and depressing.  Wouldn't you agree Jacob?  Halle?  You guys could tell me all about a dark January.  BUT, with that being said, I have to admit that I am enjoying January this year.  With all the events that take place during the holiday season - trick or treating, feasting, preschool parties, parades, gift exchanges, holiday choir practices, Christmas programs, traveling, and more - our family can add in all 5 birthdays and an anniversary to the mix.   So, needless to say, I am thankful only one holiday season will pass without my husband here AND - for the first time in a long time - I welcome the dark, boring days of January that have brought me and my family some down time.

Laurel trying out her new headlamp.

Michael playing with his new train set from Bampa and Grandma Biz.

Loading up the Nerf gun Daddy bought him for Christmas.

Good thing we have Benjamin around to retrieve the darts. 

The boys having fun.

Benjamin trying to get in on the treadmill fun with Mommy.

Playing Doctor - "Doctor Michael, at your service."

You need a shot.

Bandaging the wound.

And Benjamin's new trick.  Little Stinker.

Christmas with Grandma and Pa

Since school was out and Christmas was coming, we loaded up the van and drove to Grandma and Pa's house for the holiday.  It was a fun break with good food, a warm house perfectly decorated, good company, and lots of entertainment.  My sister and her family joined us, and it made everything a little more crazy and a lot more fun.

Anyone who knows Michael knows he loves anything with wheels.  This includes Pa's tractor. 

Pa took him for a ride and he had a great time.

Laurel on the swing.

Laurel's turn with Pa on the tractor.

Christmas Eve.  Dressed and ready for bed.

 

Santa brought Laurel a new Jessie doll. 

Michael got a race track - that was the world's greatest gift.  Man, Santa's on a roll with Michael.  The giant dump truck last year and the race track this year.  He's good.

Michael and Pa had to try out the stocking stuffers.

Erik and I gave the kids sleeping bags this year.  They had to try them out right away.

Baby Ben got cozy in Laurel's bag.

We got lucky and it snowed on Christmas day!  It was beautiful to have a white Christmas.

Michael enjoyed the snow.

We took a trip to visit Great-grandma and Laurel and cousin E sneaked outside to jump on Aunt Karen's trampoline.   They had fun - for a limited time.

A couple nights during our visit the girls put on a "show" for all of us after dinner.  E played the guitar and Laurel was in charge of the dance moves.  It was very entertaining.  Very.

Of course, we had to have fat noodles.  A tradition in my family.  Every year after Christmas the ladies of the family rise a little earlier and make homemade noodles for a delicious dinner that night.  Laurel did a great job jumping in to help.  She knows how to keep tradition alive.

It was a Merry Christmas.