NYE 2017

I didn't take a single picture from New Years Eve, but wanted to post because it was a fun night and maybe my favorite from our winter break this year.  I thought a night in was our best bet for the kids so we set up the living room for a sleepover with air mattresses, sleeping bags, and pillows.  We ordered pizza, made brownies, and rented 2 movies.  First was Captain Underpants and then Leap - around 10:00 when Leap was almost over, I looked at Rob and asked what now?  I hadn't really thought the kids would still be awake!!  When the movie ended, I suggested we turn the lights off to "rest" and then we'd be ready for the countdown at midnight.  I was SO shocked when they both agreed and we all immediately went to sleep.  My alarm went off at 11:57 and we woke the kids up to see the ball drop.  Then they both slept great in their sleeping bags until almost 8am!  The first thing Fielder said when he woke up was "did the ball drop yet?"  He has no recollection of midnight, although he'd say he stayed up if you ask.  Claire at least remembers it!  My favorite memories are Claire saying "this is the best New Years EVER!" and Fielder looking over and smiling so cute at me all snuggled in his sleeping bag.  He was SO happy to sleep downstairs and had been looking forward to it for so long.  (In fact, that's how the whole thing started.  Apparently I told him last year that he could stay up til midnight on New Years and 11 1/2 months later, he still remembered that!)  I love that such simple things made them happy that night.  Here's to 2018 and hoping for more simple moments of happiness in the new year.

December 2017

This Christmas had it's challenges, but we did our best to make it a memorable and fun Christmas for the kids.  I didn't take many pictures (and half the ones I did are blurry!) but here are some highlights from the last month:

 This year we were surprised by a 2nd elf to join our family.  We named her Ella Snowflake. 

 Our first snow of the winter!

 Mimi took us to see Charlie Brown's Christmas and Meredith and Kate joined us too.  It was the only thing that the snow didn't cancel that weekend for us!

Claire joined the Girl Scouts this year and had a Christmas party with several troops.  I stayed to help in the madness.

 She is so lucky to have found such a nice group of girls!

 (above) A couple favorite gifts from the Hulcher Christmas party - glasses and slime!  So many nice gifts!  Best of all though was meeting baby Wade.

I took Fielder to see Coco - his movie gift card was burning a hole in his pocket.  He did well and enjoyed the movie.

Huge box of gifts from Aunt ML - the peanuts and box were the favorite part!

Random weird green guy found on the playground - Fielder wanted a pic with him, but then chickened out

 We had to go to the Pfeiffers house, especially after they won the Great Light Fight on tv!  Claire with the trophy:

 Christmas Eve-Eve at Matt and Alison's house.  They made gingerbread houses, played outside, did a scavenger hunt, opened presents, and watched Polar Express.

Christmas Eve, I let them open gifts to each other

 and gift cards from Dr. Pittman!

 We had the Masons over for dinner and a tacky light tour (no pics) then gave Elfie and Ella hugs before leaving them in the tree for Santa.

 Christmas morning - not many pics, but kids were happy with what Santa brought.  Skateboard, chemistry set, and football for Fielder.  Hatchimal colleggtibles, Animal Jam book and watch, and footie pjs for Claire.

 Christmas Day at Mimi and Papas house