2016

What a great year we've had! Looking back at these pictures makes me so excited to see what 2017 has in store for us! These two make life so fun.

January:

February:

March:

April:

May:

June:

July:

August:

September:

October:

November:

December:

Christmas 2016

I'm a little late posting our Christmas pictures. We've been spending the last few days recouping from a very packed but very very fun Christmas weekend. We spent Christmas Eve in Hesston with the O'Hallorans and Christmas Day in Yates Center. Chris and I agree that this was the best Christmas with the kids yet. In years past, they weren't interested in opening more than a couple presents, and they weren't too interested in their presents once they were opened. They are old enough now to get really excited which is so fun to be a part of.

Here they are dressed in their Christmas finery before Christmas Eve Mass. They got to open one early present - Nativity sticker books to use at church. Natalie is still obsessed with all things Nativity, so we knew these would be a hit.

We were all excited to hold little Anna at Grandma's after church. We ate supper and opened and played with presents before heading home to set out Santa's cookies and hop into bed.

Christmas morning at our house was a success!

Then we were on to Yates Center for more presents and fun:

Gingerbread cookies

We made gingerbread cookies today, and it was kind of an all day process. Natalie and I made the dough before lunch so that it could chill over nap time, then we all cut out and baked the cookies later in the afternoon and decorated once they were cool after supper. The whole process was a little too labor-intensive for the kids, but they had fun popping in and out to help. Decorating and eating were definitely the best parts!

First Snow!

Story Time Christmas Party

This morning was the last story time before Christmas, so after they read books and sang songs, the kids had a little Christmas party of sorts. The cookie decorating was probably the favorite activity, though Max might say the hot chocolate was the best because he drank two full cups. We even got new Christmas books as presents. We really do have the best library.

Santa!

Santa came to the donut shop this morning to visit all the kids and give out free donuts and milk. Last year Natalie and Max steered clear of Santa, and I thought this year would be the same, but Max wanted to sit on his lap this morning, and Natalie decided she could stand by him. We actually have pictures with Santa this Christmas!

More Painting

Our painters have been requesting more work, so this time we did candy canes. They're old pros now.

Wreath making