January

Unfortunately our new year didn't start off all that great. You know that horrible flu going around this year? Yup. We got it. Bad. Jeff was sick over Christmas and right as he got over it, Jacob came down with it. Then Emily. Then me. Then Eliza. And somewhere in there Dave & Arline got it too. And this wasn't just sick for a couple of days. It was feel crappy for three days or so, completely out of commission for four days, then feel crappy for another few days as you slowly recovered. And it affected us all differently too - some threw up, some had fevers, some had headaches & dizziness, some got ear infections. But no matter the ailment, we were all miserable. 

Halfway through January we finally felt somewhat normal around here. Just in time for another huge snow storm to hit. The snow this year has been crazy. The kids have loved it and play in it any chance they get. 

 About the only other pictures I took in January:

Hopefully February will be a bit more exciting.

48 Wonderful Whirlwind Hours

Christmas Eve began at 9:00 am with breakfast with my family. Unfortunately Jeff had to work which left me dealing with two impossibly difficult kids. Liza was not happy with anyone or anything and Jacob threw a fit over everything making me wonder why in the world I even bothered leaving the house that day. Spencer finally worked his magic and got Eliza content and a wonderfully patient waitress finally discovered the trick with Jacob was getting him a bowl full of saltine crackers. Who knew? He even had to fill a take out container to bring home. Crazy kid. The afternoon was spent worrying about Eliza and then visiting a neighbor who's an ER Doc - the same one we had to visit last Christmas Eve. His diagnosis - an eye infection. Yeah!
That evening my parents and Chris came over (during a crazy blizzard snow storm) where we ate dinner, played chimes, tied blankets, and watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Then the kids got to open a present from Mom & Dad - new pj's, write a note to Santa, and set out cookies, milk, & carrots, before it was off to bed. (Notice Liza's poor eye)

 The next morning was filled with smiles, glitter, laughter, surprise, more glitter, lots of hand washing, and piles of wrapping paper.

We had a quick jaunt over to my parents to skype with my missionary brother...

... and then returned home for even more presents.

 After a quick bite to eat and an attempt at naps, we headed back to my parents for dinner and gifts.

It was crazy. It was fun. It was magical. It was wonderful. 

Merry Christmas!

December

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! 

We're so excited for the holidays and we're getting ready for the busy season - Liza's first!

 A little music:

Emily's Christmas concert at school.

 A little light:

Zoo Lights on the 6th

A little...well, cold:

Sleigh ride on the 8th

A little Ho-Ho-Ho:

Visiting with Santa

 A little love:

Our 9th Anniversary

A little party:

With all the Newmans on the 16th 

A little gingerbread:

Thanks Aunt Laverne!

A little decorating:

Cousin Sugar Cookies on the 21st

 A little family:

In Christmas Finery

 All adding up to one great holiday. Can't wait for the excitement of Christmas Day!

Jacob & Eliza

Liza's now 6 months. It's crazy how fast the time flies. She's a happy and active little girl that loves her big brother and sister so much. Seeing the relationships those three have together just makes me so happy. We all just adore Eliza and what she brings to our family.

 

Two crazies and the random things they do together during the day

Jacob is now 3!!! Crazy. He was so excited for his birthday - and I think the gifts were just a bonus. He just loved the attention and the fact that we were celebrating him. We had a mini party with my family on the 9th complete with a Spiderman cake.

Then on the 12th I asked him what he wanted to do - go to the zoo, visit dad at work, go to the children's museum - and he chose having his best friend Aiden over to play cars. Thankfully Aiden was available and willing to play. Such cute boys.

Then that night Jacob got presents from us - a Spiderman skateboard & a Spiderman 'house.' Can you tell what he likes?

Then we were off to Red Robin with grandparents (and a couple uncles and aunt). While there Jacob got to open a few cousin presents and then enjoy a big slice of mud pie.

 Happy Birthday Jacob! We love you!!!

November

Emily finished up soccer on the 3rd. It was a tougher fall since they played co-ed, which ended up being mostly boy teams, but we think Emily improved and it was a good opportunity. She's a good little defender and we're looking forward to seeing her on the field again in the Spring. 

Jacob was a good sport attending all of Emily's games. He's excited for when he can get out there himself. He continues to grow up on us and is getting more and more stubborn - heaven help us. We sure do love having him in our family though. He can be incredibly sweet and fun to be with even though he's more exasperating than not lately.

 Eliza is growing up so fast! I swear Emily & Jacob didn't grow this quickly. And she's a good sport to put up with everything Jacob & Emily put her through. She is so sweet and her smile just melts my heart.

 Playing in the latest snow storm on the 11th. Jeff's just like one of the kids. And I mean that in a good way. They all just love it when their dad is home and they can play with him.  

 Roasting Marshmallows one night for FHE

 Zoo on the 21st

 Thanksgiving was pretty calm for us. We had dinner with the Snows at my parents house and my mom pulled out a few Thanksgiving crafts for Emily & Jacob to work on. They loved it. There is so much for us to be thankful for. We truly are so blessed.