January

 we love putting puzzles together during the Winter...here are two of our accomplished ones so far

Kate started babysitting this year..two of her fav. kiddo's.. Luke and Erin

 Excited for my work holiday party

Family Fun (love these beautiful sister's of mine & their families)

 Cousins

 game plans for basketball in the basement

 The Stoltenberg family (Jonny, William, Aunt Nicki and Uncle David)

The Cairney's

The Loftis's ( Aunt Wendi and Uncle Jon)...proud parents of the adorable dogs (brooks and scarlett)

All of our time together over the holidays always goes by so quick. Papa and Nanny hosted an amazing weekend (obviously they were too busy taking care of all of us, that we did not get a picture with them )-: of great food, fun, laughs and memories.  When the cousins get together they always fill every moment with fun times too. This Christmas, I loved that they were playing basketball in the basement constantly and were really getting into it -- even drawing up their own plays.  I love their creativity (-; 

Another wonderful Christmas celebration....leaving all of us feeling so very blessed!  

Snow fun

 Our favorite sledding hill --- is this awesome or what??

 the dogs LOVED the snow too!

 Ben was trying out sled/snow boarding

 sissy -- our snow "angel"

the gang calling it a "day" with Papa

We had amazing weather for the day on Saturday and we took full advantage of some perfect sledding conditions. I remember as a kid sledding down this hill with friends, so I just LOVE that Kate and Ben are able to make these memories too! 

Christmas in Pender

 Ben excited about lego's

 Kate loving her books and music

 Look who is taller than Nanny now?? -- Wil

Papa and Jonny enjoying gift opening

the dogs loved opening their treats too!

December snow fun

 Kate - lounging in the snow fort

 the kids and buddy Cael

 Kate and Ben have always loved playing in the snow together. Snowball fights often end in tears, but there is usually much laughter shared too. They have also mastered the art of making snow forts at the end of our driveway. Very cool job on this one guys!!

We had fun dogsitting for our neighbor's dog (socrities) while they were out of town. Ben is such an animal lover, especially dogs -- they were good buddies!

Christmas morning

Merry Christmas Mom & Dad...are we awake??  We love our new car pillow and bike tire pump!

Miss Kate -- excited about her iHome docking station and new converse

Ben -- super psyched about his new guitar and lego's!!

talking to Papa and Nanny....telling them all about his new guitar

Our traditional candle light dinner --menu chosen this year is: chicken cheddar chowder soup, toasted bread, strawberries and drinks of choice ~~ YUMMY ~~Merry Christmas everyone!

Christmas Eve

 Ben was loving his book that Kate had made -- she was so excited!

 reading a few of her favorite pages together -- she made a book Ben, my brother, from A-Z. It is so awesome! It includes pictures, drawings, and a saying for each and every letter. My favorite has to be "A" for always having a smile on your face (followed by a photo of one of Ben's perfect grumpy faces)  Very funny Kate and your book is amazing!!

my awesome new HUSKER snuggie

After dinner, we came home and opened a few of our gifts before watching our nativity movie.