Happy New Year, Merry Christmas, ETC!!

We're back in to our routine...we had a great (and busy) Christmas and school break.

I'll share some of the highlights with you!



At the December Cub Scout meeting, Santa visited and gave the boys their Pinewood Derby kits. They are working on building the cars with Dad for the big race in January.

Max had his first time on ice skates...he was SO proud!




I had fun volunteering at school in Zach's first grade class when they made gingerbread houses.

Mom and Dad flew home from Texas, and we were lucky to have them stay with us for a few days. Carol came down too, and made Christmas cookies with the boys - YUM!
Mom & Jake

Max, Carol & Zach

Max, Zach & Jake

My nephews Brad and Luke were both able to come home for Christmas from the Army. Brad is in special forces training and Luke is a combat medic serving in Kuwait and Iraq. They came over for dinner (along with Katie, Luke's fiancee), and it was so great seeing them! Jake was over the moon beating Brad in chess (a sweet Green Beret, does it get any better?).


Katie, Jake & Brad


Zach, Luke & Katie

We hosted Christmas Eve at our house for Jay's side of the family. We had a very nice time, although we missed having his parents here (they didn't fly home from Texas). It was a warm, beautiful snowy day, and we had a bon fire in the late afternoon while the kids played with their sleds in the yard.


Cousins! Natalie, Kayla, Madison, Justin, Zach, Jake, & Max


We got a new video camera...Jay and Judd had fun capturing memories. :)



Mom and Dad decided to postpone the Christmas celebration at their house Christmas Day because of the snow storm, so we had a lazy day at home on Christmas. We went up to Mom and Dad's on the 28th and celebrated Christmas and Mom's birthday with my family. The boys and I stayed overnight and got to spend a little more time with Mom & Dad.


On New Year's Eve we had a sleep over at Judd and Melissa's house. The kids had dinner and after they went to bed, we had a late dinner and played a murder mystery game! It was tons of fun!

Studio Manhattan New York, 1979:


Diana Rush, Gloria Stunnem, Lyza M.


Bruce Leap, John Revolting and Andy Warthog


Bruce Leap says, HIYAAA!


John Revolting has dance fever!


Don't you love Diana's walk man?

We threw a baby shower for my nephew Pete's wife Amy at Margie's house in Brainerd. They are expecting a baby girl (Ava) in February.


Amy


Cathy, Mom, Margie, Sue, Carol


Margie's WHOLE family was home!!


Grandma Margie with Hudson and Maverick

We've also been doing LOTS of hockey for Jake and Zach. They are having tons of fun this year, and have both been doing really well. Jake had a really exciting breakaway and goal - Mom & Dad were bursting with pride!


Jake


Zach

The boys are back at school now, and we are getting excited for our vacation to see Mom & Dad and Jay's parents in Texas at the end of the month!