A Memorable New Year's Eve

Our New Year's Eve plans were supposed to include a little gathering with friends and their kids at our house to ring in the new year. However, after a sleepless night due to stomach pain, my first New Year's Eve activity was going to the doctor, and my second was having my first surgery - an appendectomy. Not exactly how I wanted to usher in 2014, but thankfully the procedure went well, and I'm blessed to have an amazing husband who has done a tremendous job taking care of us all this past week. I seem to be on the mend; however, along with the crazy cold temps headed our way, we'll probably spend the next few days continuing to play with our new Christmas toys at home.

Cooking with Uncle Brian.

Reading books with Aunt Abby.

The things they come up with...

Jack thought it was hilarious to put his cup on top of his head.

Loading up the whole gang for a little stroll.

He seems to always have food on his face -  maybe because he loves to eat.

Playing a game with Beth, a good family friend and Aunt Erin's former host sister, who was visiting from England.

Christmas

Apologies for failing to post last week, but it's been a whirlwind of Christmas around here, so this is one gigantic post, covering it all. To summarize, we spent the weekend before Christmas in Iowa with Jeritt's side of the family - packing three Christmases, sledding, and a birthday dinner with Great Grandma K. into four days. Christmas Eve was spent making cookies for Santa and playing with new toys. This was the first year that Ella was truly excited about Santa, and it was so much fun to experience Christmas through her! After opening gifts on Christmas morning, we visited Jeff, Kristin, and baby Jace. Ella loved holding him! The following day, my side of the family all arrived, and we again packed a lot into a few days, including the first annual family hors d'oeuvres wars (think Top Chef, if you're familiar with that TV show). Jeritt and I also took Ella to the Winter Wonderfest at Navy Pier, which we all three really enjoyed. All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas and have so much to be thankful for this year. We wish you all a happy New Year!

Making gingerbread houses.

Opening gifts at Grandpa Al's.

Snuggling with Grandpa.

More gingerbread fun!

Hot cocoa after sledding.

The cousins, just missing Jace! Ella, Ava, Jack, and Reid.

Jack lounging in his new rocker from Grandma V.

Grandma V. braiding Ella's hair.

He was so sleepy - no time for naps!

Giving Grandpa Rich his gift.

Showing frustration at Grandma's solid wrapping skills.

Hugs for Grandma V.

Uncle Don gave Ella binoculars - definitely one of her favorite gifts!

We celebrated Great Grandma K's 80th birthday with her! It was also cousin Keeya's birthday!

Great Grandma K gave Moo Cow some new jammies!

Trying out her new paint on Christmas Eve.

Playing with his new mower.

Moo Cow modeling more new clothes from Great Grandma K.

Making cookies for Santa.

Jack put Brownie in the stroller to push around!

Putting cookies and carrots out for Santa and his reindeer.

Jack just wanted to eat them.

Christmas morning. And that's Moo Cow stuffed in Ella's jammies (hence the bulging belly).

Giving Daddy his new calendar.

Proudly displaying her new coffee maker next to ours.

Trying out her jumping shoes!

Ella holding Jace.

She helped feed him!

Crazy that these two little guys will be best buds in about a year!

Opening gifts from Aunt Abby.

Reading new books with Aunt Abby and Uncle Brian.

Jack showing off his new gifts - the rocking panda and his handsome outfit.

One final Christmas gift...

A homemade table tent from Grandma and Grandpa C!

A group picture after our hors d'oeuvres wars. Brian and Jeritt won with stuffed mushrooms!

Family photo.

Trying to sled (not much snow) with Uncle Sam.