Happy New Year

Although the year is not so new anymore, I still haven't posted from our New Year's Eve party. We got together with some college friends who we have been with almost every New Year since our NWC days. The addition of children has added a new dimension to our party, and though 6 little girls ages 4 1/2 and younger doesn't sound like a New Year's Eve bash, we had a great time. The girls played so well together, and thanks to Jon and Laurie's spacious house, the adults could chat and play cards without battling the noise!

I love watching Laurie in this video, attempting to somehow childproof the room :-)

Dressing up!

The adults (and Jeremy)

Happy Holidays

For the first time since I was young, I truly felt the anticipation of Christmas again. Lily was very aware of all things Christmas, which made for a fun year. For her big present from us, we got her a Princess "big girl" bike. The problem with a bike for Christmas in MN is obvious, but we have taken advantage of the abandoned halls of Concordia during the break. I must admit that my heart skips a bit at the sight of her riding so fast, but she is getting better about braking.


We also celebrated our little family Christmas with cookie cutter pancakes. I think Lily ate more toppings than pancake, but what is Christmas for?


We had a great Christmas down in Luverne with my family as well. We made it down there just before the storm, and we ended up staying an extra day because of the weather. There was plenty of space and fun to be had, so all-in-all it was a great trip (except for the drive home which took an extra 2 1/2 hours!)


Here are some highlights:


Lily attempting to be like her big cousin Connor, the goalie


Time with cousins and the candy-cane pinata

Sled rides behind the four-wheeler

Hot-tubbing in a blizzard. . .

And the hairstyles that it creates!

Lily playing dress-up and beauty shop with Maddie.

Playing "Beyond Balderdash" with the adults and older kids. There are no pictures -- we were too busy laughing ourselves to tears. I highly recommend this game!

Having my whole family together.

"Transparents night" and Shepherds at the mall

Last Thursday was the last night of Lily's recent gymnastics session. On the final night parents are invited inside to watch. Lily was very excited about "transparents night." The video below was their "final test." It was so cute to watch each kid show off for the parents.

The bubble gum ice cream cone to celebrate!

And a few days later at the mall. . .
Lily and I were walking behind an elderly gentleman who was using a cane. Her eyes lit up as she pointed at him. "Mom, he must be a shepherd!" Merry Christmas!