2014 Wrap Up

December is gone and I feel like we sprinted through it.  The month was full of festivities and we enjoyed them all. We started out with a couple attempts at family pictures in the backyard on our own. And though we were able to get some good shots, I think next year we might actually hire someone. Mostly because my kids listen to other people much better than they do me and I was ready to throw them all out the window by the time our short little picture session was over.  I know you won't believe me when you see their cute smiles in the pictures below, but trust me, it was not a fuzzy warm experience.

Thad and I went to our annual grown ups christmas party, this year with an ugly sweater theme. Ours matched, and were "vintage" from his moms attic. I'm a little sad we didn't get a picture in our sweaters, but there were bells and puff paint and hand print reindeer antlers. They were sweet.
We Christmas caroled with my family. I took Andi to see the Nutcracker for the first time and we had a great time. The kids had their Christmas sleepover at my parents and helped them pick out their Christmas tree. Thad and Andi both participated in the talent show at our ward Christmas party. Andi on the piano and singing with the primary, and Thad sang in a Men's quartet. The ladies in our neighborhood had a girls night to get to know each other better. The relief society had a lovely dinner and activity. Thad and I celebrated our 11th Anniversary with Dinner and the latest Hunger Games movie. We celebrated Grandma Richards 94th birthday. Tenille & her boys came to visit for a few days. And we had Thad's office Christmas Party.
And amidst all the hustle and bustle, we had sick kids and projects going on! This was the Sunday before Christmas. While everyone else was posting pictures of their families in cute matching church outfits, this is what our kids looked like. Thad was singing with the choir, and in another small group during sacrament meeting, so I was home on kid duty.

Our project for the month was to build a new cabinet over the stove to hide the hood. It turned out perfect! I showed Thad a picture I liked and he went to town.

Obviously he had help. Peter HAS to be involved in everything Thad does. He loves Daddy time and comes running the minute Thad walks in the door every day.

This happened a few days before Christmas. Thad devised a new punishment/chore for the kids. Usually he just sprays out the chicken coop, but if the kids need some discipline they now get to clean it out with a broom and dust pan.

With a mask and gloves of course. Safety first.

Christmas Eve we had the traditional dinner and program with the Bulkeley's. Sammy participated in the talent portion for the first time ever and played a little song on the piano. Andi played a song as well, and then it was time for the Santa Letter.  The believers are dwindling in number, but we all had a great night.

Christmas Day was low key and peaceful. We opened presents and then my parents came over for breakfast as no one else was in town this year. Then we skyped with Bradon while the kids played with their new toys. We finished off the day with Dinner at my parents. Again, a smaller group than usual, but it was nice.

Apparently we are too busy enjoying ourselves to take many pictures, that's literally all we took. Peter loved the train table and spent 90% of the day there. Sammy liked it too.
I got new couches for Christmas this year and love them. We went for a sectional and I was worried about how much of the room it would take up, but they are so comfy it's worth it.
 This beauty was taken a few days ago. Thad threatened to send the kids to bed unless they rubbed his feet. He stoops low sometimes.

And this is what we call Church Peter. One of us usually ends up sitting in the car with him and when we try to take him back in for nursery this is the look we get.

We are looking forward to 9:00 meetings this year and being the first ward in the building so there will be plenty of time out rooms available. We really have to break this habit and get him to sit through the meeting.
We have been truly blessed this year and are looking forward to what the new year holds for us.