Gingerbread Houses and Ice Skating

While Dad's away we having been having some fun of our own. The kids and I had a Gingerbread Contest, saw some snow at church and went ice skating. It was a fun weekend, but we're ready to be back with Daddy.

Our Family Christmas

We had to celebrate our family Christmas early this year due to Trevor having to travel to Cedar Rapids for a work trip on the 18th. He decided to stay there until we arrive on the 23rd, so we don't have to pay for his plane ticket.

Trace got a new electric scooter, Kianna got a new fuzzy chair and comforter for her bedroom and Kaylee got a computer for her birthday that carried over to Christmas as well. I made each of the kids a memory book from our summer trips to NYC and San Diego.

We'll save our stocking for Christmas morning. The kids had fun preparing gifts for each other. Kianna had some silly gifts she prepared for her siblings. She made Kaylee a saran wrapped gift which she made her unwrap with an oven mitt. She made Trace a roll a toilet paper with something written on every piece of paper. She's a silly girl!!! My favorite gift was from Kaylee. She gave me a deck of cards with 52 things she loves about me typed on each one. She connected them together with a key chain. I love thoughtful homemade gifts and I love my family!!!

Christmas Candy

The girls decided that we had to keep up our Christmas traditions by making Christmas candy. I love the delicious treats we make but don't love the calories. But in honor of tradition, I made Swedish butter cookies and haystacks, Kaylee made peanut butter blossoms and peanut butter crackers dipped in dark chocolate, and Kianna made Oreo truffle balls and pretzels with Herseys Kiss and M & M's. As always, our treats did not disappoint, yummy as always.

Dad's 80th Birthday

Libby got engaged while we were all together!

I was blessed to be able to fly to Arizona to celebrate my dad's 80th birthday with him, Sue and Debi. My dad was so happy that he was almost in tears several times as a result of having "his girls" there with him. He kept us busy playing miniature golf, pool, Cribbage, Eucre, Up and Down the River, going on walks and riding in the golf cart. We also watched the annual Christmas Boat Parade. 

In addition to his birthday, this weekend was extra special because it was their last weekend in Sun City. They sold their winter home of 20 years and close on the 16th. They sold it fully furnished, so thankfully that meant they didn't have much to do in advance. My time with my family was so precious!!! I'm blessed with a dad who loves me unconditionally and has always given his time generously. He is a wonderful Grandpa to my kids. I love him dearly!

Flag Football

Trace was super excited to play flag football on the intramural team at school. Unfortunately, it didn't end up being quite as much fun as he had hoped. He had hoped to be the quarterback, but another kid was chosen instead. As a result, Trace hardly got to touch the ball. Life lessons...

Trace and Caden O'Brien

Aunt Stacie

We're excited to spend another weekend with Aunt Stacie. We're grateful that her job brings her to Florida so often and that she takes the time to visit us while here. She took Kaylee shopping today and Kaylee bought this new jean skirt.

Funny story about the shoes that Stacie decided to wear. We went to dinner in West Palm and planned on doing some walking. Well Aunt Stacie's shoes ended up not being the most comfortable and were beginning to cause blisters. So, Kaylee and I decided to take turns wearing Aunt Stacie's shoes so she wouldn't have to go barefoot. It was pretty funny, since neither of us are used to wearing heals. We definitely took one for the team!

New Car

We decided to purchase a third car for Kaylee to learn on and for our company to use when here. After some research, Trevor decided on the Honda HRV. Trevor liked it for its safety features and Hands Free links to keep the kids off their cell phones while driving. The kids are excited about their new car.