Last Week in Moments

Christmas Eve. was spent at Scott & Ali's. We've been alternating years hosting with them, and it's always such a great way to start the holiday.


Christmas morning.


Our crazy family all together.


The 2nd annual Boxing Day soccer game at In-Bounds. Got to see some old friends, including Jesse and the kids. Always a great day when we get to see them. Our kids can't get enough of each other either.


We haven't been able to take advantage of Winter Break much. H has had swimming every morning, and C has Wisconsin Fire soccer training every night. But we did have an afternoon free and decided to go rock climbing. Oh my gosh, what a blast! I'm hooked.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day 2016. The boys woke up around 7:00 am. We had a relaxing morning opening gifts and prepping for our families to come over. It is always so great getting everyone together. Lots of laughter and good times. This year was no different. It was a very merry holiday season. Hope yours was too!

Last Week in Moments

Last Friday was Brian's company party, which is always a great time. Here's a scene from the night.


We spent the afternoon on Sunday baking cookies at my sister's house. Yum.


Great Grandma Helen's olive cheese puffs -- always need to have a batch of these on hand during the holidays.


Thankful for a clean house before the holidays -- and for my partner in crime, H. He's such a hard worker, and was a huge help.

Cookie Baking

We spent a great afternoon at my sister's house baking Christmas cookies. We've been doing this several years now, and it's a great way to crank out a bunch of holiday goodies. We may have overdone it this year though. I seriously came home with a million pounds of cookies. My niece had to work most of the afternoon, so couldn't join us until the end. The crazy thing is, next year she'll be in college! Insane. Anyhow, feels good to get those done. Plus, it was a fun day.

Last Week in Moments

Brian, the boys and I went to see the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra play the songs of David Bowie. Tony Vincent was the lead singer -- the entire night was amazing.


The next morning, we had three bucks and a doe in our yard. Once the doe laid down, we knew they would be there awhile. Sure enough, they hung out in our area until dusk. Some was in our neighbors yard. And then they were back again in ours. I've never seen anything like it.


They came pretty close the second visit! Such stunning creatures. The dogs were going nuts though.


Gretel headbutted C. Gretel = 1. C = 0. He's lucky he has his teeth!


Sunday brought a bunch of snow. Brian & H spent most of the day shoveling. Sundays are a good day to get a bunch of snow.


The boys decorated a gingerbread house. Gretel loves it. All of the candy and frosting has now been licked off the front of the house. I should have taken a photo as soon as they finished, because Gretel got to it no more than one hour later. Such a stinker!


Just chillin'. She never sits like this -- she looks like a person. Too funny.


It was so cold this week! I'm talking, January weather. Regardless, H had a swim meet and C had soccer practice. My mom even made it to H's meet! They are really fun to watch. Glad she made it.

Last Week in Moments

These two -- up to no good since 2014.


St. Nick came and paid the boys a visit. They got their usual holiday pajamas, and also some socks, holiday trinkets and chocolates. Even the dogs got a little something.


Reflections of an absolutely gorgeous sunrise.


Powered sugar face. Couldn't resist. She was trying to catch it like it was snowflakes.

Last Week in Moments

The tree is trimmed and the stockings are hung. Time for the holidays!


I didn't hang the advent calendars early this year, so C was getting really nervous I didn't make them this year. He was so excited when he saw it up when he came home from school. Our kids may be 14 and 12, but I love that they still love this.