Kyle is 5!

With the extra time off, we thought a trip to a water park would make Kyle's birthday extra special.

The kids swam over two days. We played games and had pizza in the hotel room.

We hosted a family party for Kyle on New Year's Eve. He got some cool new toys and had fun with his cousins.

Winter Break

The day after Christmas was unseasonably warm. The kids got to ride their new toys and we lost most of our snow.

Lucian and I both had the week off, which we spent relaxing at home, playing with new toys...

visiting the museum...

and celebrating the New Year. Claire and Lydia made signs and crowns.

Kyle was fighting a terrible cold over the break, but started to improve before he returned to school. Let's just say we had to restock the kleenex supply from Costco. Poor guy.

The break always slips by much faster than expected. While I didn't get to everything on my list, it was lovely to have the time together.

Merry Christmas

The kids slept until 7am this year, which I found rather acceptable. Spencer complained that it was still dark out and went back to be after gifts. College kids:)

Santa brought many a gift. We were all very fortunate this year.

We hosted dinner with my family on Christmas.

The kids got little scooters and Spencer got silly;)

And I will be an auntie to my new niece any day now. Can't wait to meet her!

Christmas Eve

Lucian's mom's family hosts a giant pizza party each year around Christmas. It's nice to see the very large family in one place and for all the cousins to catch up and visit. It was our kick off to the holiday this year on the 23rd.

Our niece, Lydia, performed in the Nutcracker this year, so the whole family went to a show on Christmas Eve. Lydia was an angel in the show. The group of young girls was absolutely adorable. 

After the show we gathered at Lucian's parents for the first round of food and gift opening.

We made it home in time to leave out treats for Santa, however, Kyle fell asleep in the car. Luckily big sis was up for the task. She made sure to leave a healthy orange for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.

Gym Class

Claire was doing a roller skating unit in gym class at school. They asked for parent volunteers and Claire asked if I could sign up to see how much better she had gotten. I managed to sneak out of work one afternoon and helped out in a few classes. She was so happy I was there, and boy had she improved!

One of Claire's friends let me know that Kyle would be heading into gym class next. I had not planned on that, but I got to stay and watch his class of K4 kids ride roller racers. He was surprised and so happy as well. Love that I got to be there.

What's New

We picked out our Christmas tree the weekend after Thanksgiving. Everyone helped to decorate this year and I'd say it turned out great.

The kids enjoyed the first snow. There has been A LOT more since that. Their winter gear is getting a good workout.

We got bunk beds for the kids room. After assembling them, their room looks completely different! There is room to play and lots of book storage in the bookcase. I love it.

And after spending an entire Saturday in the top bunk, I think the kids are enjoying them too.

Halloween

We went to Lucian's sister's house for trick or treat this year. Her neighborhood is filled with kids and several houses were quite decked out. It also occurs while it's dark out, which adds a layer of mystique. We started early and I even broke out the Queen Amidala costume my mom made me in college. Still looks great!

Kyle was a lego ninja. The Red Ninjago Kai. His pants made it super hard to walk, so I was overprotective mom the whole night worried he would trip if he ran to took any steps. At some point after dark, I just took off the costume pants and we all felt much better.

Claire had a blast running around with her cousin Lydia. Claire was a zombie cheerleader while Lydia  was a zombie bride.

The girls hit more houses with Nana and Blanca while Lucian and I hung back with Kyle. Those darn pants! I'll remember that next year when selecting a costume.

The next day we casually made it around our circle for more treats. Claire let me have fun with her make-up again and Kyle added nunchucks to his ensemble that day.