How We Welcomed 2016

A little throwback to M and me saying goodbye to 2015 and getting ready to start 2016.

We played a few games of dominoes.

And of course enjoyed some sparkling grape juice.

So far - 2016 is pretty awesome! :)

Valentine's Day 2016

Just a few pictures from Valentine's Day this year. Only 2 months late - that's an improvement for me!

Madison wanted to decorate cookies for everyone.

It's always a challenge when trying to get a group photo of my wonderful children. It's fun to see all the attempts we make though. :)

Carter, Tucker, Cooper, and Madison

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE all these little people!

Christmas Day 2015

We spent Christmas Day at home with my Dad, and brother and sister-in-law. It was so nice they were visiting this year!

Christmas Morning - Santa visited!

The kids could hardly wait!

The boys ran directly to their new rides!

Madison made Uncle and Auntie Cat aprons.

Even Winky was in the spirit!


Until next Christmas...

Christmas Eve 2015 and Our Santa Picture

I'll just start this post with this lovely picture.


Tracy's office hosts a special picture night with Santa. Carter wanted nothing to do with Santa, so this was as close as he'd get.

For our family, it has always worked perfectly to celebrate the Christmas holiday all together since Josh's side celebrates on Christmas Eve, and mine on the 25th. This year was a little different because my brother and his wife were visiting, so of course they joined us on the 24th, and Josh's family is always more than welcoming!

Here are a few photos. I am not able to get as many photos as I used to since the littles keep me pretty busy.

Mommy and Madison!

Tracy came to our place first. She was making an ice-cream cake, and the kids were excited!

That's Carter cheesing it!

They loved their triple see-saw from Grandma!

Here's M with just a couple gifts from Grandma.

We all had a wonderful time at the Great Grandparents' home with everyone. We ate some yummy dinner and went to church. Then, back to open gifts!

M and Ava being goofy.

M with Ry'Niah.

Madison and her cousins!

Of course M left a note and a snack from Santa before heading to bed.

It really is magical to experience Christmas through your children's eyes. :-)

Easter 2016

Thought I'd throw in a semi-current post just for fun. Don't worry...I still have PLENTY of past events to post about. But, anyways, here's a recap of our wonderful Easter celebrations.

Thursday before Easter, Madison dyed eggs with Dad and the Great Grandparents. I wasn't brave enough to let the boys try this year...next year for sure, though.

Saturday we attended a super fun potluck and egg hunt with Josh's side of the family. The kids all had a blast!

Not sure where Madison was...(oops)...thanks for the picture, Tracy!

Off enjoying the hunt.

All the cousins had a blast!

Easter morning. Madison was thrilled the boys were eating at the table with her. They enjoyed some yummy pancakes from McDonald's.

Then, we let them enjoy their Easter baskets. Madison asked us point blank if the Easter Bunny was real , or if it was just Mom and Dad - I'm not good at lying, and so we told her the truth. We let her know she still act like he's real because of her brother's and other kids that still believe, since there is nothing wrong in believing. Now she loves saying to me, "Mom, I LOVE the stuff YOU...I mean, the Easter Bunny, got me in my Easter basket. This kid...

Later, Grandma Tracy and Grandma Bevy and Grandpa Louie stopped by to spoil the kids some more.

Then, after nap, we let them do a small egg hunt in our yard.

They LOVE the candy!

The spoiling didn't end on Sunday though. Monday, Grandpa Dave showed up with more Easter goodies for the kids. They each got some awesome clothes and more yummy treats. No pictures - I missed my opportunity with my Dad because the kids got too excited and bombarded him when they saw the baskets!

Wow...it feels good to get something documented that didn't happen 5 or 6 months ago. Haha.

More Holiday Fun 2015

As usual - we went to Festival of Trees in downtown Davenport. The boys LOVED watching the choo choo trains around the train tree.

The best group shot we could get.

Madison and I made a gingerbread house. She LOVED decorating it.

And, of course we did some holiday baking together. First we made her Daddy's favorites.

Madison wanted to decorate sugar cookie cut outs.

And, we made my favorite holiday cashew cookies.

Reindeer ears!
Cooper and M.

Carter and M. Carter would ONLY wear the white antlers.

Tucker and M.
No picture. He refused to wear the antlers. He also did not want his picture taken!