Dear Friends and Family

Next time you see me and/or my sweet ride, please tell me how good my new tires look. It was the most un-fun, un-satisfying thing I have ever spent money on. - oh well, that's life. Right?

Zoo in a winter wonderland

This weekend we headed up to the zoo. Van got a new book from the book fair with 100 facts of deadly creatures, we took it to the zoo to see how many from the book were at the zoo. He was very into the search and taught me about how deadly they were. Thanks to Kevin and Shannon who let me play mom to a little girl-it's so fun, but no it has not changed my mind about more kiddos.

Here you go

Aaron just got back from a guys road trip. Rob that used to live with us was/is moving from near Chicago to Dallas, Texas. Aaron flew back to drive this journey with Robert. I sent the camera with Aaron telling him to take lots of pictures - I have never seen that part of the country. This is what he came back with, yes there are only TWO. So, the top is Rob getting gas, hi Rob. The second is an accident on the freeway, that diverted them off the free way (that, and Rob's Tom Tom).
They had lots of fun and glad they could be reunited for a few days.

THIRTY THREE

Aaron has hit his 33rd year of life. Wow member when you were little, and to think of 33... you didn't even know that was an age someone could be.
Happy Birthday Aaron! I love you so much and am so glad I am married to you!!!

Christmas in a nutshell

This Christmas was the perfect amount of everything! I really enjoyed spending time with my boys, and seeing family here and there. When the kids are not in school they get to watch movies at night and play later than usual. I thought the boys were playing, when I went in to check on them this is what I found - asleep in the clothes baskets. We did have to move them to their beds because I was afraid Van's head was going to pop off, and Finn might have major crampage in the morning. Cute brothers

Finn testing out some pilot gear at Jeff and Carolina's.

On Christmas Eve morning we get together with my mom and Steve to celebrate. The kids were so excited to be together, and of course to be spoiled by Grandma and Steve.

Here we are, checking out/opening what Santa brought for the kids.

A tradition lost then found. We each create a gingerbread house, I think we think it is a competition, but then they are all to good to decide - what do you think? Here is Van's house

Shannon and Kim's creation, inspired by Phobee's doll house on Friends.

Kevin's house.

Finn's house, mostly made for eating not to look at.

Aaron - architectural mastermind.

As a farewell gathering before the cousins left, we went to Chuck E. Cheese - always a good time.

Finn rode this little ride over and over and over again. The ride would take a picture of you and print out a black and white photo for the rider. I think we had 10-15 photos by the time we were done.

Crazy hair day

I love that I get to share these precious moments with my kids at school. Van was so excited to be able to wear his hair this way.

Done, Done at last

Hats off to all of you who have run a 1/2 marathon (13.1 miles), or full marathon (26.2 miles). Man oh man was that the hardest self motivating thing I have done, EVER! I am glad I did it, and glad it is done. I now have a time frame to work towards for my race in April. Thanks so much to all of you who have expressed your support, and encouragement. And thanks to my two lady friends who committed to do this task with me, I will forever be grateful.