CHRISTMAS

Christmas this year was very low key.  One plus was that it snowed so we had a white Christmas.  I managed to get the kid's presents wrapped.  Mike decorated and made Christmas breakfast and dinner.  I was so glad that Mike took off the entire week between Christmas and New Year.  We managed to go to the movies one day and COSI another day.  Mike made a fire in our fireplace a couple of times.

MIKE'S BIRTHDAY

I was very fortunate to feel a little better on Mike's birthday.  I made him a big breakfast of eggs Benedict.  His birthday was on a Sunday but he got out of most of his meetings and was able to relax.  Since his birthday was on a Sunday we went out to eat the day before.  He chose Joe's Crab Shack.  Surprisingly, Shane really liked the crab.  He kept asking for more.  Mike was proud that he liked it but also annoyed because he wanted the crab to himself.

FIRST SNOW IN COLUMBUS

The kids were very excited to play in the first snow.  Unfortunately they have outgrown most of their snow clothes from last year.  We'll be better prepared for the next snow fall.

COSI

While Mimi and Papa were here and to do something fun for Shane's birthday we went to COSI, the kid science museum downtown.  They had a really cool dinosaur exhibit.  We all had fun playing in the kid zone, watching the planetarium show, and playing with all the hands on activities throughout the museum.

THANKSGIVING

If it weren't for my mom, our Thanksgiving would have been pretty sad.  I was not well enough to cook.  Mike did the turkey and my mom did the sides.  While things were cooking my mom made some acorns with the children.  It was a nice day and I am very grateful for all that I have, especially my family.

SHANE TURNS 3!

Shane was so happy on his birthday.  He chose a special breakfast.  We went downtown and had lunch with Mike.  Mike took the rest of the day off to celebrate with us.  It was fun to have Mimi and Papa here to celebrate as well.  Shane spent all afternoon playing with his new train set.  He picked a special dinner and requested a white cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.  We are so glad he is part of our family.

HALLOWEEN

This year for Halloween I didn't have the energy to make them coordinate.  Alex chose to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid and Shane wanted to be a giraffe.  Mike carved the pumpkins and took them trick-or-treating.  Luckily I felt well enough to go to the ward/branch trunk-or-treat so I got to see them in action a little.

I don't know why Alex felt she needed to stand at attention

PICKING PUMPKINS

Mike's work did a family outing day to a pumpkin patch.  After searching for the perfect one we headed over to their little activity zone.  The kids rode the barrel train and played on the toys.  It was very fun.

FALL LEAVES

When Daddy rakes the leaves, the kids play.

BABY #3

Mike and I are going to have to up our defense skills because we are about to change from man-to-man to a zone defense.  We are excitedly expecting another child in June of 2018.  As for me, I am excitedly waiting for the sickness to end.  Until then I will spend my days in bed or on the couch.  My theme song will be "I will survive" and my theme movie will be "What to expect when you're expecting."  Hopefully my parents will be able to come for a bit to help.  Pregnancies are not easy for me but I've sure enjoyed the outcomes.

GIRLS NIGHT

I took advantage of the Women's Conference to have some friends over for a girl's night.  We talked, ate, and were inspired by the conference.  It was so fun to spend time with friends.  I also appreciated not watching the conference alone.  I didn't get any pictures of all of us but I did get pictures of the food.  Let's face it, that's why people came.

SOCCER SEASON

I don't know who was more excited for the start of soccer season, Alex or me.  Alex still has no idea what to do or what is going on but she sure has a big smile on her face as she runs around after the ball.

PROJECTS

I have been anticipating the day when we had a yard and garage to be able to do some projects.  I refinished a few pieces of furniture.  Mike made a hammock stand and a swing set.  I also converted the two teeter totters into a large one that is more functional for the kids.