Christmas & a New Year

Happy New Year everyone. The kids have been out of school for the past two weeks, and it's been so nice spending time together as a family. My mom joined us here a few days before Christmas and was here for the Holiday. We literally spent the whole day in our pajamas and the kids played, played, and played some more. We made a trip to see family and celebrate our after Christmas Christmas with them. It ended up being a super quick trip thanks to the weather, but it was still great to see families and the kids love to see their cousins and Grandpa and Grandma. While we were there we say Tangled which was really cute and it was nice to go see a movie since we haven't been to one since Toy Story 3 came out. I was able to spend a little time with one of my sisters, it was great to see her and weird to think that next time I see her she will be the mother of two.

After we got home I was in dejunking mode and still am. It has been great to spend so much time with the Madie and Ethan, I really miss them while they are at school, but I can also tell it's time for all of us to get back into a routine. Owen is super close to walking and will be one at the end of this month which blows my mind. 2010 went by so fast, but I guess that's what happens when you have a baby at the beginning of a new year, because everything seems like a blur. Here are some of the things that we won't be forgetting about 2010:

-Owen's birth tops the list. He has been such a wonderful addition to our family with his sweet personality. It has been fun to see how the other kids have interacted with him and how much they have all matured and grown since we the last time we had a baby in the house.

-While it's not a really a highlight Owen being hospitalized for 6 days is an experience I won't forget anytime soon. It has made me grateful for the health of my children and my heart goes out to those whose children face health problems on a daily basis.

-Madie being baptized and then blessing Owen the same day was a very special day for our family. We appreciated all the family that were able to come and we enjoyed having them all in our home. We all get together when we go to see them, but it was neat to have them all here with us.

-Ethan starting Kindergarten was hard, but he was more than ready, and Madie was so excited for her brother to join her on the bus and at school. I'm trying not to think of them both being gone all day in the fall, but I know it will be here all to quick.

-Jeff lost his Grandma Johnson right after Christmas last year, and then lost his Grandma Hodson a few months ago. We are thankful that we were able to be there for thier funerals. They are both very missed.

-We made a few trips to see family. It's always great to spend time with them and we miss them and wish we lived closer.

-Madie started Piano which he has been really enjoying and even Jeff has been picking it back up (he took when he was younger). We are all loving the sound of music in our home.

We didn't do a lot last year, but it still seemed very busy, I guess that's what happens when you have four kids. We are all looking forward to a new year and the fun of seeing the kids continue to learn and to grow. We hope it will be a good one, not only for us, but for all of you.

Happy New Year !!!