December 2014

December 2014 was filled with many blessings, wonderful memories and family blessings.

We started the month with Grace and Jake's Christmas Program at their school.  Jake was able to hold the "Happy Birthday Jesus" sign and did a great job participating.  There were a few distractions where we caught him looking over at the empty organ for moments at a time but he did well.  Considering Grace is typically our most shy child, she did a fabulous job.  She sang and danced and had a good laugh with the boy that was screaming the song next to her.

The next evening, Mike and Cindy came into town and we went out to dinner and to a new winery that recently opened.  It was so great to see them and we very much appreciated them taking the time to come visit.

Pete and I each had our holiday parties this month and they, unfortunately, fell on the same night.  He went to his (since spouses were not invited) and then met up with me at my holiday party.  We had a great time and it was nice to introduce him to the wonderful people I get to work with every day. 

The kids continue to take swim lessons weekly and enjoy learning new techniques and tricks in the water.  Claire continues to love school and is very much set on things being fair.  I find myself saying "life's not fair", but I don't think that is hitting home.  Grace is getting more vocal and has decided she has a say when it comes to her loud siblings.  Jake's milestone for the month is out of pull ups at night as well.  We are officially a diaper/pull-up free house!

We were happy to celebrate the holidays with the Vandervaart family the Monday before Christmas.  Its always fun getting together with them and we had the pleasure of learning that we are expecting a new niece or nephew in August.

We went to Indianapolis for Christmas and had a great time relaxing and hanging out with my family.  We went bowling, watched movies and enjoyed each other's company.

Here are some pictures from our month of December:

We went out with our good friends, Scott and Trina for New Year's Eve.  My mom was in town and watched the kids and Claire and Grace stayed up to watch "the ball show" with my mom.