Christmas break family, friends, and fun

Well everyone, I sit here counting the minutes as they edge me closer to the dreaded workday that will most certainly arrive with the ugly ring of an alarm clock at just after 6:00 am Monday morning. This will go down in my memories as one of my favorite family holidays so far as a parent! Chris and I both had virtually two weeks off together and, for the first time ever, we did not travel! This truly felt like two weeks of break. My home looks much better. We even painted and decorated Sarah's "big girl room" (photos to come). She has not yet decided she is brave enough to move in, but it is ready when she is. We took down all Christmas decorations and created a study/playroom where the front living room used to be! I hope it will contain the toy mess in the future. I don't know about you, but my mental wellbeing hinges in large part on my world being organized, so I am feeling great! I have included a random assortment of good times we have had over these two weeks (with more to come very soon).




On the last Sunday in December, we joined the McReynolds, Crutchfields, Ashley's mom, and Jerry for lunch at one of our favorite places "Jalepenos." It was a fun time of catch up and discussion of the new baby entering our family very soon. Congratulations again Jason and Ashley!

Sarah forgot which holiday we were celebrating. She definitely had Valentine fever sitting next to Caden!

Just as she planted on on him, Chris began thinking about how to convince her that Caden really is a "cousin". Just not by blood!

Cohen also had a great time smiling for the camera. He is so cute!



Our next visit of the week was to our cousin Michael's home in Nicholasville to drop off some late Christmas presents and visit with the family. Jason joined us in the visit.

Chris and Sarah quickly became engrossed in reading one of Ava's books. Reading is definitely tops of Sarah's list of activities.

I noticed this beautiful painting on Mike and Michelle's mantle. I was in shock when she told me that her father painted it for her. He is an ametur and has only painted for the past five years! I could have sworn this was done by a local professional.

Michelle and Ava had fun on the floor opening her presents. She is so sweet! We are so glad Sarah gets to spend time with her.

Ava's favorite game seems to be "Hugs". She walks around from person to person and shares the sweetest embrace. It is now my turn!

Grace is equally sweet but much more reserved. I hope some of it rubs off on Sarah! Mine is a loud little ball of energy (whom I love more than life itself :>)

These were just two of many photo worthy visits that I plan to share with you soon. Stay tuned for the "big girl room"

Till then,