Safe Travels

There was snow in the forecast for our trip home from SC.  Mom had flown to Lane's before Christmas then rode home with us.  We piled in and ventured out for the 9 hour trip.  Thankfully the roads were great through the mountains, but we did get into some slick and icy roads in Ohio.  Mom and I were so relieved to have Brad driving.  He drove all but the last two or three hours.  This was a particularly rough stretch. We saw one semi accident, but nothing major.  As always, it was so nice to get home.  Thanks for a wonderful time, Aunt Lane and Uncle Keith!  We look forward to our next visit!

Sports and Superheros

Cam Newton fans!  Thanks to Great Papaw for gifting Christmas money.  Drew loves his new jersey!

Captain America - I'm guessing he's watching Paw Patrol or Blaze. ;)

Hulk and two TMNT

Hudson

I couldn't help but post these sweet pictures.  This boy is as sweet as he is ornery.  He's every bit of two years old and will keep Lane and Keith on their toes.  When we only see each other a time or two a year, it's so fun to see how the kids change.  Hudson is a keeper!  Even if he does get marker on his face while coloring. ;)

Let's Bounce!

This was another attempt to let them run wild for a bit.  Our intent was to go bowling, but a league meant we'd need to wait over an hour for a lane.  The bounce house room had to do!  They had fun and were all sweaty and in need of showers when we were finished.  Thankfully the adults just had to watch this time.

Artists

Aunt Lane was well prepared for our visit.  She bought canvases for the kids to paint.  Cam made a truck, Alivia drew a letter "A", Drew's was a sports theme and Hudson enjoyed mixing colors. :)

Ice Skating

The kids have a new respect for ice skaters and hockey players!  The difficulty level is probably the reason we haven't taken the kids to do this before.  As usual, Drew picked it up pretty quickly.  He was making laps by himself and skated away from the wall quite well.  Alivia needed a little more assistance.  She stayed close to Brad the whole time.  Her toothpick legs looked like a baby deer learning to walk for the first time.  She came off the ice after falling pretty hard, but was determined to go back out and do it again.  Cam did pretty well, too.  The last time they went, he made one lap and was done.  He did several this time!  We decided to treat ourselves to Mexican for dinner when we were finished.

Alivia and Brad waving

Drew sliding by before I could get a good pic

Sky Zone!

There's so much energy between these kids, so Sky Zone seemed like a great solution.  They were worn out!  They played dodgeball, dunked on the basketball goal and jumped their hearts out!  I enjoyed watching and taking pictures. :)  Hudson sat this one out, which was probably a good idea.  He stayed home and napped instead.  I think Lane got a nap in, too!

South Carolina Christmas

Our schedules allowed us a few days away to go see the Crockett's after Christmas.  We left after I got home from work on the 26th and spent three full days in SC.  The weather wasn't as warm as we would have liked (30s and 40s), but it was sure better than Indy.  They were struggling to keep temperatures above single digits!  We had a wonderful visit and enjoyed exchanging gifts, too.  It was so fun to enjoy time with Cam and Hudson.  They are two very busy boys!

Christmas with Uncle Craig

This guy is one we're so lucky to have as a part of our family.  Craig lives just two miles away and always finds time for the kids.  He attends their sporting events, visits just to play and catch up and always remembers their birthdays.  We were blessed to have him visit the evening of Christmas.  He sure does know how to put smiles on their faces.  Thanks for being you, Uncle Craig.  We'd be lost without you!

 

Merry Christmas!

It's been another memorable Christmas with Alivia and Drew.  They discovered the truth about Santa Claus on Christmas eve (it was a comical conversation via text between Drew and myself), so there wasn't excitement to see what Santa brought, but lots of happiness to see what Mom and Dad delivered.  While Brad and I were thrilled to finally get all of the credit for the gifts these last several years, we were sad at the realization that they're growing up.  I just wish we could freeze time.  These days, weeks, months and years are going by so fast. 

I'm so thankful we were able to spend another Christmas at home with everyone healthy and happy.  We had fun opening presents and surprising the kids with new electric scooters.  They loved absolutely everything!  We spent the afternoon playing games and putting together Drew's Colts puzzle.  We were lazy all day long and we loved it!  Later that evening we ventured out to look at lights and find some caffeine.  (I should have been more prepared!)  Steak & Shake to the rescue! :)

Electric Scooters!  Now we just need the weather to cooperate so they can ride them.

A Colts necklace.

Drew loved his Kevin Durant jersey!

They each got a Garmin Vivofit.  They've been looking at these for months.

Brad thought of this two days before Christmas.  Since he doesn't do much shopping I hated to not get them.  I only had to go to three stores to find them!

A volleyball for home so she can work on her skills.  

He requested a new football and "Santa" came through. :)

Christmas Eve

We continued our tradition of attending Park Chapel's Christmas Eve service with friends, then enjoyed dinner at Mozzi's.  The Greulich's and Philhower's were great company.  Merry Christmas Eve!  These two are excited!

Christmas with Dad and Karen

Papaw and Grandma Karen came home from Florida to celebrate Christmas with their families.  We spent the afternoon and evening with them yesterday.  Karen made a nice meal and the kids were again blessed with goodies.  We're thankful we could spend some time with them before they return to the sunshine at Ft. Myers Beach.

The Best Neighbors

I can't say it enough - we have the world's best neighbors!  Alissa asked if we could come over to give the kids a little gift.  I had books for the girls, so we went over after school on Friday.  It was so good to visit since we haven't seen each other outside lately.  Violet loved the Frosty the Snowman book and insisted we sing the song so she could dance.  Alivia and Drew were thrilled with their snowballs and slingshots.  They quickly put them to use at home.  We feel so blessed to be surrounded by great people when we're home.  These girls are the sweetest!

Eloise and Alivia

Drew and Violet

We took so many pictures!  3 out of 4 looking up isn't too bad. 

My hallway the next morning.  Every time someone came out of a bedroom or bathroom they were fair game. :)

Christmas with Mom

Our schedule has been so busy, we had to celebrate with Mom, Aunt Leslie and Stephen on a school night.  Between basketball and visits to South Carolina, we quickly ran out of days.  We had a great evening and enjoyed exchanging gifts.  The kids were probably most excited about their digital coin jars.  They quickly ran to their rooms to grab their piggy banks and started entering their money.  Drew came out on top with over $60 in coins!  Thanks to Mom and Aunt Leslie for spoiling the kids and us, too. :)