Merry 2016!

Christmas came and went in a bit of a blur, or maybe that's because almost a month has passed since then!  We had a wonderful Christmas, and we stretched out the celebration for about a full week, which was kind of nice.  It's always one of my favorite times of the year, and I really did enjoy everything leading up to the holidays.  All of the decorating, shopping, planning, preparing, trips to go see Santa, driving around looking at lights, school parties, and of course, the actual celebrations of spending time with family.  The kids were super excited Christmas morning, and they were so happy to see that Santa had found his way to our new house.  Charlie really got into Christmas this year, and he actually really liked Santa too. Kenley was just as excited, but there were already too many questions about the how's and when's and why's of Santa to answer.  She wanted to try to build some type of Santa alarm so that she would be woken up when he got to our house so she could see him. She's too smart!  I hope she still believes in Santa for a while, or that she at least plays along for her younger silbling(s)!

We celebrated New Year's Eve for the 6th year with our friends, the Rose Family.  They have 3 kids and are expecting their 4th!  We all agreed that next year we may need a nanny to help us manage 7 kids under the age of 6! We always have a good time, and so do the kids, and it's a little tradition that I hope we keep going for years to come!  I was just happy that I made it up past midnight, which is a rarity for me these days.  But, the good news is, I have been feeling SO much better the past 2 weeks!  Yay!  It sucks not feeling good, being so exhausted, and I felt like I was always complaining even though I tried not to.  Luckily, that is past, and I am hoping the rest of the pregnancy I am feeling this good.  I have still been working out about 3-4 days a week, not as hard as I usually do, but for now, I am still able to jog a little bit and use the elliptical.   I'm just trying to remind myself that even if I go to the gym and walk for a half an hour it is better than nothing!

We also just found out that we are having a GIRL!! We are very excited, and Kenley is ecstatic that she is getting a sister. Charlie seemed pretty happy too, although he is still so young that he doesn't quite get it.  Maybe that's a good thing so he's not disappointed he's not getting a brother! I can not wait to bring out (and buy!) the baby girl clothes.  I've always said that even when I was younger I always hoped I would have 2 girls.  Little did I know I would be blessed with the cutest, craziest, little boy in between having 2 girls. I am so grateful for all of my kids, and I can't wait to meet the 3rd one in the summer!

                      It's a GIRL!! 

Last week, we went to Las Vegas with my parents, sister, and brother-in-law to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday and retirement.  Instead of having a big party, my mom surprised him by planning this trip months ago.  We only let my dad in on the secret 2 weeks before we left.  We had a great time!  We went out to some really nice dinners, went to a comedy/acrobatic show, and of course, spent time in the casinos.  My mom, sister, and I also went to the Celine Dion show, which was truly fantastic. I know my dad had a great time, and it was the perfect way to celebrate 2 big milestones!!  Thank-you to Auntie Alison and Go-go who watched the kids while we were gone!



















We've had a few really cold days this week, so for the rest of the day we are staying home bundled up inside! It is 2 degrees outside.  Brrrrr!  Stay warm friends!