January

We ended the month on a day of morning to evening snow- the best one since living here for the last 17 years! It's a good thing we did too because this January post was going to be exceedingly boring as we participated in approximately 2 events. We will get those out of the way first. We went to Finley Park for the 1st time since its revamp. I thought it was pretty cool. They have a sliding hill and disc golf, and pickleball, and a lot of climbing equipment. I had to force my children to go on the playground. 

We also saw many a cousin. Lacy and Lizzy spent the night and we made a mouse house. The Hoft boys also spent the long weekend and per usual it was mostly Mario Kart and Super Smash Brothers with a quick break for the trampoline park and kickball. For one of the dinners I did that thing where you assign every meal item a number and then they order their courses by number totally blind as to which things they will get. It was well received. Lots of eating with fingers, and Daron got a course that was entirely utensils.

Progression of snow.

 

 

 

 

December

We liked December! I think my summary words would be...

1. Simmer pot- I had one going most days. I dried about a million oranges and apples for a DIY simmer pot bag station for my work holiday party. Rory thought the oranges smelled horrible. 

2. Popular- I hosted all my co-workers and every single one came. When they were leaving I looked outside and there were like 30 cars all up and down the street. I felt very popular. Then I realized the neighbors were also having a party. Ours was surely more fun. I made everyone hunt around the house for mini holiday items, Alice made a cling wrap snowball full of goodies for Pass the Parcel, and there was soup and crafting.  

3. Mice- I went on a sewing spree making little felt mice. It was so fun seeing each one's personality emerge. I felt rather Jillian Jiggsesque.

We did our advent drawers again. It is getting less and less exciting as the boys get older. I think the biggest hits were the Christmas light scavenger hunt, Chick-fil-a peppermint milkshakes, and Rudolpho's Italian Christmas Cafe. (Fancy Christmas dinner at home where everyone dresses up and I pretend that I am a waitress.) Silas joined in the acting as the live music and played Jingle Bells on the violin. The (old) neighbors had us over to celebrate Hannukah with a feast. I'm a big fan of matzah ball soup.

For New Years Eve, the Brouceks celebrated with us and we had a silver vs. gold Minute to Win It competition. We rang in the new year at 9:00. Highly recommend. 

Merry Christmas 2025

Merry Christmas! It was nice not being up late building anything this year!  The boys mostly got money and games. We had fun with Daron's family in the evening. Conor made me the mushroom in the last picture on his lathe! ❤️