Where Did January Go?

Since the New Year, it seems as we started full speed ahead and have not slowed down yet. Between classes twice a week and school, it's just been crazy. And then the birth of Nella Cordellia Hampton....and she has already taught me to slow down and that is just what I have done (or able to now do that my paper is completed). Thank you Nella! I'm doing things I want to do and have missed for so long!

And for now, just a little photo catch up to say Happy February!

My best friend since 1997.

Great Grandma Beardsley
Playdate with the Romanos, Goldens, Senkariks
Chase and Michael
Grandma O and Papa
Happy New Year and Happy Four Year Anniversary.!

I've Always Got Something Up My Sleeve!

Cousin love, Trenton and Alan were always together, like two peas in a pod.

Throughout the day, we watched Santa travel across the world delivering gifts and the excitement was priceless. I know it's cliche to say that Christmas is more fun through the eyes of a child, but each time we watched a new video of Santa I honestly felt like I was five years old again. (Even after the boys went to bed, I found myself checking in on Santa's location.)

Christmas Eve was an eventful day of family fun. My mom knows that every time I come home, we tear up the house making projects with the boys. And my philosophy is the messier the better (and more fun)! Our first endeavor we started easy by making the magic reindeer food. This magic concoction of oatmeal, colored sugar, glitter (stirred with love) and sprinkled onto our front lawn helps Santa's reindeer on their long flight.

Next up...dangly snowmen. I totally underestimated what a four year old and two year old can do. Trenton would sit patiently while I started putting the glue on the paper and it wasn't until Alan said, "Mama, Alan do it self" that I realized it was my turn to take the backseat and see what these Picasso's had in mind.

And with a little direction, here is the final product.

In the middle of Art Class, we heard jingle bells so we ran to the window and to our suprise saw a red nose. Matt ran outside to see if he could get a picture or maybe even talk to Santa, but only found a couple of sleigh bells. Santa had stopped by to check on the boys, but when he saw they were not sleeping he knew to come back later. When I told Trenton and Alan that he would come back when they were sleeping, Alan's exact words were: "Nap Now!" And I'm not kidding he went up stairs and was going to bed without his jammies or bedtime routine. He really went to bed and did not come down until morning, he didn't even finish decorating cookies.

And to bed they went...

Michigan Fun

Fun times with the McDonalds and Abrahams. No matter how long it goes between visits, we always pick right back up where we left off. That is true friendship.

Luke and Alan

The one and only donut shop is in Flint. I rarely eat donuts, but when I do it is only from Donna's and that past couple of trips we have been in Michigan they have been closed. I struck gold and they were open. Yum, a coconut cake donut. And making sure to share Alan had a taste of heaven he had a donut, but to quote my mom: "I'm a little disappointed that there is no frosting or sprinkles." Yes, I gave Alan a donut, but it was plain. LOL!

So, I added sprinkles. Loving every moment!

Helping Gibby with the ribbon. It was all fun and games until we went to wrap presents later and everything was in knots.

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Well we have finally arrived in Michigan after 21 hours of driving. Yes, we drove and though most say we are crazy and it's not the most comfortable I really don't mind it. The key to our successful trips with a two year old were a lot of videos and dollar store presents to unwrap if needed. It wasn't until the last three hours that Alan was furious he had to be in his seat, he hadn't really slept since he was awoken at 3 am to leave and a little nap and I don't blame him...i would hate being stuck in a car seat for that long.
So as we arrived we hit the comforts of a bed like a ton of bricks and awoke with open arms to Gibby and Gandpa, Aunt Sarah, Aunt Melissa, Shylo.....and SNOW!

Pictures to come as we have had a day of holiday shopping and gingerbread houses with Trenton. I love the holidays and it's great to be with family!