Winter Fun

When 2017 started we had a short window that actually brought some cold days.  Right before Cohen started back to school we took the kids ice skating.  That was one thing she wanted to do before her break was over.  We also had friends going that same day so it worked out great.  We didn't realize this was the last day for indoor skating so the rink was pretty crowded.  Bryce was in heaven sitting on his seal being pushed around.  As long as you would push him fast, he was happy to sit.  If you ever slowed down he would try to get off which wasn't good at all!    Kate loved being pushed as well but she did get off and push the seal herself and she did a great job staying up.  Cohen, the one who wanted to skate so bad, was over it by an hour in.   The crowded rink turned her off.  We got this one thing checked off our list though!

The whole group minus Kelly

Kate was more excited about this land sloth exhibit than the ice skating

That weekend was the big snowpocolypse of 2017.  In typical Georgia snow fashion we were supposed to get 2-4 inches and got a slight dusting.  The kids were excited to have something to play in so we did go out and play in the little we had.  I guess we will continue to hold out for the big one. Right now as I type its in the 70's so I'm not going to hold my breath!

You can always find Kate near the animals!

Fashion Fix: One 13 Shop

I think one of my favorite things to do is shop!  What girl doesn't love a little retail therapy!?  I'm excited to share a friend of mine's clothing line One 13 shop.  My friend, Nikki, and her husband created the apparel line.  Their desire to make the world a better place for their child was the inspiration behind this line. They felt their greatest contribution to the world would be spreading the love and word of Jesus Christ.  I don't know about you but that's one message I am proud to help spread myself.  Over the last week I have seen more negative messages and protests than I ever hope to see.  I have seen signs, negative messages and more that make me cringe, not to mention make me shield the eyes of my kids and hope they never see such ignorance.  What I do want them to see and know is how awesome the love of Jesus is for us and how by leaning on Him we can get through anything in this world.  I want to be reminded of that myself as well!  

When I saw the clothing line Nikki had created I immediately fell in love with it!  Not only was I excited for her and her family but I was also excited to see such great messages on cute clothes!  She has so many shirts that are not only super cute, but super comfy.  Today I was actually with my Mama at a Dr's appointment and had my "I Can Do All Things" shirt on.  This is one of my favorite verses and one I definitely like to be reminded of.  Being content in life, having much or having little is something I feel we all need.  Knowing that we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength is something to cling to.  And this cute shirt I have on happens to be a tank.  I can wear it to a Pilates workout class, running, or under another shirt like I did today for a cute, casual outfit.  There is also long sleeve version that I have my eye on!  How cute is that?!

Photo Source: Instagram

Here are some other favorites I have.   

Definitely go check out Nikki's shop.  Such cute things and such great messages.  I think we call all say we would love to make the world a more positive place for our kids and our selves!  You can find all these and more at www.one13shop.com.  You can also follow One 13 Shop on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  

Ringing in 2017!

I can't believe another year has flown by and we are now into another year!  2017!  What?!  Is it just me or can anyone remember thinking the year 2000 would never be a possibility. Well fast forward (really fast I might add) 17 years later and here we are in January of 2017!  I always reflect in January on all the fun the last year held and wonder what this new year might possibly have in store.  Good things I hope!  I know we have a list of our own goals we would like to see done or happen this year. I'm looking forward to fun in each and every month and maybe writing about some of that fun on this blog too!  We had a fun time with our friends ringing in the new year.  We love spending New Year's with all of our closest friends at the Burton's.  I love that my kids look forward to this same tradition too.  Since school has been out our kids have really been staying up late so making it to midnight was no problem at all for any of them...unfortunately that includes Bryce.  We are having some sleep issues with him so anyone with any tips on making a 2 year old go to bed easier please share!  In this midst of all this sleep insomnia though the paci is GONE!  What?!  I didn't think I would ever be able to say that but it is crazy that Bryce got rid of that thing all on his own.  I mean its a small miracle.  I'm a little sad but trying to focus on the positive side of that.   Anyway...back to New Year's.   We had so much fun!  I had bought the kids these fun 2017 glasses and we had some fun with those.  Hubs and I might have liked them more than the kids did!

We spent the rest of the night hanging out with our friends.  With the forecast having a lot of rain starting around 10:45 the fireworks were moved up to 10:30.  It was a smart decision because it started raining good after the fireworks.  We did stay up with everyone until 12:00 and it was so cute listening to all the kids doing their own countdown to midnight.  I loaded the kids up shortly after and came home while the guys stuck around for some cards.  Bryce was still the last one to fall asleep.  I'm not sure what his deal is!  I'm hoping getting back on our school schedule will help!

Dawn got some good snuggles from Bryce & Liv 

Nat was surrounded by hands wanting the poppers!

Bryce was a little bit afraid of the sparklers...worked out for Grace to get some love though!

 

caught these 2 getting into the cupcakes!

Bryce was getting in on the card action

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Christmas 2016

These last few weeks are all blurred together but we had a great Christmas!  The girls have really enjoyed their break and other than some sickness that showed up unwanted, we have enjoyed every minute.  From playdates, Christmas, and New Years,  etc...we ended 2016 with fun fun fun!  Lets rewind a little back to the highlight of December-Christmas!
On Friday the 23, Cohen went with her friend Brooke to see the movie Sing.  Kate really wanted to see it too so I decided to go and take her and we actually were able to meet up with her little cousin Kylie.  The movie was really cute and both girls loved it.  Later that night we had a family Christmas dinner with the Haley family.  I didn't get any pictures but we sure had a fun time with everyone.

Our Christmas Eve is always pretty low key during the day.  We get to soak up all of the last minutes before Christmas.  I always feel like December is so much fun leading up to Christmas and I always get a little sad thinking that it is about to be over.  Since Christmas fell on Sunday and we would be at church during the morning we decided to have a Christmas Eve breakfast at Bebe's house.   Cohen was sad thinking we might miss out on such a good breakfast so we moved it up a morning and it was delicious!  That day I let the girls attempt a gingerbread house but it didn't turn out so well!  The kids got to play,  Dawn & I had a good long run, and we just enjoyed the day.  That afternoon we went ahead and put out reindeer food before heading to church for Christmas Eve service.  We always eat at Sug & Pop's house after church and Sug always does the BEST meal.  Pop reads and we just have the best time.  We were missing Aunt Vicki and my Mama this year.  The girls were pretty anxious to get home and go to bed by about 8:30.  We were tracking Santa and they were so ready to be asleep so he could come.  It makes me love everything so much watching their excitement.

Before the house collapsed...

 Christmas Eve!  Even got a picture with "black dog"(he took up here in 2016!)

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Even with all their anxiety the girls didn't wake up too too early.  It was about 7:00.  We got everyone up and ready and took them into the living room.  Their expressions (excluding Bryce who was not into any of it) were priceless.  Cohen couldn't believe Santa brought her a hoverboard, Kate was over the moon about all her animals, especially her german shepard, and Bryce finally got excited seeing his chainsaw!

We spent our morning enjoying Santa stuff then got ready to head to church to celebrate the reason for the day...our Savior's birthday!  We left church and had lunch with Sug & Pop.  We came back from lunch and had some down time.  We even had time for a nap (*gasp*).  Christmas night we spent with my family at Mama's.  I loved not being rushed here and there for the entire day.  My children enjoyed their new toys and once again...a nap!!

Monday was a busier day for us.  We had Christmas with Sug & Pop and then had Christmas in Gainesville with Grannie, Papa, Aunt Vicki, and Aunt Danette.  Bryce started to get a little interested in opening gifts but not much.  He liked what would be inside but had no desire to rip into a present.  We had a great Christmas and I am still sad to see it go.