Christmas break

We had an amazing Christmas morning: big breakfast, church (where Spencer, Deco and Audrey played a brass trio with the choir), and gifts. Then we headed up to Puyallup for a family dinner. I loved it.

Winter break was super fun--we kept busy! We met up with Monterey friends at Defy (trampoline park), and some of my siblings/family joined us too. I laughed and played so hard, I was sore for a few days. And Ian was delighted to see his friend Mako.

A Christmas dinner photo. My sister Laura was in town for two months to be with her new grandbaby. I adored every second I got to spend with her--she lives in Texas now.

We surprised the kids with a Christmas gift of a day at Great Wolf Lodge. So fun. I love that place, especially the crazy water slides. We might have to go again for no reason one of these days (but it's pricey!). We partied hard over winter break, but we also had some good down time. I ended up not feeling great on NYE, so we were mellow at home, and it was actually very nice. We'd hoped to have one last party with my family while all my siblings were in town, but we'll meet up again soon, I'm sure!

 

December Delights

We celebrated Audrey's 16th birthday at our house with an extended family dinner. I finally got to hold this perfect baby (my niece's first).

For a birthday gift, Spencer took Audrey to the Olympia Symphony--a John Williams tribute. Audrey is a fan of his compositions (as are most of us!)

(fake snow machine--the ambience for the concert was very cool)

Photo of Declan with his church class. This is his last month in Primary and in January he begins the youth program for 12-18 year olds. No more Primary kids in this house, and that's bittersweet.

It snowed! We had a couple of late starts for school, Declan had a blast building snowman and throwing snowballs, but it was fairly short-lived. He got some snow gear for Christmas and hopes for more snow.

Cute pic of my dad and Deco in beanies.

Ian, prepping for a band concert and looking sharp. All three kids did great in their holiday band concerts.