New Years Eve!

We usually have a quiet New Years Eve, but this year Zoe had a few friends over to celebrate, so it was a bit louder! :)

 Love these kids!

The boys were good sports...

They talked, laughed, went in the jacuzzi, played music, played games, ate, watched the countdown, rode hover boards and stayed up almost all night. Cooper and Gabe joined them for some fun and toasted at midnight.

 Joe had been over at our neighbors house at a party, while I supervised this group, but he made it back for the countdown. :)

 The kids continued to play games and hang out well into the morning. I called an end to the night at 2:30am, but the girls all stayed over so they continued the fun a bit longer.

 2015 brought some changes, successes, challenges, firsts, lasts, laughter, tears, travel, and more.  My goals for 2016 are to try to enjoy each and every day, take time to appreciate the little things, trust that God has a plan for me and my family, and savor every second that we are together and healthy.

Happy New Year 2016!!

Snowboarding!

Cooper was able to spend the day on the slopes with Gabe and Jake today.

He hadn't been in a couple of years, so it took a little practice to get into it. But after a few runs, he got the hang of it and headed up to the top of the mountain. They had a fantastic day and can't wait to go back!

Wall Project!

We have a new couch coming our way in a few weeks (our generous Christmas gift from Mom & Dad!). Since the couch is a similar color to our family room walls, I wanted to do something a little bit different to set it off. I've been seeing various wood plank walls all over the place lately and knew I wanted to do the same. After a little urging, Joe agreed to give it a try!

 It wasn't a difficult project, just tedious, and we spent most of the weekend working on it. Cooper helped out a little too.

 I absolutely love the finished product! It turned out exactly how I wanted it to. I can't wait to see the couch in and the room complete!

It begins!

Zoe hadn't been able to drive with her permit until she had her first behind-the-wheel lesson. It wasn't scheduled for a couple more weeks, but luckily, there was a cancellation and they squeezed her in. It was so strange to see her sitting in the drivers seat of the car!

 The instructor drove her all over town, across and back, and half of her lesson was in the dark. She did well, and now can officially drive with an adult. She is taking advantage of this, and driving us all over the place...running errands, to movies, the mall, etc. It's exciting and stressful at the same time!

 I have a feeling these next 6 months are going to fly by!

Christmas 2015!

We were up early to open our family gifts at home.

 New glasses for both!

 Can't wait for their little adventure!

 The dogs were excited too, and couldn't wait for their stockings.

 Happy girl! She's been wanting a giant teddy bear forever. ;)

 Love these kids...such a fun Christmas morning!

 Then it was off to Mimi and Gramps for breakfast and more Christmas Day celebrations.

 Time for presents!!

 These kids were spoiled as usual!!

Even Noah was excited to open his gifts. I was so happy to be with this sweet boy!!

Mimi was so excited about her vintage elf that Gramps found for her to add to her collection.

And Gramps always loves getting wine!

The boys have been anxiously waiting for their hover boards!

 And they took off immediately.

 Coop was sweet about getting Zoe started. It didn't take her long to get the hang of it and take off too.

 I, on the other hand, didn't grasp it as quickly! After some practice, and finally learning on carpet, I was able to go all around.

 Cousin love...

 Gramps and his boys...

 I didn't want to leave this precious little guy!

 A successful dinner and dessert, and the day was done.

I love this family of mine and I am so thankful for any and all time we can spend together! My parents go above and beyond to spoil us, and work so hard at making each holiday a special one. I am feeling blessed. Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve

We enjoyed our quiet Christmas Eve this year. We attended our favorite candlelight service at church.

 We had a nice dinner out, and I loved spending uninterrupted time together!

 They opened their yearly ornaments...a fishing one for Coop and South Beach Miami one for Zoe.

They opened Christmas pajamas, and we settled in for The Santa Clause movie before heading to bed.

Permit!

Zoe's been counting down to this step of the driving process! She struggled to find time to finish her online drivers ed, and I should not have scheduled the first test in the middle of finals and dance performances. But after a failed first attempt, she passed her permit test and is ready to go!

Now we can start behind the wheel training! As ready as I thought I'd be for this, I really am not! She is certainly excited though. :)

Bridal Shower!

Meghan and Max are getting married in March in New York, so while they were home visiting, Cathy decided to have a bridal shower for Meghan in Newport.

 We had fun catching up, eating delicious food, and watching her open gifts.

 Wes brought Noah in at the end, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on him!

 It was such a nice morning, filled with lots of laughs and sweet toasts of love for Meghan.