Merry Christmas!

We started our Christmas Eve with our traditional brother gift exchange.  I think this will always be one of their favorite things! 

We spent Christmas Eve at Jerry and Glendas

And, popped over to Gages to say HI to Robby and TayTay.

He came...

Colt was hesitant about this because he LOVES his bed, but he continued the tradition and slept in our room! 

A couple weeks back when Chase saw Santa at the neighborhood get together, he asked what Chase wanted.  Chase said, "something cool!" and Santa said ok, I'll leave you some ice, and he did!  

Snowman and Fred left  V-bucks in the new outside fridge.  

We opened gifts as a family and Grandad joined us a bit early.  Then  Becky, Allen and Liam joined us for more gifts and Zaks homemade breakfast! 

Grandad always tries to trick the boys with silly gifts instead of the real gift or by wrapping box after box to get to a gift.  So, they did the same to Grandad with his gift from them.  

After the morning at our house, we headed to Gagag's.  Its always nice and laid back over there.  We had a great dinner and ended the night with a Gingerbread house contest and singing Happy Birthday to Jesus.

41 years of Christmas WITH my mom. Even in the height of Covid, we made Christmas with my mom happen. We didn’t know it would be our last.

Today, we spent Christmas day together, without my mom. Memories were shared, a few tears were shed and presents were given in her honor.

It still hurts my heart too much to comprehend that she wasn’t here with us.

Today was great, but a part of our hearts were missing and forever will be.

Merry Christmas mom.

Our Angels....

Snowman and Fred

After 10 years with Snowman, he's still a part of our family.  I think the magic might be dwindling a little but those elves are still so loved.  Chase came out every morning looking for them and Colton loved when they brought stuff. 

Christmas Stuff

End of Semester Parties and Watch Dogs

Both the boys had fun activities at school that I was able to Volunteer for today. Colton got to have Winter Recess this morning and Chase had his last elementary Holiday Party.

Neither one of them had much time for pictures so this is as good as I got.

I am so looking forward to this break with them!

Today, Zak surprised Chase and FINALLY

got to be a Watch Dog again!!!!!

Chase had the absolute best day. It started with 5th Grade Donut Breakfast, a surprise Chick-Fil-A lunch from his teacher for earning a Golden Ticket and double recess! All while his dad spent the day with him.

I’d say it was a great Friday!

Zak had a great day too and loved being with the older kids but about 12:30 I got this text from him…

I don’t know how these teachers do it. I’m worn out.

Happy Birthday in Heaven

Today is my moms first birthday in heaven. 

Our first birthday without her. 

I miss her so much every single day but today I miss her even more. 

Happy Birthday Mom.

Look at this stunner my cousin sent me.

My mom was beautiful inside and out!

It's Beginning to look like Christmas....

Christmas went up EARLY this year!  November 10th and trees were up! Its been nice to slowly decorate and enjoy the festive vibes.  

Zak started  lights while the boys were at school. 

And they helped him finish up. 

And for a little fun....

Last night we took an early trip to see Santa before Lacrosse starts up and life gets crazy, once again.  The boys weren't as excited to go this year.  I guess that's what happens when you grow up.  But, its tradition so Gaga met us there and we had a fun evening seeing Santa, shopping and playing.  Colt told Santa he wants a drone (this is a new revelation) and Chase said he didn't know what he wanted.  Really?!?!?!?!

November Fun!

These two...This is how Zak woke the boys up.  Blaring music. At least Colt got up happy.  Doesn't always happen.

Robison Bingo Night!

Colt is his mommas child.  He loves to clean and organize, just like me!

This organizing of his closet set off a whole storm of cleaning out and organizing the boys rooms.  

Poor Chase.

Our trees grow like crazy.  Gotta get rid of some limbs so we can see the Christmas lights!

Coffee and Cars with my boys one chilly November Saturday. 

Even in 5th grade disguising a turkey is fun homework! 

Colonial Day with my favorite 5th grader!

These three tear up the hood at any chance they get.  They needed to file up first. 

Island Boys

Happy #40 PA!!!! We loved spending the day with you!!!!

So proud of this kid!

He built this bridge in his Principles of Applied Engineering class and it held 24 lbs. He only stopped adding weight because he wanted to bring it home. His bridge is in first place for holding the most weight so far out of all the classes.

s.)