Noon Year's Eve

Christmas

In keeping with our new tradition, on Christmas morning we woke up at our house then made our way to Baltimore to see my family. At home we read the story of Jesus' birth, opened presents, and had a little breakfast. Cole wanted Santa to bring her and Ibbie bubbles for Christmas, blue and yellow bubbles that she could blow herself. He did. He and his reindeer also gratefully devoured the cookie, carrot, milk, and water the girls left out.

Cole also wanted Ibbie to give her a Buzz Lightyear, who she affectionally calls "Buzz Light-leader."

Cole gave Ibbie her very own baby doll which was exactly what she asked for. Our generous neighbors gave us a workbench that their children recently outgrew. The girls were surprised and delighted.

We got to Baltimore at 10 o'clock and had a lovely and leisurely morning and afternoon at my parents' houses. I opted to bring a tripod and timer so we could get some family pictures and didn't worry too much about getting snapshots.

Christmas morning, my dad gave Ibbie a necklace to celebrate her baptism in September. I planned to hold on to it until she was a bit older but Ibbie insisted we put it on her right away. The gal loves accessories! 

The Night Before Christmas

Thanksgiving (Better Late Than Never)

Our Thanksgiving lasted eight days. It brought us guests from Georgia, took us to New Jersey and Rehoboth, and somewhere in there we hosted a meal. I'll let these many, many pictures do the talking.  We are very thankful. 

 

Halloween 2014

Mother's Day

Apologies for the radio silence. We moved into our new house on May 2 with help in many forms from my mom, step-dad, dad and Craiglist movers.  Little by little we have been unpacking and organizing since then which, no doubt, will continue into June. On Sunday we took a break from unpacking to have lunch at my mom's house for Mother's Day.

My sister and her boyfriend came down from New Jersey, my step-brother and his girlfriend showed, as did my youngest brother. My brother, Uncle TJ was missed, but since he lives in sunny Florida we don't feel too badly.

Ibbie and Cole were more than happy to sit on the porch and hang out with everyone. Cole was less pleased to see the camera than usual.

 

 Cole introduced her Aunt Kelsey to the magic that is Frozen, via YouTube clips. 

She also goofed around with Scottie.

And we got a family picture! I'm far less disciplined about getting our monthly pictures this year than last but, somehow, I still think I have one for each month of 2014.