We Did It! (12 Family Pictures)

In January, I resolved to take one family picture a month. And we succeeded! Every picture isn't frame worthy but we're all in them and in most cases, our eyes are open.  Given our current state of flux, the fact that I'm fond of the resolution, and the choas that comes with two littles,  I plan on repeating the resolution in 2014. It's probably the right size goal for me right now. I may up the ante by challenging myself to get the dogs in one of the pictures, but otherwise the goal will be the same: one picture of all of us each month of 2014.

 December

November

October

September 

August 

July

June

May

April

March

February

 January

Christmas Morning

This Christmas we woke up at our house (which was amazing) around 6:00 with Cole while Ibbie slept in. Cole saw a new play mat which stopped her in her tracks on the way to the kitchen. She got out her trucks and construction equipment then started playing right away.

When she finally made her way into the kitchen the ran directly for the wrapped play kitchen. While she unwrapped the gift she just kept exclaiming, "Ooooooo! Oooooooo!" She started playing and didn't stop until her sister woke up at 8:00. 

By 10:00 we were in Baltimore, celebrating Christmas at Scottie and Big's house in our pajamas.

Around noon, we got over to my dad's for a way too good and way too big Christmas breakfast. Cole had a blast playing with the toys my dad set out for her and demanding rides her new red wagon.

We decided to spend the night in Baltimore and leisurely make our way home on the 26th. It's funny how much more relaxed Christmas was since there was no pressure to get in as much quality time as possible. We thought it would be nice to live closer during the holidays and fortutnaly, that seems right.

A Few Nights Before Christmas

A few nights before Christmas we drove into Baltimore to welcome my brother, who was visiting from Florida, have dinner with my mom and see the trains at Kenilworth.

The train garden at Kenilworth has been part of my holiday tradition for as long as I can remember. An extensive world of model trains is set up in the center of the mall for about a month. There are buttons for kids to push which bring certain features to life. Cole loved it! Next year we'll have to make an effort to go at non-peak hours.