Bowling for Brian 2016

Also known as "Annual Mule Day" or officially Brian's birthday party.  

Let's get this party started!

The usual suspects.

There's something on this couch that just isn't comfortable.

Hi baby!

Ellie and Leila loving the motorcycle rides.

Gabe was a little uncertain.

But air hockey is always a big hit.

And Kiowa did the impossible and won Popeye in the claw game.  Seriously?  Who wins that?

We put Uncle Rob to work.

And Mira had a grand ol' time.

Look at them...they're the best.

Good Thinking

There's really only one way to make sure your little sister doesn't knock down your creations.

Rubadubdub

Seriously, the children are insane.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...

The new Star Wars finally arrived!  I don't know if this generation will have the same cultural attachment to Star Wars as we do, but at least we're doing our part.  Mom Mom and Pop Pop brought us the full DVDs as a Hanukkah present.  So we watched 4, 5, and 6.  Then went to the movie theater to see Episode 7.  Which rocked!  The kids loved Rey.  And we all had so much fun.  Then we watched 1, 2, and 3...which of course weren't as good.  But still...can't wait for the next one.

Here we go!

Ellie's very critical review:  "IT WAS OSUM."

Where's Your Nose?

A Winter Stroll

A few weeks ago Jared and I bundled up all the kids and took them to Swan Lake.  I am always so grateful to the Rockefeller family for gifting us this land.

Snacks!

This is a different day, but I love this shot of the girls.

Road trip, anyone?

Birthday Weekend

Brian's birthday was last weekend and the Coburns came to town to help celebrate!  We also finally introduced them to the joys of Pitch Perfect.  It was acca-unacceptable that they hadn't seen it yet.

The kids did their part to help make the cake.

Ellie made a birthday crown.  Brian made mimosas.

I made an old favorite.

Four on a bench!

Snow!

FINALLY!  After our dreams of a white Christmas crashed and burned, we finally got some love from Old Man Winter.  As a good Vermont girl, this brings me nothing but joy.

It's very important to be properly prepared for a snow storm.  The media focuses on bread, milk, and eggs, but I find bloody marys and hot chocolate to be the key to survival.

It really was no joke.  When we went to bed on Friday the weather service was estimating 6-8" but we ended up getting two feet.  Not too shabby.  And Brian was thrilled to be able to justify his new snow blower.  Just look at him go!

After the madness...the neighbors came and played all day, and the kids practically turned in to snowmen, but I ended the night exactly as it should be.

Brian took the big kids sledding.  Apparently the "Penguin Slide" is the winning technique.

Cheers!

Drawing the Snow Storm

The kids have big plans for today.

The Neighbor Boys

I'm pretty sure this picture was taken around Fish 6 on Christmas Eve, when Andrew treats us all to the Feast of the Seven Fishes.  Special note should be taken of Brian's pajama pants.  He didn't take them off all vacation.

Gingerbread Season

My favorite time of the year!  When we ransack the kids' toy chest and cover everything in frosting.

We started with a kit from Trader Joe's.  Maybe some day I'll make the gingerbread from scratch.  This was not that year.

Our final product.

Watch out!  Pirates!

Sometimes, there are casualties.  It's only to be expected.

City Kids

Brian took the kids to his office on Christmas Eve.  Not too shabby a view, right?  

Five!

So it was crazy warm on Christmas day, and Amy came over to take some pictures of us.  Five!