Girls just wanna have fun...

We were finally able to dig ourselves out and thaw out just a few days ago.  We're learning that the new house will need several mature trees in our back yard to help prevent the enormous, 3 foot drifts that develop in just hours during snow storms.  We now also know that we need to keep several gallons of gas on hand any given time as our driveway is much wider and longer than our previous home.  

Anyways, after the "Polar Vortex", we continued our fun.  My dad drove over for the day to go to the fishing show at Rock Financial.  Helaina saw it a perfect opportunity to bust out her new cowgirl boots from Uncle Nate.  The kids and I went with my dad for a few hours, and they had fun fishing in a pond, riding a simulator into Mars, and checking out all the big, fancy boats. 

The girls fun continued into the weekend as my best friends (well 2 out of the 3) drove from Indy to spend a "girls only" weekend together.  These days don't happen often, so I treasure every minute of my "alone time" with them!  So fun that Helaina was able to join in for a few hours at the ice skating rink!  And the biggest thank you to the husbands and Daddy's for making it all possible! You guys are truly the BEST!

Helaina and Auntie Katie...Helaina insisted that Katie and Megan style the dolls' hair in the beauty shop.  She's also one tough critic!

Helaina sure knows how to enjoy herself in any group setting.  On Sunday we attended Rola's baby shower and Helaina was quite the helper in opening all the baby gifts.

Reading books to her brother.

Celebrating Rana's 20th birthday with 20 birthday candles and a cake full of icing!

Hello 2014

Our days, and now weeks, post-Christmas have been just as wonderful as all the days leading up to that special day.  With how the holidays fell this year, I had about 2 weeks off from work which allowed us to visit Indiana for our last Christmas of the season.  The kids and I made an appearance at the annual "day after Christmas party" at the Snooks' home.  My cousin Jess celebrated and toasted her recent engagement to her new fiance, Aaron.  Their wedding will be in May of this year and then she'll be deploying with her new husband overseas for his Navy assignment.   

More presents at the Walter Christmas.  My parents (also known as Grama Claus) continue to host this Christmas that is known for games, gifts, and more games.  Such a fun day spent with family that we don't see often.

Helaina with her new cowboy boots from Uncle Nathan.

After a long visit in Indiana, we headed back to MI on New Year's Eve.  Thanks to Randy's parents, Randy and I enjoyed ringing in the New Year in downtown.  Here's a view from our suite at the Alumni Game of the Winter Classic at Comerica Park.

After the alumni game, we headed across the street to our next party at Cheli's.

Who doesn't love a game of beer Jenga?

And then the winter storm hit and continuing to make it's mark on our new year.  Snow, wind, more snow, cold temps, snow, it's brutal.  Thank goodness we have a helper...

and a snow blower with a helper!

So we've been stuck inside more than usual and this particular day our princess and our prince helped make banana bread.

Finally, a 30 degree day so we could go sledding!

And today, the Khoury girls and Helaina braved the snow and watched "The Little Mermaid" at the Marquis Theater in downtown Northville.

Come, Lord Jesus

"Come, Lord Jesus. Come, Lord Jesus. Come and be born in our hearts."  Our Great Light, our Savior is born and we are so joyful.  We give Him thanks for all of this....

For a sweet boy who loves to snuggle next to his Mommy and Daddy before bed. 

For a 4 1/2 year old princess who is turning into a "girl" right before our eyes.  Their hearts are filled with pure innocence and joy and it's simply contagious.  Thank you Aunt Abla for her new dolls.

For a child who is beyond excited about all things Batman and that super special "green stuff".

For a brother who can't stand to fall asleep in his own bed and finds it necessary to sneak out of his bed every night and find a place in Sissy's closet.  Melts.our.hearts.  We just sweep him up before we head off to bed so he can finish the night in his own bed.

For every ounce of sweetness that is shining from this picture.

For a surprise house visit from SANTA on Christmas Eve.

For kids who believe that Santa is magical and loving and all things good in this world.

For a Santa who brings bells and rocks it out with our little musician.

For parents/in-laws who support us and love us better than we know possible.

For Amo Jack and Auntie Georgette and their kind hearts and welcoming home.

For big Santa hugs.

For cousins and new baby cousins (Jacob and Cameron) and our growing extended family.

For a home that has been visited by Santa.

For whipped cream and candy canes for breakfast.

For Daddy's and their little girls.

For Jesus and his birthday and this awesome birthday cake that was made in honor of Jesus and will be devoured at breakfast tomorrow morning.

And lastly, a Christmas serenade for you to enjoy.  Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Christmas Cheer

T-6 days...but who's counting?!? Our house is full of Christmas excitement and cheer.  The innocence of the kids and their pure joy for the season continues to ground us during those stressful days and hours leading up to all the festivities.  It's truly magical to be able to experience this holiday through the eyes of our children.  We. are. so. blessed.

These photos were taken when we were waiting in line to take a photo with Santa.  Most kids would be thrilled to feel the cold ice and paw print from a polar bear, but not our son, no it wouldn't stop there.  Shortly after the picture was taken, I hear a man calling out to me, "Miss, Miss, you're son is licking the ice."  

I would give $100 at this age to take a "normal" picture with the two of them together.

Who wouldn't be all smiles for a late night smoothie?

And a chance to eat some all of Daddy's ice cream...

Look at the trouble that Shelf got himself into while the kids were sleeping.  Their reaction was great!  They were so concerned that he was going to get in trouble for making a mess.

Penny horsey rides at Meijer!!!  Great bribery while we are in the store too!

 Office Christmas party with the two best bosses...5 years and counting at the "new" office.  So proud of them for the practice that they are building together and the patients they continue to genuinely care for everyday.

First real snow of the season, too bad it was absolutely freezing.

My parents made their annual trip to our house in December to exchange gifts and celebrate the holiday together.  The kids play "elf" and "Santa's helper" and enjoy passing out all the gifts.  

He couldn't get the new pajamas and backpack on fast enough.  He calls it his "power pack" and "shoots fire" from the blue straps.

Playing hair and make-up with her new Sophia doll.

Helaina's first Red Wings game of the season.  Unfortunately, the only two things she could talk about were the slushies and the dance music.  She still looks super cute in that jersey though :).

Just hours before this photo was taken, our little man was at the doctor.  103.9 temperature, a double ear infection, and a cough that produced vomiting...amazing what Motrin, Claratin, and an antibiotic can do for a 2 year old.  Unfortunately, he had to miss out on what should have been his first ever Wings game...there's always next time.

This photo was taken today at school, and it is everything that I love about our son and his first school friend, Griffin.  Griffin, a fellow farm boy from Iowa with his overalls and our son dressed in everything superhero.  I had my phone out to take a photo of Zach with his hand-made ornament and in the process, Griffin planted the biggest hug and kiss on Zach's cheek.  Made.my.heart.melt.  A photo of pure love and joy.  Merry Christmas!