January

Jonathan and the kids were excited to  get on the  mountain in January. I can’t even count how many times they’ve all been up. Jonathan teaches on Wednesday evenings, Avery goes up at least a couple days a week with friends, and Jonathan tries to get the rest of them up a couple times as well. It’s fun hearing about all their progress how confident they are becoming.

Silas, Ethan, Layla & Clare met up one day.

I snagged these pics Scott posted from Andrew’s seventeenth birthday.

Avery, officially accepting WWU’s offer

We got together with our high school and college friends, Heather & Taber (and Heather’s hubby, Tim).

Avery took his brothers up one evening to go night skiing. They’re so sweet!

Kieron has had quite a few swim meets. His favorite events are freestyle and backstroke.

Layla is quite the little basketball player and has no problem getting aggressive on the court!

Silas and his buddy, Ethan M, on the chairlift

Layla went up with her friend Shelby the other day

Look who became an American!

Putting together the Lego Nana gave her for Christmas,

Layla and Shelby snuck into my closet to try on high heels

Our friends who frequently watch Phoebe when we are out of town adopted this cute, Dottie!

Another swim meet

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NYE

We waited until the last minute to make New Year’s plans but ended up with a full day. We went to Bellevue with the Hoitings and the Archibecks and most of our kids. Silas and Kieron wanted to be dropped off at the mall while we visited.

Later that night the Toomeys came over to ring in the New Year
 

Avery had about 20 friends over for a party in the basement. We were glad to have him at home and not on the road. Here are a few of them. He’s got such nice friends!

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December

December is always a busy month, and this year was no exception. Here’s what we were up to (outside of Christmas and Hawaii).

Santa visit at Cougar Mountain Zoo

We went to the downtown Tree Lighting





Phoebe isn’t a fan of all the construction noise in our house these days

We volunteered to take a family out on Lake Union to see the lighted boats and Santa. It was a very rewarding experience. The family had five children, all about our kids ages & genders + an adorable five-year-old boy.

Avery’s school picture frame is complete!   

Layla had an advent calendar full of spa/pampering things

Silas had a band concert

 

Kieron is enjoying high school swim team

Sleepovers with Shelby & Savannah

Layla had a “celebrations around the world” day at school

A few more pics from our Santa visit at the zoo. These kids really fill up the sleigh now!


The kids and I played a lot of Life in December

December Bunco

Kieron had his wisdom teeth removed on the 27th

A pic Scott shared from NYE

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Christmas 2024

We had a pretty relaxing Christmas morning, all things considered. The kids are definitely at easier ages now. I was proud of them all for being so sweet and thoughtful opening gifts.
 




Erika stopped by for a visit and to exchange gifts. She gave Avery this sweatshirt.

Record players for Silas & Kieron

Avery was excited to try his new cold plunge tub

Christmas dinner


Playing with the new Forza setup (steering wheel, shifter & pedals)

We got out for a walk!

Talking to Auntie Ish, in New Zealand

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Christmas Eve 2024

We had all the grandparents over for Christmas this year and had a great time together. although we missed my brother and his family. (I thought I’d never hear the end of it from the kids!) Between all the cookie baking and frosting and appetizer prep there was a lot of work on our remodel, specifically getting the Duraboard on the fireplace. We had hopes of hanging the stockings in the regular spot Christmas Eve and I still held out hope I’d be able to set up the family room Christmas tree. In the end we celebrated Christmas in the basement, which ended up being just fine and saved quite a bit of extra last minute hassle.

Christmas Eve morning

 

Silas and Layla went ice skating with their friends, Ethan & Ella

 

Look who’s here!

Phoebe is not a fan
 

Playing the Dice Game!
     

Pics from the day before

We gave Papa one of his gifts early – Apple AirPod Pro 2’s, which also function as hearing aids. They’re awesome!

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