and now...the rest of december

I know, I'm totally behind, but it was requested that I catch up. So here I am. :) 

For Christmas, we headed to Sheridan to visit all of Jason's family. It was a great Christmas, and a much needed vacation from our lives. The boys got Creationary from Erica for Christmas, and we played it a lot that week. It was perfect.

Of course Jason and Ethan are way better than myself or Elliott. 

The next day was gorgeous and perfect for skating on the awesome outdoor rink in Sheridan. 

Jason's getting pretty good on skates, I think he might be getting comfortable.  

After some convincing, we got Elliott on the ice. 

Ethan and Tyler had a blast.  

And Ethan even helped Elliott some. 

Man I love this kid. He's just awesome. 

Elliott started to get the hang of it, and dare I say, was a little excited. 

My skates KILL my feet, but I loved spending this time with my family and friends. 

Thanks to Jenny for the pic. It was a great day. 

Jenny, Chris, Abby and Tyler all joined us on the ice.  

The next day was Christmas Eve and in this family, that means special ordered Italian Beef sandwiches from Portillo's in Chicago. Yeah, their totally worth it. 

Uncle Jason loves Henrik. 

I still can't believe how fast this kid is growing up. Wish they lived closer. 

Then it was time for presents. 

Of course Henrik got to wear the hat too.  

I bought myself a little gift. A new Nikon D3200. I may have splurged, but we're calling it a business purchase. 

Christmas Day was relaxing. 

Some thumb sumo wrestling went on. 

And some legit finger hockey with pads and all. 

And here we are, enjoying some time in the kitchen making breakfast while the kids play.

Later, our niece Taylor, and I made some cakepops with her new cakepop maker. It was so fun working with her. 

And our masterpiece was born. Abby's birthday cake.  

Abby and Chris got the boys the Angry Birds game, so we also played a lot of that. 

While this is a classic bday pic, I really tried to get her family in with her, but Chris bombed my shot when he decided to sneeze in the middle of her blowing out candles. Oh well. :)  

I took this for Joe. It's been a LONG time since all the kids were together for a photo opp. 

Elliott ended up sick this day, so Chris, Abby and Jason took Ethan skating. I love this picture. 

Chris and Jason got handy and put up Joe's Christmas present from all of us. 

Joe got in some Henrik....... 

...and Elliott time.  

Aunt Mer got some Henrik time. He loved doing "Patty Cake" with me. 

More Angry Birds.  

Henrik is too cool for all of us. 

Jason and I got to babysit. Henrik was less than impressed unless he was eating. 

But then I took him to go to bed, and he was so good. 

And Tucker got some Aunt Mer time too. 

After we got home, we had a chill day before getting back to life. 

Jason took on snowboarding.  

Then New Years Eve was spent with our friends playing board games, eating and laughing. 

2012 was a great year. We are blessed in so many ways, and we certainly couldn't ask for more.

Cheers to 2013.