The Difference a Day Makes

Yesterday we saw this when we looked out our window...


Today, we see this...


We have returned home where we have gotten over 60" of snow in the past week. Our timing to leave the County couldn't have worked out better. We are spending the weekend with Mark's parents and enjoying all the precious little moments reuniting with our little guys here at home - we sure did miss them.

Babymoon

We are in Puerta Vallarta "babymooning."* Just Mark and I. (The kids are at home with Mark's parents, having all kinds of fun themselves). It is nice. It is relaxing. This morning we enjoyed getting up when we wanted, eating breakfast in our room, relaxing by the pool and beach, I think overdosed at lunch on fresh fruit (yummy!), and tonight we are looking forward to a date just the two of of us at the Mediterranean restaurant. Lots of quality adult time together, I am excited!!

* I do not think it has been mentioned on the blog, so just to make the blog official, we are expecting baby # 3 in June. I am 17 weeks and feeling like I look a bit "unfit" here on the beach in Mexico while wearing my swimsuit. Good thing my husband loves me no matter what I look like in a swimsuit.

Hats off to YOU

Those of you who know my daughter Hannah or have read previous blog posts about her, know that she LOVES to dress up. When we finally celebrated Christmas as a family of four here in Colorado (which was not until January), Hannah had a hay-day with the hats that were given as presents.

And not to leave little man Jack out, here is a cute one of him in his little construction hat -

How he Rolls

This is Jack in the airport rolling along his new little Thomas the Train backpack. He is a bit obsessed with it these days. He insisted upon pulling it in the airport all by myself (at his own leisurely pace) and pulls it all around the house. Thanks Nana and Papa for hours of entertainment for our little guy!!!

Family Band

I love traditions, especially Holiday Traditions. When Mark was growing up his family all happened to be musical - they all play instruments. They would play Christmas songs together. I have even seen some magical video from the 90's of all of them playing together - complete with 90's style!!

While we were visiting this trip, I got a sneak peek back into the day when this was a tradition. This time however Erik (Kiera's husband) got to join in too and he and Mark switched off on the trumpet. All of the kids had a great time playing along and using assorted instruments to act like they were contributing. Here are a few pics...

Christmas in the Airport

This year we spent most of Christmas Day in the airport. We decided to fly to New York on the 25th and return on January 1st...two lighter travel days compared to some of the surrounding days. It was not our favorite experience, that is flying on Christmas... BUT, we loved getting to spend time with all our family in NY at the Holidays.

On Christmas night we were able to stop in and see Mark's extended family: grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. The rest of the week was spent with Mark's parents, sisters and their husbands, and our nieces and nephews. 7 children 6 and under, so it was exciting. Our kids got to play with all their cousins, explore Papa's train under the Christmas tree, we had Christmas all together on Dec. 30th, and a big family get together on the 31st. Mark's parents even watched the kids on New Year's eve night and we went out with Mark's sisters and spouses...what a treat!

Playing with the train.

Wearing the smock that Nana made for her.


Opening some presents.

We are so blessed to have great families and love the opportunity to spend time with them all.