January

The New Year wasn't to exciting.  Life like normal.  

Hanging out, taking pictures of children fighting over wet wipes.

I turned Thirty Years Old in January.  It was a pretty Epic Birthday.  The day of was pretty chill, we hung out, went to try the "Secret Menu" at Jamba Juice with pals, had sushi, opened an awesome package from my family (mom;) and blew out a lot of candles. 

Before.

During.  

 My kids cover their mouths so they won't be tempted to blow out someone elses' candles.  Either that or they're afraid their mother's face might explode?

That weekend my friends took me out for bowling and dinner 80's style and once we got home... Surprise!  Cory, with the help of my friends, put on an 80's Surprise Party and it was totally rad!  We had throw-back snacks, a magnificent cake, played 80's Scene It and Rock Band-ed the night away.  It was a blast, thanks Cory and friends!

Polaroids of the Party goers.

We're totally starting a band. 

I don't even know this guy.

 Emory was student of the month in January.  Here is her twin, Memory.

 If we can't find Fischer, he's in the bathroom, trying to figure out how to get in the tub.

  Then if he sees me, he's trying to figure out how to get into my arms and shirt.

Not long after the birthday celebrating, we were struck with The Plague.  Within 24 hours we had 3 down, and by the end, Cory (flu shot) was the only one who survived unscathed.  I almost drove myself to the hospital during one of the bad days because I couldn't take care of myself or my babies.  Cory came home and was like, "When is the last time you changed and fed Fischer?", and I literally could not remember.  At that point he realized how sick I was and, miraculously, got his schedule rearranged so he could stay home to make sure we didn't die, which we all felt like doing.

Tessa feeling better.

Emory not feeling better.

Better.

Not Better.

Christmas Eve and Day

Because we didn't want to be sad about not going back to Utah for Christmas, we kept ourselves busy with lots of activities and parties with friends.  On Christmas Eve, we had the Parkers over for a quiet get together.  We ate some yummy food, read a book that my parents gave the kids about the symbols of Christmas, did the Nativity, and opened one present.

Weird exposure on this one.

Don't judge our camera skills.  We're still figuring the thing out.

Embarassing Fischer photos. 

 Go to sleep or he won't come!

 Christmas Morning.

Once again, don't judge.  I can take pictures while I'm recording, there just not the best quality, but I really wanted the video. 

Emory made this amazing pop-up card for Tessa. 

She also made this ornament for the whole family at school. 

Stopping to play with some legos. 

 Fischer's favorite part of Christmas. 

Bow tie and new toy. 

Guess who's finally starting piano lessons?

Enough books for a lifetime, so she said.  Already more than halfway through the series, and I'm not even surprised. 

He needed a really close look at his new cars. 

Cinnamon Rolls. 

Family Picture. 

Christmas Day was so relaxing, except for the fact that my throat was on fire.  Bummer.

I loved that we were able to stop and open the present that was just unwrapped and look at it and play with it.  We all got lots of fun and useful stuff!

The day after Christmas some of my family came to visit.

Grandma Chris made some amazing dress-ups. Merida from Brave for Emory and Tiana from Princess and the Frog for Tessa.

I love how much my kids adore my brothers and sisters!  This was an impromptu dress-up, escapade with damsels tied up with flatiron cords, pirates and scarfed dog spies.

Breaking in the new bike.

Not a trip with the Christiansens unless someone gets barfed on.

We will never get over our view.  This was a beautiful sunrise over the break.

Aebleskivers.

These bells brought Fischer so much joy!  He couldn't even sit at the table without craning his neck to see them.