earning her keep

Daddy has been passing out nickels for helping with chores around the house. Suddenly, we are getting lots of help!!

 celebrating good friend Halden's birthday at school!

 very. serious. butterfly/princess.

middle-of-the-week treat from aunt kathy!!!

visiting the zoo on SUNday!

The weather has been mild so we took advantage of the blue sunny skies today and hit the zoo. What a day!?! It was all but empty, and the animals were active and visible - so fun! McKenna fell in love with a lizard in the reptile house and Kaitlyn literally squealed while watching the seals swim over her in the polar bear exhibit!

Though the girls were sad to see the dinosaur and dora/diego exhibit closed for the season, we were all excited to learn that the Planet Earth exhibit is coming this spring! We have been enjoying this series on the National Geographic channel so much (it all started when we stumbled upon a planet earth marathon playing on new years day lol)!!!!!!

getting back on track!

The start of January has gone well! With Kaitlyn back at school and McKenna starting a 1-day-a-week morning program we are falling into routine (which I always crave after the holidays). 

We have all been enjoying the cool weather; and trying to appreciate it while it's *mild*

 hanging up daddy's new flag!

PROUDLY showing off work from her first day of school :)

the day after!

I think I like the day after Christmas almost as much as the actual day. Everyone is still full of love, food, and holiday cheer :) During my childhood visits with our cousins in Canada, we always celebrated Boxing Day; so we might as well continue the tradition :) 

We slowly made our way through some of the presents and received lots of thank you's and hugs!! We have so much to be thankful for - cheers!

christmas morning

Even though Kaitlyn and Jim were sick, it was still a great day filled with stockings, presents, food, and family. There were so many priceless moments throughout the morning. Here are a few:

there are chocolate coins in there!

she loved her santa socks :)

McKenna showing off her new stamps

both looking at McKenna's new earings

our little helpers...so cute!

sneaking under the table for a chocolate santa

feeding her new baby!

"I'm thirsty mommy"! (she really does talk - so cute)

After all the presents had been opened, we found a note in the tree telling us to check the basement for one last thing...

THEY LOVE IT!

Merry Christmas!

Pre-holiday festivities!

The week leading up to Christmas is always hectic but we managed to remain calm this year :) From putting together presents, to baking and decorating cookies for santa, we definitely kept ourselves busy though!

It was a fun week!