Early January

 Although December was more mild it really feels like winter now. January has been white and windy so it's been time for lots of indoor activities like playing legos, learning to crawl and watching snow plows.

 Jay had extra time off work after the holidays and suggested a lunch with Ashley and the boys. We got a huge bonus when we ran into Drew at Pablo's. I don't get to see him often but love having my nephew in town. The second bonus happened when someone suggested Scratch Cupcakes after our burritos. Maybe that's why I'm still carrying a few extra pounds after the holidays.

 Basketball has been great entertainment. I love going early to walk laps and always enjoy the games. I went to one of the men's games with a girlfriend and go to most all of the women's games. Walker's little neighbor friend, Livi likes the games too. Aren't they so cute together in their UNI gear?

 Walker enjoys the activity of the game and is a great fan with lots of clapping. He loves watching all of the people too. I'm so glad that Ashley is willing to haul the boys across the parking lots and up the stairs in the winter weather.

 Who wouldn't love a cruise through Farm and Fleet with the fun cart after the basketball game. Walker loved it and sat perfectly by Lincoln. We need two steering wheels! I've also found plenty of time for knitting and finished baby girl's stocking to have at her house in December. I just need to add the name later this year.

Here is a winter first, a carousel ride at the mall. The two dollar ride gave me a very patient toddler while I walked for an hour. 

  My walking has been a bit less since winter arrived but I still get over 10,000 steps a day. Most of those steps are indoors at the hospital or malls. I have gotten out in the streets a couple of times with Mowgli and that feels great. Of course I need to wear the spikes on my boots but I am hopeful that the streets may get some melting this week.

December Ended

 Christmas ended and gave us a few warmer days. Dale, Lincoln and I took advantage of the heat wave and went hiking. Lincoln choose Hartman reserve and it was a perfect spot. We got lots of exercise to start burning off some Christmas calories while we had a great time.

 This is a very rare photo. Lincoln is sound asleep. I went in to wake him for a special outing and was surprised that I got to snap a shot because he usually wakes so easily.

 At a recent basketball game, Lincoln said that he likes basketball but hockey is louder and it would be fun to go to a hockey game. He had seen an older cousin play but this was the first time he saw a Blackhawks game in Waterloo. He was quite impressed with the noise but even admitted it was too loud at times. We had lots of cowbell, sirens and horns with lots of goals.

 My New Year's Eve was just perfect. It was midweek and I offered a movie night with the boys so that Mommy and Daddy could go out. Walker was full of smiles and enjoyed our little party before his early bedtime. I got to choose the movie, "CARS", Lincoln stayed up late and we even had M&Ms in our popcorn. Happy New Year!

Christmas Eve at Home

 Our family Christmas is relaxed; waffles, stockings, gifts, munchies and jammies. We lounge around and take a casual pace to the day. I love it like that.

 Walker's first Christmas and Lincoln's fourth; oh how life has changed for our family. It's so much fun with the boys, not quite as relaxing, but so much fun!

 

 

 Next year there will be another baby. Briana will be a mommy and Jay will be a daddy, so many exciting changes for our family. We will still be laid back but maybe just a bit less relaxed with more little ones.

Christmas feels so magical for so many reasons. I do love this season and all of the celebrations.

Nonnweilers on the Twenty-third

Every year I look forward to December 23rd. It's a holiday that is filled with tradition, food and fun. Everyone who can possibly make it shows up and celebrates together every year on the same day.

Aunt Ashley and Saela Grace

Kaley Jo and Jill Ann

Great Grandma's handmade baby gifts for Briana and Jay

Great Grandpa

Garrett and Drew

Dale and Jay

Kaley and Ashley; cousin photo

Roman with his Grammy and first Christmas gift

Great Aunt Cindy with Walker, Ashley and Hilary

Brecken and Lincoln, truck time

Jake, Dan and Robert

 Fun with Jill...always lots of fun! 

Eight Little Ones

  I was so excited to get the youngest generation all in one spot on December 23rd. They are adorable and I love every one of them. We were impressed that they stayed long enough for us to snap our photos.

 Walker, 9 months, Lincoln, 3 years, Brecken 4 years, Saela, 22 months, Weston, 4 1/2, Anna, 17 months, Izzie 6 1/2 and Roman, 4 months.

 It took a bit of work and cooperation but it worked! Eight wonderful little ones with three more expected to arrive in 2015!