2015 wrap up!

Oh my what a year!  Each New Year's Eve, it is amazing to reflect back on the past year.  We are humbled by our blessings each and every day.  We are surrounded by family and friends that support us to the fullest and we could not ask for more.  I hope that 2016 brings our family good health, love, happiness and patience.  For our "followers," thank you for watching us grow as a family - ups, downs, sideways - we know we're headed in the right direction!  God bless everyone!  Cheers!

With love from our crazy family to yours,

Angie

Letters to Santa

 Emma's thank you letter to Santa.

Kate's letter to Santa.

Dominique worked on a wish list book for Sage with pictures that he selected from the Toy ads.

Our Christmas

 The kids left carrots for the reindeer, milk, chocolate chip cookies for Santa 

along with their notes to Santa.

 Good Morning!  Merry Christmas!

 Sage loves his new Paw Patroller, a FurReal Friend doggy that barks all the time and an interactive parakeet toy. 

 Emma transitioned away from toys this year by asking for pink converse, a soccer bag, and clothes from Justice.

 Kate was excited to get a Polaroid camera for Christmas.  Unfortunately, Santa did not realize that it did not come with film - whoops, so sad when she couldn't play with her favorite gift.  I told her that even Santa makes mistakes some times.  She also received shopkins, Legos and Justice clothes.

 The kiddos with their stockings!

 On Christmas Eve, we open our treasures from the school gingerbread store.  Emma gave me a gorgeous ruby and diamond ring and Kate gave me a paper weight that says "I love MOM!"

Kate gave Dad a metal and Emma gave him a set of pens.

Aunt Bec took them out for their annual shop for Mom and Dad overnight.  I received earrings, an "A" necklace and a jewelry box.  John received a bow-tie, socks and a tie.  It is a pleasure watching their joy for not only receiving gifts but also for when they give gifts.  

Weatherwax Christmas

 We headed to 4 o'clock mass (arriving at 2:30 to secure a seat!) and headed back to Mom and Dad's for our Weatherwax Christmas.  We feasted and then nestled in for a fun evening. 

 We will have a ladies night out in January to see the Sound of Music which is one of Grandma W's favorite musicals! 

 As everyone knows, Aunt Bec keeps the Weatherwax children dressed in style. She wrapped all of her gifts in red polka dot paper.  Sage was avoiding all of these gifts as he knew they were clothes - too funny.  When he opened up his first gift from Bec it was hilarious because he said "a button-down" in the cutest voice ever!

His face says it all!

 New luggage, backpacks and lunch bags!

 Rebecca got us hooked on Yeti cups last year and the kids joined the club this year!

Grandpa drew adorable certificates for the family this year.  The kids received an "admit one" for a movie date with Grandpa!

We are so blessed to have wonderful family to spend the holidays with, especially when they are right around the corner.  Thank you Mom and Dad for a great Christmas!

Zinser Christmas

 We celebrated the weekend after Christmas with the Zinser family.   It's always fun to go home for the holidays.  Our children are programmed - they know we take the family picture, then the grandchild picture, then the picture on the stairs....then we lay out all of the Christmas presents!  Pretty good motivation if you ask me!

Grandma and Papa and their little ones!

A comparison from 2015 to 2012!

 Say cheese by the stockings.

Kate distributed hand written Christmas cards to the family!

 May the force be with you!  Sage and his light saber!

 My mom had bracelets with the girls' birthstones made out of her parent's china for the girls.

We received bracelets last year, and this year we were given appetizer knives from the china.  She fastened the knives to the cheese boards with candy necklaces.  Grandpa Drennan gave us candy necklaces when we finished our meals as kids.

We enjoyed our traditional beef tenderloin dinner - yummy!  

Thanks Mom and Dad for wonderful holiday for our family!

More Holiday Festivities

My friend Susan hosted a holiday party and there was a very special guest, Santa Claus.  Yes, the boys are wearing shorts.  We can't complain with 60+ degree weather in December!

 Sage had a short program of 5 songs that he and his classmates worked very hard on.  I love the tinsel headband.

Here is Sage's Lambs class at Little Shepherds.

Jingle Bells

 Kate at her holiday party blowing snowballs across the table.

Emma at her party drawing a snowman on top of her head without looking - very cute!

Christmas Piano Recital 2015

 Emma and Kate worked very hard on their Christmas songs since November. Both girls approached their performance with confidence and without fear.  Personally, I am not a fan of public speaking or performing solo (hence my love for team sports), so I am elated about their poise.

Both sets of Grandparents joined us for the evening.

Emma

Emma and her teacher Emily perform a duet.

Kate and Emily

Good job Kate!

Hoop it Up Emma!

 Emma completed her second year of basketball.  She enjoys the game.  John was the assistant coach.

There are only 5 girls on a team.  They spend 30 minutes doing drills and then 30 minutes playing 3-on-3.  It was a fun season.  Go Emma!

Holiday Family Pictures

 We had a beautiful day to shoot our holiday picture with "Leena Bee Photography" in downtown Dublin.  Here are a few of our pics!

Weatherwax Santa Party

Grandma and Grandpa Weatherwax hosted their annual Christmas party on Sunday December 6th.  We love this party, not only for the wonderful company of our Dublin friends, but for one very special visitor, Santa Claus!

Emma and Santa

Kate and Santa

Sage and Santa

 Emma and Emma testing Santa's beard!  It is Real!!

It is amazing to see how the children grow up from year to year!

Thank you Mom and Dad W for hosting this amazing holiday tradition!

Santa Bruch and Thanksmas!

On Saturday following First Reconciliation, we headed to brunch with Santa Claus.  It is so magical to see your children light up with excitement around the holidays!  Aunt Rebecca joined us for brunch and a jolly ole time.

 Sage, Kate and Emma decorated cookies...Yum!

Saturday afternoon we headed to Cincinnati for the Zinser family Thanksmas!  Here is a fun selfie that we took at the end of the evening with the Helmers' clan.