The last of the Christmas posts

And just like that another Christmas season is gone. I'm always so anxious for Christmas to arrive and then so sad to wake up the next morning and think, "oh, it's done now." It's good though, I'm sure most people feel this way, and this year I feel like we did so much in the name of Christmas that it at least didn't fly by.
So as the days drew nearer to Christmas we snuggled to Christmas movies, had our friends over for graham cracker house building (easier than gingerbread), played in all the snow, had a fun game day in front of our fire due to -22 degree f. weather that cancelled church, had Santa's reindeer come check that our new address was correct (and eat the pumpkin in our yard), Christmas eve celebrations with the Johnsons via Skype, Santa pancakes, watched the Grinch while eating Grinch corn, made elf donuts, baked sugar cookies for Santa, made my first ever pull-a-parts for Christmas morning (Travis always makes them)(and they rocked), read Night Before Christmas, and then waited for Santa to come; visions of pull-a-parts dancing in our heads.

Christmas morning, 6:00am Maddix comes to me unsure that Santa had come:) I look at him and notice his Pink eye (which he picked up a few days ago) had not gotten better from the drops, but was now in his other eye and completely crusted shut, bleh! I sent him back to bed only to have him trying multiple ways of waking up Aaron because he was too excited; he was unsuccessful, that kid was OUT!  

The boys and I read The Polar Express and they played with their stocking gifts, but we didn't open presents; we'd previously agreed we'd wait for Travis, even if that meant waiting until 6:30pm when he'd be off work. Well, there was a more pressing problem to, I was committed to singing two numbers in sacrament and Maddix definitely could not go to church. So where can you go to be watched when you're contagious and sick??? 

The Hospital, of course. 

I think Maddix's favorite part of the day was getting to do rounds and see patients and hang out with Travis while Aaron and I went to church. While at church I was so proud of Aaron who sat quietly and colored or built a puzzle each time I left him to go sing; and everyone in the ward was blown away by his good behavior. Way to go buddy! 

And as an added bonus, when we picked up Maddix Travis got to come along to open presents real quick before returning to work!! I love this Mercy Hospital, I can't say enough good things about the people Travis works with/for, and just feel so blessed to be at this hospital. 

So home we went, we opened presents, ate junk, sent Travis back to work, and then the boys and I cuddled on and off the rest of the day just enjoying the lazy nature of Christmas Day. And we were so blessed. 

Thank you to all our amazing family and friends who spoiled us with so many nice things, but more for thinking of us and using your time and money to bless our lives; that's what mean the most. 

And so, another successful and wonderful Christmas and come and gone. 

I pray that the wonderful spirit of service will last all year though. 

And now we will continue to stay quarantined until this Pink eye has officially made its way out of our home! 

Merry Christmas, and a happy New Year! 

Don't forget to set some New Year's Resolutions!!

one of my favorite traditions

Cleaning the church is SO much more fun with Dad! 

Our first fire! 

Reading by the fire! 

Traumatized because she had to go to the bathroom in
-45 degree f winds! 

Stay in game day with a cheese ball. 

Poor guy had to get a shot

Then snuggled off his shot-woe's 

Santa's Reindeer

Beginning of the pink eye 

The Grinch, with Grinch Corn

Santa pancakes

Elf donuts (Aaron was actually happy)

Did the Nativity with the Johnsons... we were the Wisemen
from afar, and their trusty camel.  

Santa came! 

Thank you Grandma Jo! 

Hanging out with Dad Christmas morning

This was her favorite gift; she just carries it all over the house

"I got my new shoes! I love my new shoes!"
Sung to the tune of Pete The Cat's New
Shoes book

Just what he asked Santa for!! 

Thank you Grandma Eileen! 

Snuggles for Marshal 

Daddy's last surprise gift

Yankees stadium in the 50's (I think); Travis loved it. 

His loot

Maddix was old enough this year to set up his presents all by himself; I may have teared up for another mile marker that was reached. 

Our loot from us and our families 

Afternoon snuggles were the best! 

Merry Christmas to everyone, we love you all and look forward to a wonderful 2017; however, 2016 is going to be PRETTY hard to beat;) 

Our Christmas Card/ 2016 Summary

~Our 2016 Family Christmas Card~

This year for us has flown by incredibly fast. On the one hand, I feel like we just barely left New York, and on the other hand I have a hard time remembering that the first half of our year we still lived there! 

For Travis, 2016 was a BIG year; he finally graduated Medical School. On top of that, all his hard work was rewarded with receiving a 3yr residency position here in Iowa; this means we officially made it, and the risk is gone! Travis traded in his 30min walk through Brooklyn for a 7 min walk in the small town of Mason City. He has done an exceptional job balancing extreme work loads with enough family time that we don't feel left behind. He had 5 weeks off (first break in 4years) where we hiked, boated, camped, partied, played, barbecued, played ball and vacationed with all his friends and family. In residency he is constantly a favorite no matter what rotation he is on, sweet talked his way into a helicopter ride, has already received some job offers, and continues to fulfill his callings at church.  Next year hopes: That it goes by quickly. To Sign on with a job. Buy a House. Buy a jeep. 

For me, 2016 afforded me the opportunity to play to different parts of my personality; in New York I got to dress up every day and always participate in some new event! I felt very cultured and blessed with everything around me. Here, I have the incredible opportunity to watch my kids grow, I mean truly grow. I Love the daily routine we are in, from going to the gym each morning, to snuggles/singing the boys to bed each night. I love the simplicity of raising a family in the midwest and I love leaving behind all the politically corrects ways you should live back in New York. Next year hopes: To push myself to a new level of fitness. Become a more patient and kind mother. Hopeful expand our family(Not an announcement, just a want:) 

This year Maddix has learned to swim. He can officially ride his bike anywhere without help. Mastered tying his shoes. Loved the subway rides, museums, and ballgames. LOVES having a large group of friends. Is really liking kindergarten. Loved Football. Never wants to leave. Loves Pokemon and Star wars, and although he is so sassy and moody (like his mom), he has a kind heart and feels deeply for those around him. Next year hopes: Wants to get Mrs. Carper for 1st grade. No other thoughts for the new year.

Little Aaron Falco, or the Goof as he is affectionately called around here has turned from my toddler into a little boy. He does everything his brother does, and wants to be bigger! He loves classical music, going to the gym with me, baking in the kitchen, tackling people, teasing, and anything that involves mischief. He started Homeschool Preschool and has finally learned 1/2 his alphabet. He loves Paw Patrol and legos. He has a killer "Charlie Brown" dance that he does anytime he has to go to the bathroom. He no longer calls Maddix "Buddy," but does call him "Brudder" half the time. He is tough and tender all at the same time. We just registered him for a sports class, as well as for preschool in the fall!!! Why is he so big now?!?!?! Hopes for the New Year: Go back to New York. Go visit all our Grandma's. Play on sports teams. And to Love mommy! 

And our Nala, she loved the dog park back in New York, and now loves the field behind Maddix's school. She's getting older and it shows from her not wanting to play in the cold, her sleeping so deep she doesn't wake up to greet us at the door, and all the way to her constant need for cuddles and tummy rubs; she's still Travis's baby though, to the point that it's annoying!! 

~MoNtHlY HiGhLiGhTs~

January: Started the New Year off taking our friends around the City. Experiencing Storm Jonas! And going to Jimmy Fallon!

February: Going to WICKED for my birthday!! "Travis Week" in Chicago. And Valentines Day as a family.

March: Made it back to the beach, All out celebrated St. Patty's Day, Biggest thing of the month ...Found out we Matched/Where! Went to D.C., Virginia, and all over.

April: Had the in-laws out to visit and took them ALL around New York (including a Yankee's and Mets' Game!). Took a Hipster Family photo shoot. We said goodbye to our home and ward in New York:(

May: Travis GRADUATED Medical School! We visited our Utah family, vacationed in St. George, Visited our California family, and made it to Disneyland and the Beach! Picked up shifts at Chuck-a-rama. And Bought a New car!

June:  Travis's Brother Hike, lots of family time. Moved to Iowa!

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July: Moved into our home, visited The Mall of America, found peace at our "beach" over in Clear Lake. Residency began for Travis

August: Simpler days of bike riding, playing in the water, swim lessons, sports in the front yard, and running around with loads of new friends and camping in the backyard; this month was quintessential in making me feel like "real life" was starting. Also, Travis got to ride in a helicopter!

September: Maddix started Kindergarten! Aaron began homeschool Preschool. BYU Football season kicked off. Maddix had his first season of flag football:) Annual Apple Day. Annual I.T.L. A Pirate Day.

October: Began individual dates with the boys. Travis's residency hosted a festival. Maddix had a Pokemon Birthday. One Killer Halloween like when I was a kid! Beginning of a gorgeous fall.

November: The prettiest part of Fall! Tons of playing in the leaves! Went to Utah for Thanksgiving!

December: Took our letters to Santa out the Clear Lake Christmas Festival. Decorated our new home for our First Christmas in Iowa. Really felt centered on Christ this Christmas season; special thanks for LightTheWorld (a church sponsored project focusing on service). Coldest Winter we've ever experienced (currently -25 degrees F., but feels like -45)! Attended two of the Ritziest parties ever!