Merry Christmas!

It's the year of Taylor Swift with a big guitar for the family and t-shirts with her lyrics. Xman got a 100 lb. punching bag that is now in our storage room, which he will hopefully visit every day to get in Rocky-style shape. Bandit got her very own Lululemon jacket, and Mom and Dad got exciting things like fry pans and measuring spoons. I feel incredibly grateful for everyone's health and happiness, which we celebrated on a Christmas Day hike (not pictured is Rosie who said it was the best part of 2023).

 

Random houseguest!

So fun. Even with 2/5 of the house down with the flu.

 

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

We volunteered at a retirement home with his Youth Men's Service League -- and with it came the opportunity to buy ugly Christmas sweaters

 

Cousin time

 

Amy's 50th Dinner

 

Skate City

Exactly as I remember it from the 80s, down to the same carpet.

 

Apple Pie Production 101

 

Halloween on a Tuesday

Costumes this year include a vampire cheerleader who says she attends "Waffle Fries Elementary School" (costume found at the bottom of a bin likely gifted from a neighbor years ago...). Big sister went as "Fire" with her best friend going as "Ice." Loads and loads of candy. 

 

Fall sports!

And at hockey practice, a special guest appearance by Caps player TJ Oshie: 

 

Are you ready for some football?

 

Bluemont, Va ... again

We haven't been there all together as a family for five years. This year we brought the puppers who loves the chilly fall weather. What we didn't expect was how stressed she got watching the kids run in different directions. The family herder 🦮 😍