Happy 2013!

We closed out 2012 with a picnic in the park. It was cold and windy, but at least it wasn't raining. The kids played until Dave and I were frozen, then we went home and thawed out with a long winter's nap.

Ella had a playdate with a friend who was visiting from Florida that afternoon, and then we rang in the new year with Grandmother and Papa around the kitchen table with a bowl of homemade chex mix and a game of Rook.

New Year's Day  was rainy again, so we spent it indoors watching the Rose parade and football (and a little bit of Handy Manny). We had lunch at Grandma and Pop the Pop's house and played at home all afternoon. I strategically skipped the afternoon naps, even though I desperately needed one, so that I could put the monkeys to bed early. I knew they would need the extra sleep to prepare for the harsh reality of January 2nd greeting them at 6:15 a.m.

We had a great time soaking each other up this Christmas. There was very little bickering, tantruming, or whining and lots of playing, reading, and cuddling. Vacation definitely agrees with us.