Bowling!

 The Christian Center opened today for bowling, so we went!  

It was so refreshing to do something in public without having to wear a mask.  It felt normal. Remember normal?  "Normal" businesses are getting our support right now.

Charlie-isms

From Jan. 12, 2017

Charlie..."I'm glad I'm not outside being eaten by coyotes."

Me...??

A Word for 2021

 This afternoon we played a game that helped us pick our "word for 2021."  We answered a variety of random questions that made us think in-depth, and eventually led us to a word on which we could focus for the year. Then we used a hammer and letter "stamps" to pound our word onto a disc.  The disc could be worn as a bracelet, necklace, or even placed on a keychain.

Starting at the top is Jenna (bravery), Jamie (bold), Angie (trust),
Jacob (advance), and Charlie (purpose).

Lots of discussion and conversation happened.

Charlie-isms

From January 9, 2019 after making a stop at Triple Dipple for cheesecake.

Me: You finished your cheesecake in record time.

Char: Yes. Perseverance is good.

Epiphany 2021

 January 6th was Epiphany.  This year, as a result of some encouragement from Jacob, we are planning to incorporate a few more holidays.

For Epiphany yesterday, I made a Kings Cake.  The recipe wasn't the greatest; I tried to make a healthier version with almond flour.  Not so delicious, but the thought counts, right?

Star sprinkles seemed appropriate.

Everyone chose the slice they thought might hold the plastic baby Jesus.

Charlie searched his piece mightily!

Jamie chose the right slice!

A Great Day to Sled

 After a few days of ice and snow, the conditions were perfect for sledding!

Outside looked like a winter wonderland, or perhaps a scene out of Narnia.

Glenn and Greg joined us today.

Taking a break; that's a huge hill to walk up!

No competition in this group.  Ha!

Greg just has the cutest smile!

Jacob gave Panda a ride.  So much fur!

A race of my "bookends."

True Charlie form...

I just love my young men.

Happy New Year, 2021

 It's going to be a great year!  

We had a lovely day at home as a family. We built a fire, played board games, read some books, cooked a ham dinner, shared our best moments of 2020 and aspirations for 2021, watched movies, set off a few fireworks, and saw the world "freeze" under the winter storm warning.  A couple kiddos even braved the outdoors to do a little slipping and sliding.

Freezing rain fell most of the day, topped by snow later that night.

I was deemed the "biggest loser."  I couldn't win a game for anything!

We tell Jenna she should never play poker.  She can't help grinning when she's about to win.

Jacob's giving Jamie "the look."

Even Gus is excited for 2021!

As soon as Laura realizes it's time to eat, she makes a beeline for the kitchen
with the biggest grin on her face!

Finally, I won a game!

New Years Eve

 New Years Eve at home.  Family time is just priceless.

Yummy food, fun games, and a wonderful movie, Christopher Robin.

Chicken tenders, spring rolls, a flight of cheese, and olive/prosciutto cartoucheries.
That's my new word for 2021.  :)

The camera flash is a little bright for my eyes, Charlie.

Pictionary!

Laura loves food, even if it's someone else's!

Jamie totally whomped us in Apples to Apples!