Happy New Year!

2017

Well to officially welcome in 2018, we have to say goodbye to 2017.

Highlights of 2017, in no particular order:

• Bella starting KINDERGARTEN, and Connor starting 2ND GRADE
• Trying Maryland Crabs 
• Playing Tourists in DC
• Backyard Fires and Pool Parties at the Martins
• Becoming Greenbriar Lake Lovers
• Hiking up to Cunningham Falls over and over
• Annual Ocean City Day Trip
• Camping as a family 
• And of course all our adventures in IDAHO

I could go on and on, we have been busy and it has been a good year. 

But we are ready for an even greater one to start!

So per tradition we welcomed 2018 in with food, family, games and countdown sparkling cheers!

Happy New Year!

Snowmobiling

With the help of a friend Shea's Dad arranged for us to take a trip up to Island Park for the day. Connor and Bella got to come along and did pretty great. We spent most of the time snowmobiling. We got to get ready at a beautiful cabin and have lunch along the trail. It was a gorgeous little adventure and it made Idaho all the harder to leave.

Driving up

Getting ready

Off we go

I so wanted to try to drive but was way too
scared I'd crash, so I elected to just hold on for
dear life while Shea did his best to try and
buck me off... not really, it was just
his first time so very bumpy!

Lunch, midway

On the way back

Playing in the snow before we leave

Snow angels

I can't even describe how gorgeous it was;
Winter Wonderland Magical. 

It was a day to remember for sure.

Merry Christmas!

Can you tell we are a bit exhausted?

Well after finishing wrapping we started in on some Christmas games, had the kids do the nativity story, set out Santa's Milk and Cookies and made some reindeer food to sprinkle on the lawn before bed.

Balloon Antlers

My favorite game was a saran wrap game

 with little prizes and candy in it.

Connor couldn't get enough of Jack!

Dress Santa

The kids had a blast and after dinner and snuggles and Christmas movies, it was bedtime.

Before we knew it though, it was morning and everyone was a bit anxious to see what Santa had brought.  

First Make up kit! 

Everyone was thrilled and enjoyed playing with their spoils all day; some favorites included fingerlings, barbies, make up kit, shopkins, a drone, and legos. We ended the day with a big Christmas Dinner. 

Pre-Christmas

Here is a sneak peek at some of the things we have been up to at the Stanger House, as we await Christmas ...

Making Christmas ornaments and snowflakes. 

BIG BUBBLE BATHS, via Grandpa and a jetted tub.

BABY BOSS on repeat, while snuggling up with Cousin Jack Jack!

Connor off to work with Grandpa, getting his make up school work done. 

(He had tons, but we were diligent!)

Lots of McDonald's dates with Grandpa.

A Grinch Party; with games, slime, a Who Feast, and Movie Night.

Pin the heart on the Grinch.

Who's the best Grinch?

Best Grinch FACE WINNER!

Wished JACK a HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY, with a Monsters Inc Party;

including games, a movie, dinner and a yummy chocolate mousse cake!

We loved getting to celebrate him!

And Gingerbread House Decorating.

And Icing Eating

We have all been anxiously awaiting this trip and Ellie and I have been putting together tons of ideas for the trip, via google docs. We have done tons and have loved having so much fun with everyone while keeping the kids plenty busy!