Happy New Year!

I have been battling a head cold all week and let like junk this morning. I wanted to invite friends over to celebrate the new year or take the kids skating, but didn't feel like doing anything. We decided to stay close and just explore for the afternoon on the Marine base by the Potomac river. We froze our little butts off, but it made for a wonderful afternoon!

A giant pile of rocks kept them entertained for a good 20 minutes and would have lasted longer, but I was cold and ready to move on. 

Jer found a dead goose by the docks. I told the kids to leave it alone. Jer told me that it's mediatory that you poke the dead thing with a stick! SO, the kids poked the dead goose with a stick. I need to remember that they are kids and I love that Jer lets them be just that(he helps that he is one at heart) 

Beach combing. 

I wanted the maditiory selfie and was grumpy with Landon's face...till I noticed Jer's! 

Goose found this treasure and was determined to bring it home. 

Leah froze her hands off finding all the seashells. 

Lacey was happy to jump rock to rock. 

And Landon was always out in front trying to move on to something else. 

New Years Eve! We stayed in comfies, watched Troll hunter, had molten lava cake and sparkling cider. 

The kids popped some little TNT fireworks. 

Lacey wanted nothing to do with the poppers, but was a fan of the whistle. She only made it till about 9 and was ready for bed, I felt the same! 

the whistle war!! 

The rest of us made it to midnight! It sucks being on east coast time because we can't watch the ball drop and 10 and put the kids to bed. They all made it! And we payed for it having 9 o'clock church! 

One last set of poppers to ring in the new year. 

2016 was a tough year! I look back and i'm glad it's over and I survived! I'm ready to take on 2017 with high hope to make it the best year yet!!!! 

Christmas Break.

I had a bit of a head cold for the break so I was not functioning 100% it didn't help that Jer had no time off this week. We tried to make the most of it. 

Lacey Playing with the filters on my phone. 

You wouldn't know theres a BIG screen TV in the room. Instead they insist on watching the iPad. 

Loving the  Karaoke machine.  

Lazer Tag was one of the favorite gifts. They woke up and went right too it. I love it too because no one gets shot in the eye or face. 

Taking Jer back to his childhood with his Sega! 

She loves making stuff for us in her new little kitchen. 

I won a massage chair and it is absolutely heavenly! 

Visited the library several times for some new book. I love that Landon, Leah and Logan love reading! It is not something that I enjoy so it makes my heart happy that they enjoy it. 

I caved and took them to the sweet frog! Your ice cream is measured by the ounce and with my kids candy obsession we paid for it! They thought I was the best mom ever so I gladly take it(But we won't be going back anytime soon!) 

I sat back and let them sit and talk "what ifs" and "remember this/that" They giggled and ate ice cream peacefully. I love these little moments where life slows down and I get to enjoy my kids! 

We met the Hymas at the Marine corps museum and it was like my kids have never been. I love getting out with friends! It makes it so much more enjoyable for me and my kids. 

We even went on a date! My little babysitter was kind enough to take on all 7 kids! I think it was nice for her beaches they entertained each other for the 2 hours we are gone. I really enjoyed getting out with Jer and friends. I needed some adult time after this christmas break. 

ANW Course.

Jer took us over to the base to the Marine training loop. It was like American Ninja Warrior so naturally the kids had a blast! 

Who will be the next ANW! 

This one scared me to death but the kids had to do it because Jer did it! 

I videoed the other kids jumping onto the rope swing.