Ending with colds

Our 2012 ended with colds around the house, Jason and I celebrating 11 years of wedded bliss (more highs than lows), and an extremely short Christmas break for Priss and Swee. 

  Due to celebrating Christmas early with the Slopsema side Jason's parents and brother didn't stay until Christmas day.  While they were here we did so many fun things together....
* we got family pictures taken
* celebrated with my father-in-law's siblings and families
* Priss had her Christmas dance program
* Doodle spent the day with Grandma and Grandpa Slopsema
* we ate tons of great food
* but most importantly spent great amounts of time with people we love!

My mom kept the older three so Jason, Quinn and I could go out to dinner for our anniversary.  The kids had a blast as usual with Honey and we had adult conversation at dinner. 

 This break was hands down the best one we have had in a very long time..maybe even ever.  After everyone left the kids were bummed that it was only going to be us but they soon got over that feeling.  We were able to have quiet lazy days at home watching movies, playing games (board, Wii or card) and we laughed a lot.  The kids were nice, EXTREMELY nice to each other, were good listeners and we as parents were slow to become frustrated.  At the end of break tears were shed by everyone...Jason dreaded returning to work, Priss even cried which I don't think has ever happened, Swee was determined he was not going back to school, and Doodle was unsure why everyone was upset. 

Bee decided to begin sitting just before Christmas, she started sleeping in her own bed in our room on Christmas and New Year's Eve she ate rice cereal for the first time.  She really liked it and has been very demanding each day to be fed her cereal.  Bee makes everyone smile and loves when the kids talk to her.  She was our family's missing piece!

Since returning to school the kids have really been blossoming...Priss had straight A's on her report card and Swee has had 5 straight days of GREAT behavior at school. They are growing up so fast and they are becoming just the kids they should be.  Doodle loves helping with the twins even though he is only 13 months older than them.  He does not enjoy going to his church class with all the other 3 year olds.  I really hope that changes soon!  Jason has hit the ground running after Christmas break.  We joke that we will see him in February because his January schedule is so BUSY.  I am loving my life!  I feel as though my family is in a good rhythm and I am in a good place too!