Snow Day!

The kids unanimously agree that our two hours in the snow on the Monday before they went back to school was the best day of Christmas break. It was beautiful and ridiculously fun, so I totally understand their enthusiasm! Living in Sacramento is convenient because we were able to drive a little over an hour and play in ten feet of freshly fallen snow, and then drive right back home to our warm and not snowy house. We went sledding, made snow caves, hugged Snowmen and watched Juniper swim through the snow to get sticks and balls, and then when we were done we quickly packed up and peaced out. I love the snow...in small doses...with the promise of hot cocoa and a fire to follow! 

This picture CRACKS ME UP!!! Everyone was smiles and happy on our way back to the car except for Cora, who was SO over it at this point. When I showed her the picture, tears wet in my eyes she said, "My feet were almost falling off of me they were so freezing, Mom! What do you expect?!" 

With the Middle McKee's in Town

The Middle McKee's came to California for the week between Christmas and New Years and we did all the things--game nights, sibling date, adventures big and small, Leatherby's, park days and walks and maybe the crowning event (for me): a Taylor Swift themed NYE party titled I don't know about you, but I'm feeling '22. We miss Jord and Mad, Lucy, Ollie and Rosie all the time, and I love the feeling that we are complete when they are back in Sac. It was a great week and I'm so grateful that they went through the nightmare of Covid travel to be with us. 

I'll never get over triplet pictures! 2022 will be big for them--they're turning 8 and getting baptized! They are three miracles right there, and have been from the start. I'm obsessed with them. 

If the party was at our house at any time that week, this is where I found my kids for at least 30 minutes leading up to their arrival. My party-love has clearly passed down to the next generation. 

Sibling date in the box seats for a Kings Game. We cheered and danced and laughed and played and it was so fun. This Christmas sibling+spouses date night is one of the events I look forward to the very most all year and it didn't disappoint! Also, Kings win!

All eight of us (heart eyes love them!)

We forced all three M&M's (Michele, Madelyne and Meghan McKee) to come work out with us at Orangetheory. They rocked it and it was so fun, but they'll probably never get rid of the coaches who now have their numbers and will be begging them to join our gym. Sorry friends!

Last year one of my favorite Christmas activities was ice skating, which was crazy to me because I hate the cold, ice skates usually hurt my fragile feet and I was afraid of grumpy kids who were hanging on me. It was actually the best!!! I was looking forward to it this year as well, but of course we were scheduled for a rainy day. We could have transferred our days, but the kids insisted that we skate anyway! It was cold and wet and probably a little crazy and it was also a blast. The kids were somehow happy even though they were soaking wet and cold and I couldn't wipe the silly smile off of my face--especially when they played really good music. It was so good and I'm already excited for skating in 2022!

River walks with our crew were so good. I love the fresh air, and our town is really showing off with it's beauty lately!

Don't mind me as I wipe away a tear because this NYE party was honestly as fun as it gets and everyone played along with my crazy requests (sparkles and sequins and breakfast at midnight and red lipstick and dancing and Swiftie-style games and hipster hats). I love parties and NYE and Taylor and clearly, my family loves me haha!

I don't know about you, I'm feeling '22. And yes, I bought this shirt just for NYE haha!