Holy Cow!

Annnnnnnnnnnd we're back.

Just like that.

Holy cow!

I cannot even pretend to fit it all in one post.

The past 2 weeks have been awesome.

For real, friends.

And do I have pictures.

Lots in fact.

New York was incredible.

We spent 4 days with Ryan's parents checking out places

like the Adirondacks and Niagara Falls,

and then Ryan and I took the train into NYC

for 3 days of New Year's shenanigans.

We had THE best time.

But...before I go there, I must first recap Christmas.
Picture quality = bad.

Bear with me for a few.

Christmas morning 2010!

Ready, set, open!

 No, my children do not have matching Christmas pj's.
They sleep in their tighty whities.
That's how we roll here.
I used to buy the cute matching pj's when they were little.
They would laugh at me now if I tried.

No time to look at the camera, Mom.

Carter trying out his "My First Shaving Kit".

Sweet boy.

We surprised Austin with an iPhone.

He thought he was getting an iPod Touch.

Excited teenager.

Poor little Lulu was a scared of all the screaming boys and wrapping paper flying.

She stayed close to Daddy.

Smart.

Our musical kid.

We just know there is music in this kid's future.

He also received drums and a guitar!

Carter.

My only child that still asks for toys.

It is so weird, friends.

It is so sad.

Our kids are growing up.

 Carter and Trysten had a blast playing with Carter's haul.

Later that morning, we drove out to my parents to celebrate with my whole family.

Their home always looks so beautiful at Christmas.

Thought I'd share a few of my favorite spots.

The family room.

Are there enough presents under the tree?

 And...I think they need one more stocking holder.

I love their majolica collection.

 My parents buy the musical Hallmark snowmen every year.

The grandkids LOVE them!

My mother has an enormous Santa collection.

 And some snowmen too!

The grandkids' table

There's my handsome man in the background.

Look at all their silver and crystal!

Can you imagine that in my home with 4 boys?

Not so much.

But it's so pretty.

The adult table.

The Teenager officially joined us this year.

I was so proud watching him pull the chair out

for my grandmother to sit down.

He can be such a great kid.

Isn't this room beautiful!

I remember this buffet in the foyer of my childhood home.

One of my favorite vignettes in my parent's home.

A collection of antique pipes and such.

My mother is so talented!

After I took all of these pics, I think I forget to pick the camera back up.

Nice.

It's always a little chaotic trying to wrangle all the circus clowns.

Good times though!

 I did manage to get these few.

Here's my precious niece, Alexis.

Really?

Any cuter?

Not possible.

And the leggings paired with blonde ponytail?

Love.

The grandkids.

Love every one of these awesome kids!

My sweet sister, the librarian, reading to Addyson.

What a great day with great family.

It comes and goes so fast.

I feel so blessed to have my family.

When we left my parents' house, we dropped my boys at their dad's,

and Ryan and I spent some precious

one-on-one time with Trysten.

Those times are so few and far between

which makes them so special.

The next morning,

we took T to his mother's house,

and head straight to the airport bound for New York!!

Come back tomorrow

for a post all about

the good times in the great state of NY!!