Basketball - Hawks and Dundalk

We started off the new year with a basketball game on the 3rd. Xander didn't get much playing time; in fact, I only got the following two pictures!

But, as always, when he gets out on the floor, he hustles and works hard. We easily took down the Hawks of North Harford. Two days later we hosted Dundalk at home. Xander got a bit more playing time in this game.

Straight up!! Such good defense!

It was in this game that Xander finally got his first basket! It was off a throw in to Cameron who ran it up the court and then bounce passed it to Xander for the lay up. I was ecstatic!! I'm sure the parents thought I was crazy!

He ended up getting another basket before the game was through and we beat Dundalk! Our team is really doing well and Xander is improving with each game!

 

Welcome 2020!!

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day are pretty chill around our house and this year was no exception. Savannah went out with church friends while my guys and I built Legos and watched movies.

The first day of 2020 was a pretty lazy day. Lots of naps and cuddle time with the dog,

playing video games,

snacking (Noah with his secret recipe of pretzels and cheese),

and banana splits for dinner!

We're excited to see what 2020 brings for our family.

Christmas in Maryland

When we spend Christmas in Cincinnati we usually only take one or two gifts with us due to the lack of space as well as the pain of lugging presents around. So when we get home it's time for second Christmas!

Some pictures of the fun gifts we received this year!

Everyone wanted Jazz gear!

His very own little ear buds.

That new shoe smell must be appealing!

What would Christmas be without new Legos?

When you both want the same thing for Christmas and your parents refuse to buy two of them because that would be absolutely ridiculous...

I know they're happy to have the game but sharing it? I think the smiles might be a little forced.

Another wonderful Christmas!

Christmas Vacation in Cincinnati

We always have such a fun time visiting family in Cincinnati and this year was no exception. One day we decided to take the kids ice skating!

I love the little wet patchh on Ciara's bum from when she fell.

Xander is always so good with her.

Noah's close up with the wall, ha ha!

Uh oh, someone is about to fall!

Good save, Xander!

Love Ashlyn's face!

After skating we headed to Chewys for lunch. I couln't get over how big the burritos were!

A little later that evening we headed over to Coldstone to enjoy some ice cream...

and the nearby Christmas decorations.

One day Dad arranged for the kids to do baptisms at the Louisville temple. This is always such a special treat, to spend time with our kids in the temple.

It can be very exhausting though.

We helped the Clarks cheer for the Ohio St. Buckeyes!

Ash is super talented in her cooking and baking skills.

And of course we have to have basketball...

and ping pong tournaments.

Our last evening with our Cincinnati family before heading home to Maryland. Some final pictures...

laughs, stories, and sharing whatever is on our phones. Maybe one day we'll all live closer (wink wink).