January!

January is my busiest month at work and November and December aren't far behind! We were able to get away for a quick weekend up to Breckenridge, thanks to Andy's parents. This is Avery and Ryan's 3rd mountain town stay. We went up Saturday and had a smooth drive until we got out of the tunnel. It was very blizzardy with lots of snow and wind and limited visibility. We stopped in Silverthorne for lunch. By the time we were done, the weather was much better and we made our way to Breck. We had a studio and brought up 2 pack n plays. This made it interesting at bed time as Avery didn't want to miss out on anything, so it took her awhile to fall asleep.
Sunday, I hit the slopes first while Andy stayed in with Avery and Ryan and after a few hours, I switched with Andy. It was great getting some runs in after being pregnant last winter. We met Andy for lunch and then took naps in the afternoon. We enjoyed a free drink at happy hour at the bar in the hotel and decided instead of going out we would pick some food up and eat in, which worked out well. We got up at our normal time and got the car packed and the babies fed and hit the road back to Littleton.


Their favorite place in the studio - underneath the table
















Ready to head out

Not wanting to take their naps

The first half of January has gone by quickly. Here are a few fun pictures.

Avery cruising along the back of the couch



















Ryan crawling towards me















One of the few pictures of them sitting together

Their new favorite activity - racing up the stairs

Ryan and Raleigh wishing they could go out and play















Avery having fun with the blankets

New Year's Eve

Today, was Sarah's last day as a nanny for Avery and Ryan as she is starting nursing school in January. We will all miss her as she has been great! Avery and Ryan have been with her 5 days a week since they were 13 weeks old and less than 10 pounds each. Sarah has good friends in the neighborhood and hope she will stay in touch and best of luck to her in her new career. Our new nanny, Nan, starts on Monday and Sarah will spend 1/2 the day with her to show her the ropes!

Avery, Sarah, and Ryan
















Today is also Ben Carlson's 1st birthday! We headed over to the Carlson's at 4 for his birthday celebration. Ben did great with his cake and looked like a pro! Avery and Ryan had fun playing with the other kids and all the toys. And, we enjoyed hanging out and the birthday cake and taco bar. A fun way to spend New Year's Eve! We put Avery and Ryan in their jammies and did bottles before heading home and we were able to just take them right to their cribs. We enjoyed some fondue and Champagne to bring in the New Year (on the East Coast).


The Birthday Boy

















Giggling GG




















Avery



















Ryan checking out Ben's cool rocket

1st Christmas

Andy has been off all week and was able to go snowboarding, run errands, clean up his office at work as Sarah was able to come during the day, as I had to work Monday - Wednesday. We went to Thai Basil for dinner on Christmas Eve with Avery and Ryan. They did pretty well. We were actually there last Christmas Eve when Avery and Ryan were in my belly! How things have changed! We enjoyed Sour Cream Coffee Cake for breakfast which was a tradition at my parent's house growing up. They started on their stockings a few gifts, then it was time for breakfast, and then a morning nap, and then more presents. We had a nice Christmas day and got all their toys put together so they could play with those! I made Christmas dinner which included pecan crusted chicken, sweet potato casserole, and a green bean casserole. It was good!



Checking out their stockings

















Avery in her 1st Christmas bib






















Taking a break for some breakfast















Ryan checking out the presents















Mommy with Avery & Ryan
















Avery & Ryan in front of the tree
















After their nap and ready to open more presents (Ryan just posed with Avery as his crib is next to Avery's)
















Raleigh sniffing out the new present

















Ryan with his new elmo cell phone





















Avery showing off her teeth






















This present is almost as big as them
















Ryan enjoying the Busy Zoo from Aunt Shyloe and Uncle Greg and cousin Taiten



















Avery likes moving the beads





















All the presents from Hanukkah and Christmas
















Enjoying their new books and a laugh together

More Presents

Avery and Ryan got some more practice opening gifts. It is amazing how much has changed since Thanksgiving. They are now both crawling everywhere, pulling up, and cruising. Avery has pretty much been first at everything and Ryan is about a week behind her.

Avery and Ryan playing on their laptops from Uncle Josh and Aunt Brandy and cousins Bailey and Emma.
















Ryan and Avery opening their gifts from Sarah. The love the dump truck, balls, and snap beads.














Avery and Ryan in their jammies and Avery taking control over the remotes



















Ryan and his favorite ball















Avery in snowman jammies in front of the tree















Avery in her cute Christmas jumper from Grams (I think she looks a lot like me at that age)

Snow Football

Saturday, Andy played in the annual snow football game, but without the snow. Avery, Ryan, and I met up with them at a pub near Wash Park when they were done with the game to grab some lunch and catch up with everyone before the holidays as most of the wives and kids were able to join.

Austin, Ben, Kyle, Matt, Bill, and Andy

Mommy and Ryan

Checking out the menu














Checking out the pool table after a diaper change
















Saturday night, we went to Andy's boss's house for a holiday dinner. She invited all her direct reports and spouses over for appetizers and dinner. It was a great evening and the food was delicious.


Sunday morning, we went over to the Angelier's for brunch. Natalie, who just turned 2, did a great job of sharing her toys with Avery and Ryan. We enjoyed hanging out and the food was great. Sunday afternoon, we all took naps!

More Kiawah Pics

We forgot the charger to our camera, but luckily Shyloe had 2 cameras with her with plenty of battery power. Here are some of our favorites from her.