Over winter break we met my mom at the Brockport library for a preschooler dance party. I’d never been to that library before but Brockport is about halfway for each of us. I was really impressed with their children’s librarian and department. Ben had a ton of fun dancing and playing while Cassidy was just content to watch and look at books.






I surprised Andy for his birthday this year by booking an ice fishing trip on Sodus Bay. He’d been talking about wanting to try it so I found a guide who could take us out for a half day and teach us the ins and outs. I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect, but it was SO much fun. We treated friends of ours who are going out of the country soon, so their company on the trip was great too.
The day started with a beautiful sunrise but eventually got grey and snowy. It was freezing out on the ice but inside the tent it was actually warm with the heater. My toes were a little tingly by the end, but nothing too bad (I would definitely recommend insulated boots and wool socks!) We each caught some fish, although a lot had to be tossed back because they were too small to keep. The girls seriously outfished the boys though!
















All the fish we kept. Not exactly any trophy winners, but it was still pretty fun!

The best tasting fish sticks ever!

Our guide, Mike with Upstate Guide Service. He was great with us newbies and taught us quite a bit, I’d definitely recommend him.

Such a fun adventure!


We went to visit my friend Lexi down the road today. I was just planning on getting some eggs but asked if the kiddos could tag along too to see their chickens. The “Girls” as they’re called, have an awesome little penthouse coop built by Lexi’s husband. Complete with several nifty add ons (he’s an engineer).



Ben loved feeding them and Cassidy kept waving, smiling and saying “Hi, hi!”



The kids got to pet them too. Lexi’s son even brought one over to us since Ben kept scaring them away.



Thanks for letting us visit!
Yep, still doing Christmas posts, this is the last one. We did Christmas with Paul’s family the last Sunday of 2014. They had rented out the hall of a church so the kids had plenty of room to run around and be silly. People also brought lasagnas, side dishes and dessert which was followed by a white elephant gift exchange.






Our fourth Christmas was spent with my dad, Leslie, Gabby, Danielle, Chris, Justin and Kate! We headed into Lockport and spent the afternoon and evening at Justin and Kate’s apartment. Justin made pizza for us and we exchanged gifts.
These pictures are sadly pretty terrible though, something was up with my camera’s flash mount. Oh well, we’re a good looking bunch anyway.

Leslie, Gabby and Danielle <3

Ben enjoyed the constant snacking, always fun at family gatherings.

Not the most flattering picture, but Cassidy was cute :)

Tickle, tickle!

Andy got a cheeseburger bank, haha.

Putting together some legos with Uncle Chris.

We just stayed home this year for Christmas Eve. We made (ok I found the recipe and Andy made) a delicious pot roast and then we watched the church service online. Actually it was kind of nice, the kids were being crazy and it was nice to let them just run around the livingroom while we watched on TV.

Christmas morning the kids slept in until 7:30 (woo hoo) and then we got up and opened presents. Andy and the kids gave me a Lego set and coffee beans from Finger Lakes Coffee Roasters. Andy also made me these really cool glass pyramid terrarium “things.” They have LEDs that cycle through different colors and wireless chargers, I’ll have to take a video they are SO cool.

I gave Andy a Meat book, bug zapper and a few other things. He joked that he might actually read a book now ;-)

The kids got some clothes, duplos and legos, bubble bath and a few other toys. Their big gift was a toy kitchen we’d bought from craigslist and fixed up. It turned out so cute!



After presents we ate our cinnamon roll breakfast and Andy read the Christmas story.


Later on that day my mom, Paul and Andy’s parents joined us for dinner. It was a really nice, low key evening spent with family :)