Cole's first year of basketball

Cole started playing basketball this winter - his first season playing.

It's been fun to watch him learn the game and play with his team.

Got has gotten several baskets each game, and he's great on defense.

I'm excited to see how he continues to improve (hopefully), and I'm curious to hear which sport Cole decides he likes best after this year - he's now played soccer, basketball, and baseball!

Snow days

After Christmas break the kids went back to school... for a couple days.  We had a very interrupted school schedule in January - more days off than in the classroom!

Some of it was due to cold weather, and some of it was because of snow.  The kids loved playing in the snow.  But once it was gone we had to figure out other things to do.

Our last day of the unexpected week off school we went to the science center.

We had the place virtually to ourselves, and the kids had a good time checking everything out at their leisure.

Mead built this giant lego "house and wanted to get picture of everyone in it with her.

It made for a fun morning, and it was nice to get out of the house after so many days at home!

Happy birthday, Mead!

Mead turned 9 last weekend, and she had a small group of friends over for an early birthday party.

They had a good time - ate fruit, pizza, and cake, and watched The Emoji Movie.

I'm very thankful for Mead and for the friends that Mead has made at school.

A few days later, on her actual birthday, we were able to celebrate as a family.  We began with the traditional cinnamon roll breakfast, of course.  It was a fun day.  We love you, Mead!

Merry Christmas!

I barely took any pictures over the break, but here's a couple from our holidays.

Cole's class made gingerbread houses one day at school - he was so proud of his creation!  He did a great job.

And here's the kids Christmas morning opening their stockings before cinnamon rolls and presents.  We had a nice Christmas together in our new home.

Snowy Day

We got a little bit of snow last weekend - maybe about 2 inches.  While it was snowing Cole and Penny ran a 5K together in downtown Roanoke.  They had fun doing the Jingle Bell Run - finished in 30 minutes, and Cole ran the whole time!

Here's a picture of our house with the first snow of the year.  Looks so pretty!

A visit to the Star

Whenever we have friends come in town we take them to the Roanoke Star.  Though it's not the most exciting thing ever, it's still a local landmark worth visiting.  Here's our most recent visit to the top of Mill Mountain with the Mayfields...

Family pictures

I haven't done as well with taking pictures in recent months, so I've been trying pull my camera out more frequently the past few weeks.

Laine participated in a Veteran's Day program at school and got to play her recorder while the kids sang - she did a great job!

Laine also helped take a photo of Penny and me - we rarely stop to take pictures of just the two of us!  These turned out nicely, and I've decided to take a "couple" picture more often.

And the kids helped me put up Christmas decorations this weekend - Mead wanted a picture of our new stocking holders and decorated mantle.  It's been fun to decorate a new house this year!