January 2014

January was busy - as usual.  We spent a lot of time playing in the snow - when it wasn't below 0 outside!

Charlie loves the snow.  He has his own fur coat to keep him warm ;)

Sledding in the backyard 

The kids took turns sledding with Charlie

Alyssa's Brownie Troop went to Panera Bread and learned how bread was made.  They each made their own french baguette and decorated a cookie.  A perfect field trip for our little baker!

Alyssa and Cameron finished the first winter session of gymnastics.  I can't believe how much they have both improved!

Alyssa getting spotted on the vault

Jumping into the foam pit 

Cameron climbing the rope

Alyssa's dismount from the beam

Getting ready to show off his skills

Next up, Polish dance class pictures

Dancing cousins

Forget the Super Bowl, we got to go skating at Uncle Mikey's!

The girls were helping their cousins get the hang of skating

Mason getting some help from his dad

Bentley was fearless!

Hockey playing cousins!

Even Grandma went skating!  A couple of cousins are missing.  They are inside getting warm :)

What a fun day!

December 2013

The first weekend in December Madelyn had her FIRST Lego state meet.  As I mentioned previously, they come in second overall, and second in the robot competition.  These kids are great!

The girls had another piano recital.  Both of them sound better each year!

On December 15, we welcomed this guy into our hearts and our home.  Charlie is a chocolate lab who may look tiny now, but is actually quite large for his age.  He is adorable and loved by all of us, which is a good thing since crate training over night continues to be a challenge.  He is really going to miss the kids when they go off to school tomorrow.

A few days later, we went to the Zajaczek Christmas party.  Alyssa was a king this year.  The group was being progressive :)

The kids told Santa what they wanted and he delivered...

Another Christmas season tradition is the decorating of the Christmas cookies at grandmas house.  It involves a huge mess and a lot of sugar.  Here are the bakers ready to go in their aprons.

Madelyn graduated to an adult job this year.  Making the frosting and icing the cookies.

Logan and Mason decorating

Amber takes her job very seriously

Alyssa was having a blue Christmas

Pretty sure Bentley only decorated his own cookie, and his mouth

Maybe Morgan too

Because we just didn't have enough cookies, we made peanut butter blossoms at home.  They didn't last long!

And just like that, Christmas was here.  

The kids declared this "best Christmas ever"

We spent time with the family at Uncle Mikey's house on Christmas day.  These cousins love to play together - especially old school nintendo!

This Christmas we get to officially welcome Michelle to the family.  She and David got engaged on December, 20th - exactly 15 years after Shane and I got engaged :)

Amber and I sorting rainbow loom rubber bands

And just like that, it was over.

This past year has been full - full of greats ups, and downs too.  I am looking forward to what 2014 has to offer.   I'm sure of this - the Browns will definitely continue to be busy!