Thursday, January 2, 2025

The in between times of the Holidays!

While we were planning and gearing up for our family Christmas, here are some special times in between!
Elle hosted her first Christmas party with her girls!! They had so much fun with their own personal driver on the Pedal Pub!! The girls sang their hearts to the playlists, while enjoying the downtown lights, and even stopped for drinks at Cafe 3:16!




The same night we had our neighbor Christmas party. The only pic I have is from neighbor Tammy finding the boys cuddled up on Maddie and Ed's couch watching basketball!
The girls got home and it was sleepover time! Maybe just over...no sleep. :)





Rise and shine, sweet girls!
Elle wrapped up her basketball season at Greg Grant! She found this gem of a picture on their website!
Elle is also having fun on her new travel soccer team! Go, Nationals!!


I pull into the driveway from work and Drew had just gotten off the bus and was bringing up the garbage on his own. These sweet moments are magic!
After soccer practice, the girls exchanged their Secret Santa gifts!
The next morning, a cold, early morning soccer game at the OU dome!



Luke having his own fun too with his buddies!
Elle and Elin off with their 7th grade class to see A Christmas Carol at Oakland University!
Ellie at a hotel birthday party with her girls!

Speaking of fun. There is NOTHING better than time with my banchies!! Kate had to scootch out a tad early after lunch at Honcho's. However, once the three of us got to Rochester Corner Bar, that was it. The BEST. Talking until 4:30 in the am with these girls is a piece of home only they can bring.
Ben and Luke finally squeezed in their annual basketball game! Dad got him again with a final score of 12-10!



Elle and Ben meeting up with Pat and Laney for a women's MSU bball game!
Starbucks on the way to EL!

LOVE that our girls have a sweet friendship!
On the jumbotron!


Bowling with the McClelands for Sawyer's birthday!
Ben saw the Amon Ra cake downtown and I swear they were one of the firsts to see the cake!  
Our team. 💙Ben has coached this team for 3 years now! We love these boys and their families!

Love is matching Nike socks. :)
Movies to see Mufasa! All three of us cried.

Our sweet boy gets home from a hang out and my heart melts. Luke is getting so big and I just love him so much.
Even Caleb listens in to all of Luke's shenanigans from the night. :)
The Holiday break we all needed. Our hearts are full!

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Family Christmas 2024!!

And Christmas season is here!
Which means Bob Thomas (our elf) has arrived!
Picking out our tree at the one and only Lowes! After a day with all the things, we made it to the Garden Center at like 8:30. It was all closed down. Ben "netted" our tree in the "employees only" section. Our kiddos completely embarrassed. And our neighbor Miss Kathy checked us out and made everyone feel better! :)
Drew found our tree this year!


Dear Santa...




Drew feeling a bit under the weather but in my favorite spot of our home. 
Elle shopping for family Christmas gifts!
Getting all the yummy treats ready!
Luke was the champ at making Puppy Chow for the holidays.

Getting our sugar cookies ready!
And our Christmas Kringle mix!




The finishing touches...




My heart.
Elle and I went to go see The Nutcracker with Jodie and Kayla!
Christmas Eve service at Woodside! (On Dec. 23)




Family snow football!
Walking downtown on Christmas Eve!
Delivering our Santa letters.
Picking out our favorite snowmen!
And snowwoman!
Enjoying the lights!

Back home for the rest of our traditions!
Reindeer food ✓

Cookies and milk for Santa ✓

Ben reading 'Twas the Night Before Christmas ✓

Matching pjs and Santa hats ✓ 
Christmas morning is here and Santa came!
After video games with Dad and the boys, Elle and I were up and ready!
Stockings first!











We are loving hosting Christmas on the 26th! It works out great for everybody!






This year we were able to celebrate with Uncle Chris and Sue, Aunt Cathy & Uncle Tom, Kate, Mary, Papa and Gma Uitti, Kayla and Mary, and the Zelinskis!
Mom Uitti with her people. 💕












Merry Christmas!!