Ring In the New Year...

It about darn near killed my little gypsy souls to stay close to home this break.  They're adventurous spirits and ALL of our little family together in one car spelled out one obvious sentiment to them -- GO!

But since this mama was so close to delivering their baby brother and since the great Christmas snow storm of 2015 came and stayed in a thick frozen fog, we stayed.  

And it all worked out just fine with a few little extras thrown into our routine:

Extra #1

A staycation at a hotel which obviously had a swimming pool.

My little fish are gettin' real good at swimming, snorkeling, and of course, cannon balling.

Kael told us he was practicing for Hawaii this summer.  Newsflash:  There is no Hawaii trip booked that we're aware of.  But we like where your head is at, buddy.

Though that sun streamed in warm and golden, it was a cool eleven degrees out those doors.

Near the end of a couple of hours at the pool on New Year's Eve Ace came out of the water VERY concerned.  "My fingers are all wrinkle-y" he said.  To which Ryno replied, "Oh No, Ace!  You have old man fingies!  They'll never go away!"

After a bout of near tears and calm explaining time and time again that Daddy was teasing, Ace was still deathly concerned about the status of his "old man fingies".  We are all happy to report they reverted back to their original form.  :)

We ate dinner and played games at Ryan's brother's house with Grandma & Grandpa Gardner, Aunt Nett, Aunt Kim & Uncle Jonathan, and of course, Mike's family.  RyGar the great pulled out the big bombs of fireworks at the nine o'clock hours and they did not disappoint.

And then we were off to the hotel to do "Cheers" with plastic Marriott cups full of sparkling cider - otherwise known as "golden drink".

I love listening to my boys toast.  The things they think are "clink-worthy" are pretty awesome.  

ie:  "I'm so glad for my family, and a new year, and a new baby and my BB Gun."

Well said, gents.

And then it was time to snuggle in for movies of the little man & parent variety.

As I hung up a new 2016 calendar on the fridge the next day, I became fully aware of the many changes 'round the corner for our little family: A new baby, two kiddos in elementary school, new clients for Ryan, a potential for a new home for us.  I got a little panicked at all the inevitable change.

But then I came to the basement to find this.  A crew of builders fully immersed in creating the world's best marble run -- together with fits of laughter.  

And I was reminded yet again - our home is where our people are.  As long as we have one another & our health... it's all part of a great, big, collective adventure.
As the main man, Emerson said, "Though we travel the world to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

Well, Ralph, these dudes of mine are nothing if not adventurous, AND extra bonus, they have killer hide and seek instincts, so I fully expect to find all the beautiful with them this year!

Happy New Year.