Wednesday, February 17, 2016

New Years and a Year Older


 Time flies when you are having fun! I couldn't explain January any different than that! We had so much going on and so many fun activities I will do my best to show it all off! We started the year off dog sitting some of our friends pups as they enjoyed vacation in Mexico! We had a total of 3 dogs and they all seemed to be inseparable. As fun as it was to see them all together, I have now realized I am not sure I need another dog at this time!
All the dogs getting their treats!
Juco got a new bed for Christmas
     As every year, we kick it off with New Year's Eve. With basketball, I never know what exactly we are going to have time for. This year, Fresno State played on the 30th, and didn't have to leave for their next game til the 1st! So that left us with a great night enjoyed with friends, playing the "low key" card with football, games, and togetherness!
New Year's Eve
Making it Year 2 in Fresno with this girl!
Always enjoy being with the Loftins!

     My birthday was the next celebration of the month! I was surprised with a Ski Trip to Shaver Lake to China Peak Resort. Shaver is about an hour from us, and with the drought in California, we were not able to check it out last year. Now, with the rain and snow we have been getting, we had a day filled with great memories and lots of laughs and falls. Neither Keith nor I had skied since we were in 6th grade! We had no idea what to expect or if we were ready to take this on. My morning went about as I had thought, but was going strong by the afternoon! Keith enjoyed the entire mountain and time we had. He did such a great job planning this trip and it will be a birthday I never forget!
The Beautiful view of Shaver Lake on our way home
The must take Ski Lift Pic
My work ladies are so good to me! They dressed up the Birthday Bear to make me feel like I was back at home!
     The last celebration was my parents coming to Fresno! They have been out here a couple of times, however, we tend to go visit other places. This time, we stayed in Fresno, watched basketball, and got things done! They are so helpful when we are needing little odds and ins done, and for some reason, it is so much easier to do them when they are there. We played a lot of games, mostly Pitch and enjoyed the different places around Fresno to eat. I always am thankful they come out and make me feel so special!

Always helping when they can
Basketball Selfie! Dad and Mom got to watch two games and two wins!!

Dad had control of Juco when walking, something I can never do

Mom let Juco climb on everything and made sure she was comfortable


     January was a quick month and a very exciting one! It was a great way to start of 2016! Many things to look forward to ahead!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Family Christmas

     Every year I look forward to the Holidays. I always know that means family will be together and many memories will be made. However, I didn't realize it would get better and better each year. Moving away has put me in a situation that I never thought I would be in. I thought I would forever be a Kansas girl and always be around the ones I loved. 4 years ago, that changed, and since then, these trips home have meant more to me than ever before. I love looking ahead and having my countdown on (I know you are supposed to live in the moment, but I love countdowns!). This year was even more fun. I would call the nephews and neices and get them all riled up as to how many more days until I got to see them! Some would send pictures, send videos, or run laps around the kitchen of how many days left. All would brighten my day each time it happened!!
     My time home is always amazing, and I cannot even start to explain all the memories of the two weeks I was able to be home. I love seeing everyone and enjoying the time we get together. The kids are growing so fast and their excitement brings so many smiles to my face. Here are a few pictures of what my weeks looked like. (These do not do justice on how great of a time I had)
My Welcome Home Committee
Heading back to GB
It was my duty to have breakfast made each morning!
Enjoying the more quiet household :)
Game Time with Reese!
Lots of Ring Around the Rosy
A little Airplane Action (not sure she was enjoying it)
They love "playing" with Keith!
A family that dresses together, stays together! Family of 4 on the way!!
Bat Cade and his Bulldog socks! 
Luke and Lawson enjoying their Bouncy Balls

Keith reading to Keeley and Laney
Lawson showing off his Gingerbread House.
Little Laney
Enjoying their Christmas Puzzles

This Christmas we also gained a new Angel. My mom's mother, Grandma Schartz went to Heaven. Although, it is something that is always hard to handle, we were able to spend time together and be around all of the family for a couple more days. She was a fighter and lost a quick battle to Cancer. We will continue to smile on the memories we all share.