Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree!

Thanksgiving seemed to be super late this year, which threw my holiday planning off. Since we typically get our tree the day after Thanksgiving, it took every ounce of my will power not to get our tree before Thanksgiving. BUT, continuing on with our tradition of going to the farm and cutting down our tree, we selected a real beaut! The only downside to the trip was that I made Sam take off his glasses for a picture (curse my vanity!) and somehow they dropped out of my coat pocket while we were walking to the car. The good news is that he has an old backup pair, and is up to get some new ones in a month. (Hooray for insurance!) 

Family Pictures 2013

Since Andrew loves family pictures so much, I decided to be an obliging wife and get them taken again this year! Thanks to my good friend Merry for taking them!

Clara turns 2

This child. The little red head who keeps me running and constantly on my feet. Clara gives a whole new meaning to the title "tiny tyrant", but oh man, is she cute. She is only saying a handful of words (which is growing daily), but some of her other accomplishments include precariously climbing on walls and ledges, attempting (and achieving) backyard breakouts, standing in toilets and giving herself a "bath" with the toilet water, and on one memorable occasion, brandishing a kitchen knife.  More impressively, these fetes were all achieved in 60 seconds or under. A mom needs to use the restroom occasionally you know! Perhaps my favorite "Claraism" is when she gets a hold of something she is not supposed to, and the moment I spot her, her hands start to tremble as she frantically try to finish her mischief. This might include dismantling a lego toy of her brother's, or attempting to open a piece of chocolate and shove it in her mouth before I reach her. She truly is capable of accomplishing great things. 

But for all of that, we wouldn't change one thing about this child who we all adore! She adds so much happiness to our family. Happy Birthday 2 year old!!! 

Halloween

Jango Fett, Luke, Leia, and Yoda

Because Andrew has indoctrinated them with Star Wars since birth.

Because a family themed costume may never happen ever again.

Because I seriously thought that Andrew would dress up as Chewie...or Darth at the very least.

School 2013-2014

Sam and Luke: grades 4 and 2

 Afton: preschool- 3 days a week

Clara: home All. Day. Long. 

We're settleing into the new norm!

Willis Family Reunion

Every two years we have a family reunion with Andrew's family. In years past we have gone to a resort in Wheeling, West Virginia (The "WV" part should dispel any notions that this is an upscale resort), but this year my bother-in-law and his wife decided to mix it up for us. So instead of heading to the hills of West Virginia, we retreated to the hills of Pennsylvania.

The place we stayed was a B&B farmhouse located right on a lake. There were actually two lodging houses, but with our large crowd we overtook the place. And let me just say, it was heaven. Aside from a lake stocked with row boats, there was a pool, a barn full of animals, a game house, a few cool off site attractions, and wonderful staff who cooked 3 delicious meals daily. You wanna see excitement? Ring a dinner bell around this crowd. And possibly the best attraction for me...no Wi-Fy. It was so nice to be able to unplug for a week!

It was a fantastic reunion at a venue that we would gladly go to again in 2 years!

Heading down to the coal mines.

What family does a service project during their family reunion? Our family!

Dinner Bell!!

Annapolis and Philly

I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before, but I have a father who HATES cities. HATES them. We live in the suburbs, a good half away away from the DC border, but every time my dad comes to visit he bemoans our "city, yuppy lifestyle". In the 7+ years we have lived here I think he has been to DC once. Once! He frequently scratches his head, because all of my siblings and I love visiting cities. It must be something about forbidden fruit.

ANYWAY. We love em, and we make a point to visit them every so often. We recently visited Annapolis (not sure you could really call it a city) and Philadelphia via our Willis family reunion. Good times were to be had at both.

Annapolis

     

On the way home from Annapolis we stopped at Sandy Point State Park where everyone took a swim in the Chesapeake Bay. Well everyone except for me. As a native Jersey girl, I will always maintain that swimming in the bay is gross. I will boat on it, I will dine on it, but I will never swim in it.

Philadelphia