I took Natalee to the store with me the other day. This is no ordinary feat. Most of the times I take my kids grocery shopping with me, I leave feeling like I just aged 10 years. And I tell myself , "I am never doing this AGAIN!" But this time with Natalee was different. Other than throwing 4 chocolate puddings into the cart {for the family night treat, mom!} while I wasn't looking, she was an angel. It was easy. For the first time, taking my little 3 and a half year old in public was easy. Life is good.

Nat is my cooking helper!



{HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS}

1. "My Mark", as Natalee calls him, came out to visit us right before Christmas. He arrived right before we got hit with the big snow storm. He brought such a warmth and light into our house {and not just because he came from Arizona}. He was positive, upbeat, and helpful in every way. He was only able to stay 5 days and we still miss him.

2. Skyping with my 4 siblings and my parents all at the same time, despite being scattered across 3 states and 2 countries.

Here are some pictures from our holidays!

{Christmas Market}



{Snowgirl we built together}



{First live Christmas tree since our first Christmas together--2001. This blasted thing dropped needles like nothing I've ever seen. This will be our last live Christmas tree. }



{I have never felt so cozy while shopping for a Christmas tree}



{Over a foot of snow}



{I just love this picture of us on Christmas Eve. I can't be any happier being married to Ben. He is right there with me, no matter what.}



{Kaitlyn graced us with some ballet on Christmas eve.}





{The guy wanted pie instead of cake! Happy 28th Mark!}



{Helping a very frustrated, yet determined Kaitlyn iceskate for the first time}



{Ben, Mark and the kids took a trip to some ruins by the Rhine river while I was in bed with a migraine. Squeezy girl!}



{One of Ben's favorite winter sports--sweeping the snow}