More Christmas 2014

Snowman pancakes to kick-off our Christmas holidays!

Terrifying. That's the best word to describe Santa Claus. At least for Eleanor, anyway!

They even cry alike! Must be something about being 15-ish months and meeting Mr. Claus that just don't mix!

Sleepy boy napping with his Kiki monkey and Gus, the magic reindeer!

I sent Cohen's and Eleanor's letters to Santa to a post office in Santa Claus, Indiana, and they WROTE BACK! I think that is just so kind that these people at the post office take the time to write back to the kids that send their letters in. It's just so special and Cohen was in awe that Santa wrote back.

When we were in San Antonio to have Christmas with Michael and his family, Cohen saw these two "heroes" on the side of the road. He just HAD to have his picture taken with Bumblebee the Transformer and Iron Man!

Cohen's and my gingerbread house! It's not half bad, if I don't say so myself!

Cohen coloring one of his Countdown-to-Christmas placemats.

Little sister wanted to color, too!

Cohen's and Eleanor's gift from Mom and Dad! A new playhouse!

They both love it!

She was SO excited!

But then she was concerned that Bug got down and wasn't "playing" with them anymore! Haha!

Snuggling with my loves on Christmas Eve morning!

Getting ready to make sugar cookies for Santa Claus!

My little baking helper!

Our finished cookies! Almost too pretty to eat!

My little Christmas Eve rag-a-muffin!

Santa Claus came to our house this year!

So excited to see what she got!

Cohen checking out what he got from Santa!

Cohen getting ready to test out his new bow-and-arrow!

New year, new hair! Though I can't quite get used to it yet. And I guess it was a combination of Eleanor's shirt and my scarf that makes it look much more red than it is. Still, it's different, but I keep reminding myself, it won't last long! ;)

As we near the end of 2014, I can't help but look back and be so thankful for the past year. We had so many things happen this year - my leaving my teaching position and becoming a full-time stay-at-home-mom; getting Eleanor through physical and occupational therapy and having her come out on the other end a strong, smart baby girl; Cohen slowly beginning to learn how to read, and watching his gross motor skills skyrocket (he is doing SO WELL riding his scooter and his bicycle); Royal Cup offering Will such a huge opportunity to help move his career along and relocating to Houston... The list goes on and on.

2015 will be a terrific year, as well. I intend on cherishing all of my moments at home with my two kiddos - especially Cohen, as August will bring a new chapter for his life - elementary school! (Isn't that hard to believe?) Time flies when you become a parent. I feel like it was just yesterday that Cohen was born, and now he's 4-and-a-half and we have a 15-month-old who is such an independent, strong-willed, and sassy little thing! I am loving so much watching them both grown and learn and develop. Happy New Year to you and yours! Love to all!