The Nolan Family: January 2014

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Hello Snow!

In the past week we have had 2 snows, each one a week apart. Last Tuesday schools were closed anticipating the snow. Public schools were then out for the rest of the week. Then last night the snow started again and we did not have school today! I have to admit, last week's snow was exciting and we were ready for it! This week, the excitement was not as much:) Putting both kids in snow gear can be exhausting, along with not having school! But, we ended up going sledding again this morning and it was so much fun!! I cherish these memories of the sound of laughter as they fly down the hills and run back up. I did not get any pictures this morning, but I got a lot from last week. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (but not too many more times)!!

A few weeks ago we had a quick snow that melted within a few hours.
However, it was beautiful while it lasted!

The kids enjoyed it for a bit!

From last week's sledding adventures!

Sledding with my babies!

Love their faces going down!!!

They both love to sled!

Priceless!

Madelyn and Cora!

My little guy (with pink gloves!)

I love how this year how they can go in the back yard by themselves!
I can watch them and stay warm (and drink coffee!)

Playing in Aunt KK's backyard

So cute together

Josh loving the snow!

Down the hill in Morgan Run

Our snowy house!

Josh sweeping the snow

Loved making snow cream!!!

Baby it's cold outside!

These past few weeks have been so cold!! We keep getting a "polar vortex" which basically brings very cold weather from Canada. Richmond is not use to these temperatures! Schools have been delayed at times due to such cold temps. We have been trying to stay warm and keep busy! One thing we did last weekend was go to the basketball game at U of R. It was so much fun and the kids LOVED it! We all had a blast and hope to do it again next year!

Bundle up!!!

My sassy little girl!

Waiting in the preschool car pool line!

Taking a little nap on my birthday, such a sweet little face!

Waving bye to Daddy while he goes to work!

U of R basketball game!

Josh loved hanging with his cousins. Didn't get a picture of Cora, not sure why!
But she was there!

My heart melts when I look at this picture!

Happy 32nd Birthday to Me!

It feels like forever ago that I celebrated my 32nd birthday! I was sick the week of my birthday, so it was very low key on the day of my birthday. But we got together at Nana and Pop's house with Meme, Aunt Gerry, and the McGuire family a few days later. We had a great time as always! The kids always love playing together and it was so nice to spend time with my family. The winter months are always long and cold, so it's always a treat to get together. Here's to another great year!!

Josh enjoying his Mama's birthday dinner

The kids loved catching a ride with Meme's walker!

Love my new PJ's from the McGuire family!

Always get help from the kids with blowing out my candles!

Cake with my four favorite people!

Giving his Nana some love!

Love this picture!

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Happy New Year!

Even though 2013 was an awesome year, we are excited for 2014 for new adventures! Every year gets more exciting and fun because the kids are getting older and we are able to do more fun stuff! On New Year's Eve we went with our neighbors to the children museum's Countdown to Noon New Year's Eve party! It was so much fun and they had many fun activities for the kids. I am definitely joining the science museum when the kids are a little older! Josh took a long nap that afternoon and we had a low key New Year's. Sam and I watched football and I went to bed before midnight because I had to work on New Year's Day. It was a relaxing night, which is exactly what I needed! Happy New Year to everyone!!

New Year's tunnel playing

My babies and I at the Science Museum

Counting down with the Planks-Kevin and Emily

Confetti and balls dropped at noon, the kids LOVED it!

Here's to another great year with these two...

Merry Christmas!

We had a wonderful Christmas this year! It is such a magical time of year, especially through the eyes of Cora and Josh. The excitement and joy they have makes it truly the most wonderful time of year. We had a very busy Christmas Eve and Day. Christmas Eve we went to Grammy and Papa's house for dinner. We had a great time with all of the Nolans and especially loved the Secret Santa gift exchange. We got home late, but Cora was very ready to put the Reindeer dust out and get Santa's cookies ready. Sam read Cora and Josh 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and everyone headed to bed.
Christmas morning was amazing and the excitement was contagious. Santa brought many awesome gifts, but Cora and Josh each got something special from Sam and I. Josh got Sam's John Deere tractor that Sam had gotten for his 2nd Christmas! Many hours were put into this tractor and the look on Josh's face was priceless when he saw it! Cora got Felicity, my American Girl doll from childhood. She LOVES her doll and I can't wait to take her to get her very own doll this year in DC!
We went to the Atkins house for Christmas brunch then headed to Nana and Pop's for Christmas lunch/dinner and opening presents! We had such a good time with Meme, the McGuire's and Nana and Pop. Nana goes the extra step to make her grandchildren's Christmas extra special filled with wonderful memories. We will always cherish them.
Overall, Christmas was wonderful and magical. And we are recovering from too much food and busy holiday craziness. I am looking forward to a less hectic schedule, but dreading these cold winter months ahead. Maybe we will get a good snow to shake up the cold months:)