PLAYOFFS???!

 I realize, of course, that I am setting my children up for disappointment by turning them into Bengals fans, but hopefully they will see more orange and black in the Playoffs and Super Bowl than I have in my lifetime. This year, at least, the Bungles made it to the first round of the Playoffs. This was a very serious day in our house, as you can see below.

 "Uh, seriously, who called that play?"

 Brendan teaching Rylee how to watch football like a man. I think she's got it down.

 The play was so bad she hid from it

 End of the 2nd half. She was not impressed.

 "Maybe if I get on this horse, I can ride far, far away from this game..."

And after the loss, her dress came off. I'm not sure what to make of that.

Cats, Cousins, and... Cocktails??

A few days after Christmas, it was that time again... New Year's! And nothing says New Year's like warm sunshine and cousinly love in the Palmetto State. So, Rylee and Mommy made the trip south to ring in 2012 with Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Alison, Uncle Chris, Avery, and Mason in Charleston. Oh, and let us not forget Max. We had lots of fun sharing toys, ate lots of yummy food (including Rylee's first S'mores, which she called a "cupcake" and really wasn't that crazy about oddly enough), took a trip to the Children's Museum, and even survived our first stomach bug.

 Girl power at the Children's Museum

 Rylee makes friends wherever she goes

 Grandpa explaining the principles of civil engineering

 Water art

 Presenting... the future of the US Women's Team!

Swingin in the yard... just swiiiiiiiingin' in the yard!

Bubbles bubbles bubbles! 

 Kitty love

 Bubbleheads

Cousin board meeting. BYOCereal Bar.



 It's a palmetto, Mommy, duh.

 Is it hot in here or does this car come equipped with butt warmers?

 This started with the adults having some Bushwackers and ended with 3 shirtless kids on the couch with Grandpa... Cheers!

Smooches for Aunt Ali 

 A duet with Grandpa

 I truly believe she would have stayed in this sandbox all week without food or water

 Homemade lemonade popsicles. Mmmmmm...

Higher, Grandma, higher!!

Early morning toy sharing



Clearly, we are going to need one of these at our house.

Christmas Without Mr. Claus

Well, a Daddyless Christmas was inevitable this year. We didn't like it, but we survived. And had the merriest Christmas we could muster. Rylee was much more into it this year and we can hardly wait for next year when she will be extra Christmasy and we will all be in the same country to celebrate together. Not pictured: the torture that was Santa's lap. Here are some highlights. 

 Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree.... who knew you would crash laaaaaater...

 They wrapped her up in tissue like an ornament

 Waiting on a webcam session with Daddy

It is the holidays, after all... 

Stacking Santa fun with Aidan 

 Her unwrapping skills have greatly improved since last year

 Elmo chair from Grandma... BIG hit!

 Christmas Casserole

Sitting at the (appetizer) table with the big girls

 Merry Grinchmas!!

 Fridge Phonics fun

Let's Rock Elmo gets some action