2013 Year in Review

Here are my favorite photos from Instagram from 2013. 2013 was a year full of changes for us, and I could easily write a post about all the challenges we faced, but as I went through my photos, I realized that we still had a pretty kick ass year full of happy memories and love. 

(Quinn, the chicken whisperer, wins my favorite photo of Quinn of the year. I think it perfectly captures her personality.)

Ra-hoo Part Two

Quinn really feel in love with and enjoyed Raul for the second half of December. He became a beloved part of our morning routine. Quinn even started to refer to him as "my Ra-hoo."  

She was so sad when he had to return to the North Pole, much sadder than Dalan and I anticipated she would be. She cried and cried. And then cried some more.  She still is asking about him and gets a little down that he isn't coming back right away. My aunt made an off hand remark about elves the other day and Quinn sighed, "an elf, like my Ra-hoo."  

Like I said, we had a blast with Raul in the days leading up to Christmas.  So much fun, I didn't even remember to get his photo everyday.  Oh well, here are some of the photos I did get. 

Raul took a potty break. He borrowed a trick from is leprechaun cousins. I think he picked green and not red, because he didn't want the bathroom to look like an elf murder scene. 

He made a snow angel in some sugar. A repeat trick from last year, but always a crowd pleaser. 

He hung upside down in the hall. 

He painted Quinn's nose red like Rudolph's.  I think this is the trick that stole the show. She was excited that Raul was in her room when she woke up as he had only been downstairs. And then at first a little pissed that he had painted her nose.  Then she got on board and thought it was pretty much the best thing ever. 

He also wrapped Quinn's bathroom in wrapping paper!  Ha! So silly.  So funny!  We love Raul!!!

On a side note, we also had an elf in my classroom this year. A volunteer in the classroom accidentally bumped him, and then picked him up. Gasp!  It was the saddest day in 5th grade. Yes, 5th grade! Luckily, Santa sent some magic sprinkles at recess. 

Christmas, 2013

Christmas was wonderful this year.   It always is.  Quinn was excited about it, and was convinced Santa was bringing her a cookie.  

This year was a little different as all of Dalan's family was out of town, so we celebrated with them on New Year's Day.  And my Nana was having back problems, and while it is was still a very nice evening at her house, we wished she was feeling a little better. (She ended up having surgery this week and is on her way to recovery now!). 

On Christmas Eve, Ali had to work, so we did dinner and Christmas pajamas first so Ali could participate, and then she was off.  We spent the rest of the evening playing games, and Cole and I had a "Feats of Strength" competition. We left the score at 2-1 (Cole), but it's not over yet!  We also continued the family tradition of throwing glitter, pine needles, and top ramen for the reindeers! 

On Christmas morning, Quinn was excited to see all that Santa brought her. She was very excited to see the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and a book with Mega-Mort (one of her favorite Disney villains).  She was so excited and into it the whole morning!  Three year olds rule!  

Next, we were off to my parents' house for more presents and breakfast.  Before, we even started opening gifts Quinn stood in the middle of the living room and declared, unprompted in her little voice, "Merry Christmas, everyone!"  Three year olds are the best!  Ali and I got tickets to see Justin Timberlake in Las Vegas, I got a turban that supposedly made me look like Clark from Christmas Vacation, and Quinn looked like Cousin Eddie from Christmas vacation when all was said and done. 

That evening, we went to my Nana's for dinner, more presents, and games. People did a great job with their white elephants!  And Quinn even ended up with the white elephant tea pot age wanted so badly. 

Then on New Year's Day, we headed over to Dalan's parents for food and presents. Everyone went overboard, and we had a lot of fun. And Quinn always looks forward to any chance to play with Alice!