Holiday Round up

I was super busy over my break visiting with family, trying to stay on top of laundry, messes, and dishes, and playing with the kids that I did a horrible job keeping up with the blog.  It's so hard to believe that it's 2013 already.  It marks 10 years with Russell (pure craziness) 2 kids, 2 dogs, living in a rustic cabin, a townhouse, and our current house, and so many adventures.
As I look back at the whirlwind that was 2012, I really hope that 2013 slows down!  I'm looking forward to having 2 toddlers, Jackson starting preschool, Vivienne walking, talking, and turning into a little person full of fun.  We get to start off the year with Sesame Street Live and I'm so excited!  Jackson and Vivienne are sure to love it. But before we move on, let's catch up on the last 10 days.

We started by going to New Martinsville for 2 family parties.  The kids were spoiled and had lots of toys and attention.  They were even surprised by a visit from Santa, complete with toys at the Shepherd family party.  Jackson was so excited!  Vivienne was terrified lol.  We drove back in the snow late Christmas Eve, put the kids to bed and waited on Santa.  They woke up and were immediately drawn to their new kitchen.  They opened presents and played all morning.  After their naps, Mamaw and Saba came and they were spoiled even more (and so were Russell and I).  They had a few days with lots of love and attention and then on Friday they said good by to Mamaw and Saba and we got the house ready for Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ryan- who we met in Clarksburg that night. Since we got home from Clarksburg late that day we all slept in on Saturday.  We watched the depressing bowl game while opening presents and everyone was spoiled again (see a theme yet?).  Sunday Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Ryan headed back after a fun weekend.  We've spent the last two days cleaning, organizing, and relaxing.  Tomorrow is back to school, work, and Ms. Brenda's so it's early to bed.  Jackson decided to sleep in his bed tonight, so hopefully that goes well.  Both kids went to bed in their room at 8:00- this hasn't happened in forever.  I'd love to see it be a new year pattern for them, even if Jackson joins us later in the night.  I'm happy to show people that you don't have to force your child to sleep in his/her own bed, when they are ready they will chose to and there will be no tears.