January

Ned & Julianne flew home on the 2nd of January, and life went back to normal.  It's always kind of sad when the holidays are over.  But at the same time I get excited for a fresh new start to a new year!    Nothing huge happened for us during the month of January.  We celebrated both Omi & Grandma's birthdays (from afar!).  And Nathan and I had our 7th Wedding Anniversary on the 27th.  I was sick as a dog that day, so we didn't end up going out.  Instead we sat on the couch together and watched the Bachelor Wedding while Nate worked on his scout stuff.  That's the great thing about us.  We can be doing nothing at all, but as long as we are together we are happy :).  I am so grateful for a man who loves me, loves our family, and loves the gospel.  He works so hard to provide for our family, and he always supports me in whatever I do.  He plays with our kids when he gets home from work everyday, and he tucks them into their beds at night.  I couldn't ask for more!  Here are just a few random pictures from the month of January.

We played Pictionary for Family Home Evening one night.  Sawyer drew our family and I was super impressed.  He is getting better all the time!

Anytime the sun comes out (which isn't that often), we go out for a walk or bike-ride.  It's still cold, but at least its not raining! We haven't had any snow this year either.  Just lots of rain and clouds.  I guess we should be grateful that it hasn't been that cold.  I think it would be a real shock to our desert blood after all these years in the Southwest.

Since moving to Germany, Violet hasn't been taking regular naps.  Mostly by default, because we've been on the go so much.  Every now and then when we are home, I make sure she gets in a good nap. When she doesn't, she is likely to fall asleep in some random place in the house.  Like this bar stool, or at the dining table.  (side note--a few minutes after taking this picture she also peed her pants while sleeping on the barstool.  the potty has been a bit of a struggle for Violet)

We made one of our favorite Larson desserts for a family movie night--chocolate covered popcorn!  Mmmm...

 

The aforementioned movie night, complete with fort.

Isla has been pulling herself up to stand all over the place!  I think the first time I really noticed it was shortly after Christmas when I went to get her from her bed  (almost 8 months old).

 

The SUN!!!!  It DOES exist in Germany!

 

Finally checked out the Ramstein Aquatic Center and had a blast

 

Went to lock the front door before going to bed one night and noticed a light dusting of snow.  Nathan was so excited, he ran out with bare feet.  It was gone by morning :(

 

Found a snack that I used to eat as a baby.  It's called Zwieback...basically like little Melba Toasts.  Isla liked them.

 

Selfie in the church bathroom, haha. Isla is doing her little 'tongue behind the lip' thing. Also my screen was cracked, hence the fogginess on the camera.

 

Such a tender moment for me...both of my sweet girls asleep in my arms.

 

And another one...Violet wanted to help feed Isla.  Love it when she takes an interest in her sister.

 Grocery shopping!!  Isla has graduated to the shopping cart seat.

I have been trying to get Sawyer into the German preschool since we moved here, and I have not been successful so far.  We would really like for the kids to learn German, but I'll be the first to admit that I am NOT doing well teaching them on my own.  It is so hard to be the only one who speaks it, and it's not natural to me, so it requires quite a bit of effort on my part.  I really need preschool to help me out.  I have had contact with them here and there, but we are basically waiting for them to have a spot.  We are debating sending Sawyer to German schools while we are here, but I really wanted him to have a few months of practice before I make the decision about where to send him in the Fall.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he gets in soon!  In the mean time, I have had all 3 kids home with me everyday, all day.  It has been interesting.  Not as bad as I would have imagined.  For the most part, they get along so well.  Sawyer and Violet love to play together.  And Isla is about the easiest baby anyone could ask for.  And I've become pretty good at grocery shopping with all 3 too.  Not fun--but it can be done.  I feel like I am learning a lot about myself and expanding my abilities for patience and love.  It's a busy life, but it's a very blessed life.  I have so much gratitude in my heart for my many blessings.  And these 3 kiddos have a lot to do with that!