Happy New Year!

The arctic temperatures interfered with our plans to do the Hangover Classic and dip in the ocean, but we still managed to get out for a 3 mile run together. We all had tons of layers on and stayed nice and warm. 

I'm continuing to struggle with heel pain and since I've got another marathon in May, I decided it was time to get a little more aggressive. I had dry-needling down on my foot and calf last week and I'm hopeful that it will make a difference. 

Caleb and I enjoyed a night at Symphony Hall last weekend. Nothing better than Mozart and Beethoven to keep you warm on a cold night! 

Merry Christmas!

And just like that, Christmas is upon us! We had fun preparing the Feast of the Seven Fishes for the first time this Christmas Eve. It was a lot of work and we were definitely tired of eating by the end, but we enjoyed trying all the seafood. 

Christmas morning revealed that Santa had brought new bikes for the kids. Unfortunately, due to the snow and bitter cold, they have yet to try them out. 

 Even Oscar got in on the present opening.

 Levi was so hoping for a pair of Air Jordans!!!

 The kids got lots of new (and used) books this year.

 Adelina made Caleb and Levi travel pillows.

 And it was a Garmin Christmas all-around!

 It was tough fitting in exercise everyday with the cold weather, but we managed to get it in. One day we went to a nearby YMCA and ran on their track, swam in the pool, and Levi got to try out his Jordans on the court.

Christmas Sing-A-Long

With the house project complete this year, we were able to host our second annual Christmas Sing-A-Long. We invited a few families over, cooked a couple pots of chili, stocked the bar, and had a blast singing with friends.

December Catch-Up

The kids have spent a lot of time lately watching old videos and reading the blog from years past. I regret that I'm not as consistent with blogging and even picture taking now as I was then. But there's hope in this new year! 

It's been way too long since the 5 girls got together! Here we are at Adrienne and Steve's Christmas party. 

Happy 11th birthday Caleb! We had a yummy dinner of homemade macaroni and cheese and celebrated with coconut cream pie.

We also got our tree the following weekend. Per tradition, our elf arrived the night we got our tree. Here's Lina trying to get a closer look through a pair of binos.

Caleb and I ran the Assault on Mt Hood "together" this year. It was snowy and slippery and the course was insanely hard, but we had a great time!

While I was volunteering one day in the school, I caught a glimpse of one of Lina's works of art hanging in the hallway.

The annual cookie baking weekend was back in full swing this year. It was great having the new kitchen and all the counter space made the process go so much more smoothly. I made a record 2992 (everyone wished I had made 8 more cookies) and we had fun handing them out to friends and strangers alike.

We also continued our annual tradition of visiting area nursing homes to spread a little holiday cheer. Adelina sang along with Caleb this year and all three played piano selections. It's always one of our favorite activities.