Horse lessons and soccer

 Rylee's continued with her horse lessons at Friendly Horse Acres.  She absolutely loves it.  She's not only been riding horses, but has also been doing ground work with the horses and even some agility training.  This picture is with her favorite horse, Rain.  It's so fun to watch her during lessons.  She gets so serious and doesn't smile at all unless you tease her about it.

Rylee and Carson both started up with soccer again today.  Carson is in a small class and is doing amazing!  He's improved so much since his last lessons.  He had so much fun today and was so proud of himself.  =)  Rylee also started again but her class is huge and it was impossible to get any good pictures.  She also has improved and has become a little more aggressive (which is good for her).  Before she would kind of run after everyone not quite knowing what to do, but today she was right in there trying to get the ball.

Mom's weekend away!

 My best girlfriends and I just went on our annual girl's weekend to the Tulalip Casino Resort in Marysville.  We started this girls weekend many years ago as a X-mas gift to each other (instead of giving gifts).   We started with shopping in Seattle, then shopping and overnight in Portland, then the Tulalip for one night, and now it's turned into an entire weekend at the Tulalip.  We joke that soon it will turn into a week away.  (Not joking... I hope it's to somewhere tropical!)

It was so nice to have this time to just relax.  The only thing that was missing was our friend Annie who couldn't make it this year.  She was definitely missed!   We got all dressed up (see, us mom's clean up nicely!), went out to eat, ordered room service, shopped at the outlet mall next door, enjoyed some amazing late night nachos (x2!), and just enjoyed each other's company.  It is so nice to catch up and spend time with these wonderful women.  It's also nice to know that we have amazing hubby's who don't mind staying home having a special weekend with the kiddos (below is a pic they sent me). 

 So blessed.

Cheers to the new year!

 We celebrated the new year at the Rychlinksi annual New Years Eve cocktail party.  Lance and the kids started the evening there early and I met them after work.  There were lots of kids there (Jon's nieces and nephews) so the kids had a blast dancing and playing with them.  Neither of mine made it to midnight though!

 Here is just one video of my little dancing fool.  He dominated the dance floor!

The Craigs had another amazing year.  2015 brought us so many adventures.  We traveled a lot-  Arizona, San Diego x2, Alaska, Charleston.  We did lots of weekend trips- Leavenworth, Chelan, Cannon beach, Banks.  Some camping (not enough), lots of family events, Rylee starting kindergarten, some boating time (also not enough due to the lake filling late), concerts, shows, birthdays, BBQs, beach house, time with friends.  I feel very lucky for this life I have.  I hope 2016 brings everyone happiness and good health.  I can't wait to make more memories!

Merry Christmas!

 Christmas is here!!!  The kids were very excited to see that Santa came!  They couldn't wait to rush downstairs to see what Santa left in their stockings.  We spent the morning at home together, enjoying a cup of coffee and each other.  

 Rylee loved the gifts she got from her cousins.  Frozen art supplies from Jack and Ace, and a pony from Mira.  Perfect!

 A little later that morning we headed over to Mandy and Jon's to open gifts and have Christmas dinner.  Great Grandma Arlyss and Willis were visiting from Arizona which made the day even more special. 

 My Dad turned 60 this year on Christmas Day!  He was pretty pumped when he opened our birthday gift... tickets to the next Seahawks game! 

 We spent the day playing cards, watching the kids play with all of their gifts, and just enjoying the magic that Christmas brings.  Oh, and can't forget the amazing prime rib and crab dinner.  YUM!!

We said cheers with homemade limoncello and Carson passed out on the couch.  Another successful Christmas!  

 The next couple days were spent just hanging with family and playing lots of cards!  Carson serenaded us with his new harmonica and Rylee colored us lots of pictures.

I hope everyone had a magical and safe Christmas this year.  Cheers!

Christmas Eve 2015

 Christmas Eve was another success.  I had to work this year so Lance hosted.  There was a great turnout and everyone had a good time.  The gift exchange was a hit as well.  I was so bummed to miss it!

The kids looked adorable in their Christmas outfits.  They clean up nicely!

Santa sent Carson a special video.  Carson thought it was so cool that Santa knew he was 3 and is working on brushing his teeth every night.  Santa also knew that he wanted legos for Christmas.  Carson was so excited to hear that he was on the NICE list! 

Holiday shenanigans!

 We've been having lots of fun this holiday season.  A few weeks ago the girls went to see Beauty and the Beast at the Paramount Theater.  It was such a cute show.  Rylee (and the big girls too) really enjoyed it.  After the show we walked downtown Seattle to check out the big tree and all the lights.  So beautiful!

After our Seattle adventures we came back to the house to make Christmas cookies!  Rylee and Carson both love to bake and were good little helpers.

We got snow a couple days this month!  I love our house with Christmas lights on.  So pretty!

 Decorating little trees for their rooms and a gingerbread house.  They were so proud!

 Elfie came back this year and brought a friend, Rosetta reindeer.  The kids loved being able to snuggle Rosetta.  Elfie found all sorts of fun spots to hide this year.  It was fun seeing the kids wake up in the morning and immediately search for the Elf.  He gave us all some good laughs.

 We even got to get out without the kids!  The Riggs' 10th annual sweater party was a hit! 

Happy Holidays!