Christmas 2015.

We had the BEST Christmas this year.  It was filled with many family gatherings- one with each of my two extended families, one with Justin's family (at our house!) and one with my family.  It was truly magical seeing Christmas through the eyes of a two-year old.  I love this time of year!

Cousin Karen and Jeff gave Lucas a new vacuum and he absolutely loves it.

My BFF, Ashley, hosted the most adorable Christmas play date.  I love seeing all these kiddos together and was so happy to see Lucas interacting and having fun with all of them.  Sure makes me wish she lived closer to me again :(

We went to an early Christmas Church Service this year that was directed towards young families.  It was perfect.  Lucas loved singing Christmas carols and the candle-light ceremony is one of my favorites.

The boys :)

 And the girls!

These five in matching pajamas made me so happy.  How cute are they?!

 Somehow we managed to get all five kids to take a nap at the same time so we could enjoy an adult Christmas lunch. 

 Christmas morning!

<3

My parents, "Gaga and Papa" got Lucas a kitchen for Christmas!

We had our first snow of the year a few days following Christmas.  It was gorgeous!  I tried my best at a toddler snow adventure, but Lucas decided the "no" was "messy".  Haha.  Maybe next time it snows we will try sledding!

Lucas is TWO!

Happy New Year!  Here it is 2016, and I've decided that spending time documenting my families memories on this blog is something I want to make more time for.  A lot has happened in the past several months, so I definitely have some catching up to do :)

We celebrated Lucas's second birthday with our families and included his LOVE for all trains.  Mommy and Daddy surprised Lucas with a new train table for our basement playroom.  Unfortunately, he spent the day prior to his birthday recovering from the stomach flu, but seemed happy and almost back to his normal self by the time his birthday party came around.

Lucas's cousins helped him open his presents.  He was so excited to have all his family at our house, but I think his very favorite part of the day was when everyone sang him "Happy Birthday".  We've been singing the "birthday song" to everyone (elmo, daddy, etc.) ever since.

 Lucas had his two-year check-up this month as well.  He is 31 pounds and about 36 inches tall.  His vocabulary has absolutely exploded in the past month, and I would guess he knows and says about 200 words.  He has started speaking in 2-4 word sentences and it is just amazing to watch him learn and grow!  He "counts" to about 3 in his own language, but recognizes "two" of lots of objects--cars, spoons, shoes, hands, etc.  He knows yellow, red, blue, white and green.

Although Lucas has spent much of the past few months battling various colds, he is a healthy and happy toddler!  We've been talking a lot about his baby brother on the way and are excited to see him grow into his new role.  

A few of my favorite phrases lately :)

"Watch foo-ball" He woke up asking for football on TV.  We don't even watch football!

"More nunnel" He LOOOOVES tunnels.  Justin will build forts and they read together in them, but he also will notice every. single. bridge we go under when driving in the car.

"Bye-Bye Da-Da Tree"  Poor guy was so sad to watch our Christmas tree get taken down this year.  He would wave to it in the driveway before it got picked up by the recyclers.

"More Tray-Tray Joes" Trader Joes is a favorite visit, mostly for the samples and "juice".

"Big Owie" Lately he's been telling me about the "big owies" he is about to get when trying something dangerous- i.e. climbing stairs outside the rail. YIKES.

Lucas, we are so proud of you!  You are loving, caring, gentle, smart and so much fun.  We love you more than you'll ever know!