chris.reese.girls1.2.3.4

My sister, Rochelle, and I wanted to enjoy some of our record snowfall shortly after Christmas and go sledding with our kids. But with husbands at work and two babies in tow we needed a pretty simple solution - thanks to my friend, Rachel, she told us about a spot about 10 minutes from my house right off the freeway where the kids could go. It was a bit crowded that day, but just perfect enough where we didn't have to haul the car seats too far. The hill was pretty small so the littler kids could manage it no problem. It was a great little jaunt for some fun that day! Finley LOVED it! She was off on her own and just having a grand time! Fun with older cousins. They only broke two sleds. Ha. I even went down a few runs with the kids. Meg did pretty well resting in the car seat all bundled up. It was windy so we tried to keep her covered up in there. Rylan and Brynn Miles and Finley My sis and I with our babies, Ivy and Meg. We pulle...

A few days after Christmas, cousin Emily was married to Devon Tenney in the Seattle temple. We were so happy to share in this special day with the beautiful couple. The kids were so excited to see them come out of the temple. (And of course, when I pulled my camera out to take pictures, the battery was dead...boo!) Emily has been such a special part of our lives and a wonderful example to our girls. We are grateful for the closeness we have with Emily and her family. At the luncheon afterwards there was a brief moment when ALL of Janet and Dennis' grandkids were together. Here are all 12 of them! (Number 13, Baby Evelyn, came about a month later!) That evening we enjoyed their reception on Mercer Island. Aunt Kristin had asked me to take pictures of what turned out to be quite a lively party full of guests!! Uncle Gary made their wedding cake - it was so sweet. I realized later that in between the late luncheon and the reception I hadn't feed my kids an...

Chris' extended Apken/McNett families continued the tradition of gathering after Christmas for dinner and a white elephant gift exchange. We headed over after breakfast on the 26th for a day together with family. We started at G&G Apkens house for lunch and the Husky bowl game - it's always fun to be at Grandma's house when it's all decorated for Christmas. The Jarvis fam was still in town so we enjoyed being with them as well.   Afterwards, we headed over to the Jump Zone trampoline park...the kids had a BLAST!  Chris wasn't quite dressed for the workout he got, but the kids really enjoyed having him in the park to play with them. ...and he had plenty of fun on his own. Chris took the kids in the hurricane simulator...it was hilarious watching them! I didn't snap many pictures at the family gathering, but we played Pie Face, ate yummy lasagna dinner, the kids made a few crafts and played snowball bowling (with marshmallo...