December wrap up

 It's New Years Eve & I'm wondering how the month of December slipped by, and also exhausted by all that has happened at the same time.
Keenan had a school project that involved him apprenticing with one of Kevin's co-workers (who also has a daughter in 5th grade at school).  He spent a few afternoons in the office learning more of the world of accounting.
Pretty sure one of his favorite items was using the adjustable desks that can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button:

 He also learned about payrolls, W-2's, and tax brackets,

 and the importance of copy machines.

 Then on Sunday the 9th we got just a wee bit of snow:

like over 14 inches at once.

It started snowing in the wee early hours, then kept on, and on, and on.
Thankfully Kevin & I spread a tarp over some grass, and part of the patio before we went to bed on Saturday.  We did have to shovel down to find the tarps, but after that we just rolled them to the side & Ta-Da!  A blessed patch of grass for the pups.  The snow was taller than Loch, and Flopsy struggled to walk in it as well.

The next morning everything was shut down as our area began digging out from the snow.  Kevin worked from home, then spent some time outside with the boys.
We wound up with a nice layer of ice over all the snow, so the sledding was great.

Thursday the boys headed back to school, but on a delay.
And even with temp's above freezing all week, this is what we had in our back yard on Friday:

Crazy.
We celebrated my birthday with dinner out, then Kevin buying a plane ticket for me to fly up to Ohio for a funeral for a sweet Uncle on Ray's side.  So many memories of him & my Dad sharing a drink (or several), and talking about all kinds of topics.
Kevin held down the fort at home and got Kieran over for a winter dance,

 and to a Christmas concert for Keenan the next morning.

Friends helped with some extra kiddo transport, and photos as well.  I was thankful to be able to go & be with family.  As hard as it was, I know Ray would have approved.
An added bonus Rebecca flew in as well and our flights were within an our of each others.
As we waited to fly out, part of The Ohio State football team was flying out as well.
These guys were kind enough to take a pic for me to send to Keenan.
He was over the moon & thrilled.

 Saturday we spent in Raleigh celebrating Christmas with Kevin's family.
Then Sunday afternoon, we drove back to Raleigh to see their favorite hockey team in action.

 The Boston Bruins played the Canes, but unfortunately (for us) lost.
For Christmas we all just wanted to relax & that's just what we did.
The boys pitched in & helped cook and clean on Christmas Eve.  Then we went to church, stopped by a friends house, looked at some Christmas lights, and called it a night.
Christmas Day was a day of lounging, eating, and for this kid-reading the stack of books he got.

 Keenan was in love with a shirt from Rebecca & Ted, and a pair of shorts Kevin & I got for him.
Bruins & Arsenal in case you were wondering.

 Of course Flopsy got into mischief.  We still can't put presents under the tree, and she chewed up Loch's comb the other day.  She stole part of Keenan's sticky toffee pudding right off his plate too.
Cheeky girl.

Tomorrow begins a new year.
And it's the big fella's birthday.