Thursday, December 31, 2015

Wrapping Up 2015

It's hard to believe that another year has come and gone.  I always like to wrap the year up by taking a look back at some great memories from the past year.
 
2015 started off wonderfully when I took a trip in January to visit Uncle Bruce and Aunt Priscilla in sunny California.  They took me to many fun and beautiful destinations throughout my stay but it was their hospitality and the chance to spend quality time with them that I treasure the most.
 

In February we took a family trip to the Wisconsin Dells.  Hopefully we can find a weekend to return there this Winter, but the kids busy athletic schedules ties up most of our time. 


In March my little Irish lad and lassies celebrated their Irish heritage.


In April the McLaughlin Honey Bunnies were as cute as ever.


In May Careline finished up her elementary school career and Adeline graduated from Maple Tree Day School.



In June Careline and Adeline won the Elks Soccer Shootout.  Adeline went on to win at the district level, earning her an all expenses paid trip to Brainerd to compete for the state title.  At state, this little cutie took 2nd place at the tender age of 5 in the under 7 category.


In July we celebrated the 4th.  Someday they're going to get me back for all these crazy pictures I make them pose for!


In August Adeline made the most of the last few days of Summer at the Splash Pool.


In September Adeline went off to Kindergarten.  She absolutely loves school.  In fact just yesterday she told me that she hopes that she never has a sick day because she loves to learn.  Careline also made a big move in September when she started in the secondary building.  She's adjusting well and pulled all straight A's on her first report card.


Pat and I celebrated our anniversary in October by taking a trip to Colorado.  It was a great time.


In November (and all Fall long) we enjoyed the mild weather.


And finally in December the kids posed nicely for the McLaughlin Christmas card.


We look forward to what adventures lie ahead and are always thankful of the happy memories of yesteryear.

Sunday, December 27, 2015

New On Our Tree This Year

Before we take the tree down I wanted to take a pic of the new ornaments on our tree this year.  Even though today is just the 27th of December, I found out that I was already too late for Buddy's glass baseball ornament (it met its end yesterday during a knee hockey game between Buddy and his friend).
 

 
This homemade ornament by Adeline is especially cute (and Buddy should have a hard time breaking it....but you never know with that kid!)
 


Saturday, December 26, 2015

Their Christmas Wish Came True

On Christmas night the snow that the kids have been so desperately wanting finally arrived.
 



Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Frosty Times Five


There may not be any snow on the ground this Christmas to make a snowman the old fashioned way, but Adeline made a mighty fine family of snowmen using her handprint and her artistic skills.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Baby Bo


My friend Annie invited me over today to meet her sweet baby son and put him through his first photo shoot.  He's incredibly precious and was a perfect little model.



Sunday, December 13, 2015

3rd Place



Congrats to Careline and her Packer teammates for claiming 3rd place today in the Spartan basketball tournament.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The Elf (Not On The Shelf)



At work we have an elf who has been be-bopping around the office in a different location each day making sure we're good little state employees during this Christmas season.  Today he was the naughty one....we caught him making copies of his butt on the copy machine.