The Last Day Of 2013



It's hard to believe that we've already come to the end of 2013.  Where does the time go?!

 

The McLaughlin Family has had another busy fun-filled year and I wanted to re-cap just a few of the highlights.

 

Braden made his First Communion in May.



 

Adeline loved to spend time at the splash pool during the Summer months.

Careline was voted in to the Student Council...a job she takes very seriously.

 

And the highlight of 2013 for Pat and myself was our fabulous trip to San Francisco in September to celebrate our 10th anniversary. 

 

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

 



Some Of Our Favorite Things

Santa was good to us this Christmas and we were good to one another as well.  I probably can't even remember all of the terrific gifts that were exchanged but here are some of our favorites.  The first photo is of two homemade gifts that I'll treasure forever...the one on the left was made by Adeline (with a lot of help from her day school Teachers, I presume) and the one on the right was made by Buddy.

Speaking of homemade gifts.  How beautiful is the quilt that Grandma Ginger literally spent years making.  Thank You Mom.

Santa brought Braden and Adeline each a Kindle Fire.  Now all three kids have one and long car rides will be much more peaceful for Daddy and myself (man that Santa is smart!)

Adeline got the one and only thing that was on her list...a Dora The Explorer Dollhouse.

Santa brought Daddy a Packers t-shirt and sweatshirt so he can cheer for his little superstars in style.

Careline got a keyboard along with the promise of lessons from Mama.



 

And last but not least, Adeline seems to be truly enjoying Careline's new make-up kit.

 

 



Another Visit To The Science Museum

Today we took a family trip to the Science Museum.  For Buddy and myself it was our 2nd visit in 6 days.  We look forward to visiting the museum numerous times throughout the next year with our season pass (Thanks Grandma Ellen and Mary Jane).  Our adventure today included watching several informative demonstrations.  Careline even volunteered on stage during one of them.

Merry Christmas Eve 2013

Fantasy Football Champion

Perhaps I shouldn't give Pat such a hard time for constantly watching sports.  Last night, he earned the title of Fantasy Football Champion in the league he has played in with his college buddies since 1992.

This morning I found the trophy in the garage and left it, fittingly enough, on his recliner for him to find when he wakes up.  Hopefully my dear Hubby dusts it off before he finds a home for it in the bar for the year.

Buddy's Fathead

How cool is this life-size fathead of Buddy in his catcher's attire?  Daddy and I affixed it to the wall this morning and called Braden in to his room for the surprise.  He really likes it...as he should...it looks awesome.  

Pat asked me if I wanted to make a fathead of him sitting in his recliner watching sports and drinking a Coors Light but I declined as that picture is already permanently etched in to my memory bank...no fathead required!

Science Museum

Buddy and I spent a fun afternoon together at the Science Museum exploring, learning, and playing.