End of Year 2014

If you were directed here via our Christmas card, welcome! We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy 2015! Here's a snippet of what we've been up to this year...

We have had a whirlwind 2014!

Highlights:

* Samuel turned one in January. We had a jungle themed party for him, and we all had a blast! Extra special thanks to his Godmother, Carla, who made the awesome cupcakes/smash cake!



* Our niece, Angelina Margaret was born in January! She's made us so happy and we've loved watching her grow and learn over this last year. Her big and bright smile can't help but make you happy! The boys have loved her and can't wait for her to be big enough to run around with them and play.

* The family moved to Omaha! Peter accepted a job at Koley Jessen in Omaha and we moved in February. The same day Angelina was born, we bought our house in Millard! The house has served us well, and we've really enjoyed getting to know our neighbors, being close to parks, schools, and stores, and having a BACK YARD!! We get some great sunsets, too! Omaha has treated us very well, too. We've taken advantage of all of the family-friendly things to do here, (zoo, anyone?!) and love being close to Catherine, Heath, and Angelina, as well as to our Des Moines family and friends.

* Peter and I turned 30 this year, and we had a great time celebrating with each other! Here's to the next decade together!


* Trips to visit family and friends! We took several trips to Des Moines and Cedar Rapids. While there are too many great pictures to post, here are a few fun ones:

* Eric started preschool and soccer! He's loved both, and even scored two goals in his last soccer game!

* It has been great playing with new friends and neighbors as we've become more involved in the neighborhood and activities!

* Eric turned FOUR in early December. We had a little family celebration the day of. He got to pick what we did. So, we had donuts for breakfast, went to the Children's Museum, played the car racing game on the computer, opened a few presents, went to Red Robin for dinner, and had a birthday cake here at home. :-) He had a great day and is looking forward to his and Sam's joint Star Wars birthday party in January.

This is all just a tiny portion of all the wonderful times we had this year. We're feeling very lucky as we think back on everything we've done and enjoyed together. It's easy to get swept up in - and dragged a little down by - all of the crazy, busy day to day activity, but the season we're in helps to bring life into the proper perspective. :-)

Focus on the joy. Focus on the love. Be kind.

Truly all our best!
Peter, Elizabeth, Eric, and Samuel