Turn on the Backup Boosters

It's been awhile since Addison created the notion of turning on the backup boosters when he wants us to drive fast somewhere. He was begging for us to turn on the backup boosters to get up north for our Christmas with Nanny, Aunt Tammy, Paulie, & Baron. Our friends, the Nagels, were so gracious to allow us to stay at their lakehouse for a couple of days while we celebrated Christmas and went tobogganing and sledding at Pokagon State Park. Thanks so much guys!

We had a blast! It was so great to relax with family! Dave spent entirely too much time trying to light a fire. (I think it was a test of his manhood.) But, it was already super cozy and just perfect!

We continue to be amazed at the young men Paulie & Baron are growing up to be. Addison & Lily adore them, too! Nanny's big surprise for Addison & Lily was a decked out dollhouse (an eBay steal). They were and still are very happy with their gifts. It's so nice to have such ready distractions as we detox them from the land of Claymations!

Dave and I are both looking forward to getting our heart rate monitors and have already purchased new workout gear thanks to Nanny and Aunt Tammy. If all goes well with moving to Cincinnati, we may be able to target the Fall Little Miami Triathlon in Cincinnati after all. Rowing instead of swimming ... right up my alley!

Aunt Tammy covered for Addison since he forgot to ask Santa for a Mickey Mouse watch, but had intended to and also ensured he was covered for gear to watch the Colts play in the Superbowl!

Lily enjoyed just hanging out with Aunt Tammy who gave Lily her first Barbie and matching princess dresses. So sweet!

We'll have to get pictures loaded later, but the tobogganing was fantastic! We only rode twice before the kids were pooped. Dave had the 65 lbs. sled as opposed to the newer 30 lbs. sled others were carrying, so he was pretty pooped too! We all had a lot of fun and promised to make it an annual event. Addison rode up front on both of his rides and seemed to enjoy it, although later he said it was too fast and they should slow it down. Lily rode up front the second run and let out peals of laughter all the way down. She absolutely loved it! When we got to the bottom, she said she wanted to go home and eat and change her diaper. She's a "living in the moment" kind of girl. She was asleep before we got back to the car.