River's 2013

2013 was such an amazing year with our little River. Over two years later and I'm still stunned by the amazing way he has changed our lives.

He has been moving back and forth between dependence and independence this entire year as he masters more and more on his own. At times he wants to do everything "by myself!" and at other times..."Mommy...hellllpppp meeee!"

He is the happiest when helping Daddy with some task around the house, or when playing with his Maggie.

He is curious, he is kind, and so very loving.

Fixing a flat on his "blue car."

River and his pal Griffin watching a tractor.

River and Griffin...snacking and flossing;)

The snow doesn't stop this little biker !
Who is riding his balance bike like a pro... and now asking for a skateboard!

I can't wait to see what 2014 will bring for our little boy. 

Happy New Year!

Magnolia's 2013

2013 was certainly a big year for Magnolia. 

Those lingering signs of my baby disappeared...and I watched her grow into a girl...a beautiful, smart, creative and passionate girl.

Magnolia made huge strides in the last year...a friend summed it up the other day with...

"Remember the Maggie who hid behind you, and wouldn't ever speak?"

She certainly is not that Maggie anymore. She has found her "brave" as we call it. She loves to visit with new people, she loves to do things on her own, she loves that she is, well...growing up!

Ahhh Summer! And nothing is better than a summer vacation with your "sparkly" Auntie Hailey...who has all-night slumber parties with you and promises that next time..."we'll get your ears pierced!"

Maggie (and River) lucked out with one of the best summers ever with their beloved nanny, Molly.
Molly filled their days with lemonade stands, castle construction, trips to the library, flower picking and more!

Kindergarten!
(I suppose I've touched on this one enough;)

And of course, another magical December evening with Mommy at the Nutcracker Ballet.

Magnolia wishes everyone...

"A happy new year filled with love...and friends!"

A little bit of courage and LOTS of fun!

A Just Us Christmas Morning

So happy that Santa filled her request for a "flutophone!"
This little girl of mine is an old soul.

Santa! This is a bad idea....

Helping Boston open her stocking

The awaited reading of the note!

When we have no where to go and extra time on our hands we end up with goodies...
like fruit and nut cinnamon rolls for breakfast!

Daddy and River

Grandma Crist made nightgown dreams come true!

We quite enjoyed our simple little Christmas at home, lounging in jammies, not rushing to do anything. 

It was a good one.

We hope you too had a holiday merry and bright!

Much Love,
The Crists

Happy Solstice!

Okay, everyone knows we get a little excited about the changing of the seasons...

and somehow our seasonal celebrations just keep getting bigger and more exciting each year... and I love it!

River making tangerine/clove play dough for friends and neighbors

Caramel cookies and play dough ready to go!

Stringing food for the birds.

Mr. Snowman

Solstice cheers, with their "kid champagne" brought over by neighbors!

There was lots of falling into snow (and some tackling)  followed by giggles!

River and Griffin's side of the snowman.

Mag's snow angel.

Climbing snow mountains!

More falling... More climbing....

Thanks friends! Thanks neighbors! Until next year...

Happy Winter Solstice!

Twice a Vandal

This last weekend was graduation. I wasn't so sure about walking in the graduation ceremony, but felt I owed it to myself and my family to wrap up this last 2 1/2 years with a bit of a celebration. 

Maggie of course was very excited. Not just for the ceremony, which I hear she loved, but for the party she had long been planning afterwards. My sister and family along with my mother and aunt made the trip to Moscow to celebrate with us.

Thanks fam! As always you know how to party;)

And then of course we decided to fit in a little holiday merriment as well...