The lull between the holidays

This past weekend we had a bit of a lull in all the festivities.  Time to regroup, organize, and find homes for all of our new treasures.  On Saturday we hosted my annual brunch with my former swim buddies.  With schedules so hectic in December, the only time we could all get together was after Christmas.  That actually worked out great because it was still festive, but a little less stressful since all the shopping, travelling, etc. was over.  We also got to see Ben and Linda more because they are in town until January 5th.  Sunday all free time was devoted almost entirely to going through the upstairs toys and organizing them, sorting them into "keep out", "rotate", "donate" or "throw away" piles.  Amazing how once all parts to a game/toy/track/puzzle are put together how much more interested the kids are in playing with them vs. disparate pieces being spread from one end of the house to another.  Now if we could only keep them that way!

New stroller/walker and doll for Claire.  She loves this!   Not sure why, but after a few steps she feels the need to pull her dolly out of the stroller and throw her on the floor.  That's enough riding for you freeloader dolly, time to exercise!

We've resorted to completely stripping Claire except for a bib and pulling her hair back to start the feeding process. The alternative is just too much work, with food everywhere.

Dinner at our house Friday night after work.

Oftentimes Luke prefers to eat frozen vegetables, still frozen, over his prepared meal.  I indulge him after he's eaten at least a bit of his main meal because, hey, it's still vegetables, right?

Piano lessons with her very talented uncle.

Swim brunch.  8 year old Madeline is so grown up and so good with Claire!  She was almost like a real babysitter, I felt totally comfortable with her playing with Claire in the next room.  

Nathan, Ben, Luke and Madeline.  Scott trying to pretend he's one of the kids:)

Pretty Valerie:)  Claire got her last use out of her Christmas dress!  Not pictured were Luis and Caroline, who made a surprise visit to the party after deciding last minute to spend the weekend in Chicago from Rio.  It was fun to meet Luis's girlfriend, finally, who we had heard so much about but never met.

"Growing out your bangs can be so tiresome"