Just look at him

Do I need to say much? Just look at him. So cute and so much fun!

First Snowfall

Christmas is over and just a day later, more excitement. A huge snow storm dropped over 2 feet of snow. The kids watched in amazement out the window. Our house looked like a winter wonderland and Ryley, Joey, Owen & TJ could not wait to jump in it. Daddy was home for the storm which added to the excitement!

It took about 45 minutes to get everyone dressed in snow pants, jackets, mittens, hats and boots. It was worth it.

Ryley just wanted to get on the sled as fast as she can and find the biggest hill. She loves sleigh riding!

Joey just wanted to crawl through it as if he was on some mission. He rolled in it, ate it and threw it around. The whole time he just had a huge smile on his face. I think he would have stayed in it all day.

Owen surprised me. He was a trooper. He hopped on the sled and couldn't get enough of it. After each ride he just smiled and said "again." He used all his strength to get up the hill to make sure he got 1 more ride.

Poor TJ was just lost in the snow. He could barely get through it, especially since the snow was higher than him. He was so cute though. He hopped on the sled with me. That is certainly not surprising since he always wants to be with his mommy. I don't think he loved it as much as the other Dargan kids. He had a very serious face.

Getting them ready is a lot of work but so worth it. The excitement on their faces and their laughter and happiness makes it all worth it.

Simple things in Life

I believe that you just have to appreciate the simple things in life. I try to teach my kids the same. They see the way Joe and I are. Every day I tell them how lucky we are to have such a wonderful family. We may not have everything according to some people, but to us we have everything. We truly have a loving, healthy & happy family. Some days we have exciting adventures and some days we hang out at home playing games and watching movies. It's important to just be together and enjoy our time together.

Today we watched the first snowfall. I went for a run and I enjoyed watching the snow fall upon the trees. It was quiet and peaceful. The kids stared out the window in between games of "Toy Story" & Dominoes. They received so many toys for Christmas yet they were happy making up their own games together. Ryley at one point said to me, "mommy, we don't really need a lot of toys. we have each other to play with. It warmed my heart.

Christmas

No pictures to add right now, but the Dargan clan had a wonderful Christmas! It seems like it has lasted weeks. We have had parties for the last 4 weeks and the kids have been in the Christmas spirit. We had our first Christmas Eve at Grandmas, then Christmas Eve at GG's. The kids already had more presents than they could handle and it wasn't even Christmas Day yet. They enjoyed every second of being with family, playing with cousins and of course opening presents! Kids make Christmas so sweet.

I woke up Christmas morning to a kiss on my cheek from Ryley. She said "Merry Christmas Mommy" and handed me a Christmas card and ornament that she made. What a great way to wake up!! Soon after, I heard the pitter patter of feet from Joey and Owen and soon after "Mama Mama Mama" from TJ. I love the magic in their eyes and the innocence and excitement. I will always treasure that.

Well, Santa came!

Ryley said "wow, mommy, Santa definitely came to our house. Look at all the presents."

Joey said "a navy seal ship . oh boy, I dreamed I would get that."

Owen just kept saying "Joey look, Ryley look, Oh Boy."

TJ just smiled and would have been fine opening 1 gift.

We are blessed. Life is great!

Going on a train ride

It's Monday night at 6 pm and for the past hour, Ryley, Joey, Owen & TJ have been playing "train". I don't know what it is, but apparently all you need are some dining room chairs and they are good to go!

Autumn - Celery Farm

We Dargans love Autumn. The cool crisp air and falling leaves means cozy sweaters, warm fires at night, and hiking. Some days we head to the park, some days we head to the zoo and some days we head to a trail. No matter where we go, we always have laughs and enjoy being together. Celery Farm is a really beautiful place where you hike along a trail and you feel as if you are in the country somewhere. I love to watch the kids follow each other. They create their own games which always involve a leader and usually end up in some kind of argument on who the leader is. Ryley usually tries to make all the rules and the boys look up to her and go along with them. No matter what, they stick together and look out for each other. I cherish our time.

A night out

Saturday night was my annual QC Christmas party. Each year, my friends take turns and have a house party. It's an adult night out without the kids. It's always nice to see my friends from college. It reminds me how lucky I am to have such a great group of friends. It also allows Joe and I to spend some alone time together. Although I always think of my 4 cuties, I have to admit how nice it was to take an hour and half drive and not once did I have to get milk or a snack. I was able to have an uninterrupted conversation and even sit in silence for a few moments. Ahhh . . silence. I have really learned to enjoy that!