Soccer, staining, structures and sickness...oh my!

We are alive.
But boy has this been a crazy month. And yes, I know, it's not over.
I can't remember if I mentioned this before but we started staining our fence in the beginning of December. I completed the entire outside by myself, but when I started the inside I ran into quite a few obstacles that threw me off my game. So once we got through NYE, we decided it was time to finish the fence. With the help of my dad, he and Steve finished staining the fence and it looks great- However, three days later, Steve got sick and I mean really sick. He spent three days off of work (then the weekend and MLK day so 6 days total) and although I know he didn't enjoy it- it was tough being mom to three. While Steve was recovering- we were asked by a neighbor moving if we wanted to buy their wooden play structure (they couldn't take it with them) The only catch it had to be gone by Monday (this was the Wednesday before- and the day we went to the DR to determine Steve had bacterial bronchitis) so we called my parents again and they made the trek back up for the second weekend in a row, to help us get it moved over. And in between all the craziness, Mason started soccer. I am praying that our pace slows down just a bit. I feel like we are running a mile a minute.

Look at how NICELY the play structure matches our new stained fence.
It was meant to be. It was destiny.

Mase and Reags LOVE it.
Can't wait for a bit warmer weather so we can really try it out.

Mason and his buddy ready for soccer.

The three amigos practicing.

happy new year!

To ring in 2012, we invited some college friends over for a family friendly NYE! We had a great time and almost everyone made it till midnight. Both Reagan and Jax (who are a month apart) crashed before 9 and Mason made it until 9:30 before calling it a night. It was fun to have more adults there to celebrate and Kait and Noah had a blast staying up so late! Plus it was our first official sleepover in the new house (grandparents not included).

Kaitlyn, Jax and Reagan enjoying dinner.

Sparklers!

Jax going in for his first kiss of the new year.

Not sure that Mason approved!

The Maretti/Marlowe gang.

2011 Review

WOW. To say 2011 was eventful is an understatement. Here are the Marlowe highlight's.

• I took a photography class in January and started to learn more about my DSLR. It was the best thing I could have done. I really enjoy taking pictures and I feel like every day I get better. Mason also started mother's day out. It was hard for both of us at the beginning but well worth the tears. Reagan also experienced her first snow.
  
• In February, Mason gave up his bink. It was his best friend for 2 1/2 years. We took it to the Disney store and he "bought" Cars. He also went to his first (of many) Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics.
  
• Reagan started walking shortly before her first birthday. She hasn't stopped since.
  
• May brought our first road trip (to Arkansas). Visits with old friends and trips to the pool and lake.
  
• July brought Mason's 3rd birthday and shortly after our trip into potty training, which was a success. And I am happy to report we are full time underwear.
  
• Mason started preschool in August.
• BIG THINGS happened in September including us buying a house in Knoxville and Reagan's trip to the ER which resulted in stitches.
  
• November brought a surprise trip to Seattle (Steve had a conference there) so we tagged along. As well as great news for Steve, he was promoted!
• And somewhere along the way, Reagan started talking. I mean really talking. She says and repeats everything!

A year of Reagan

A year of Mason

One of my favorite photos of the year

And another favorite.

I can only imagine what 2012 will hold. Bring it on. One. Two!