Christmas-ing

We've had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends.  The events of our past year have been pretty tough but when I was reflecting on the past I realized that this is the first Christmas in quite a while that I have not had a baby in my womb or arms.  {It's actually been since 2005, but who's counting.}  It's refreshing to be out and not worry about a nursing baby, and I'm calling this "the year of Jubilee."  

 We acquired a {new to us} swing set and the kids spend hours outside every day.  I try to let them play without my supervision and I must say that the view from my kitchen sink is one of the best that I have ever had.  David has trouble getting started so Ellie helps him.

 I thought that John would now be able to have the little slide all to himself but apparently not.  They've always preferred life piled on top of one another.

 We've had lots of performances...

 and another adorable "Christmas star."

 John officially made the growth chart and we breathed a sigh of relief!  He had the scratch allergy test last week and is still allergic to lots of foods.  

David has taken a real interest in housekeeping.  He mops, he bakes, he unloads the dishwasher, he gets the mail, he voluntarily wipes the dining room table every night, and now he also does the laundry.  As soon as the buzzer goes off he yells, "IT'S READY" and proceeds the empty the contents.  (Like below)  Tonight I came home and he had emptied the dryer without me even being present.

 And we celebrated my mom's birthday with a kid free dinner out and a layered peppermint cheesecake (recipe from Southern Living this month).