Thursday, December 31, 2015

2015 End of Year Letter

Happy Holidays!
We hope this letter finds you well, and that you had a happy 2015. 
Our biggest news of the year was the addition of one more to our family:  Nolan Michael was born on July 19th at Winchester Hospital.  He is a healthy, happy baby and the entire family is excited to have him.  His older sisters are like little mommies and have no shortage of nicknames for him:  No-lees, No-tees, Niles, and several more.
We otherwise had a busy year keeping up with the kids.  Our oldest, Ava (5) is in her last year of preschool at Purpose School before she begins kindergarten.  She really likes going to school to play and see her friends, especially on days she gets to stay for lunch.  Ava is really into her dance classes (ballet and tap) and imaginative play.  Ava had her first dance recital this year where she got to dress up, and we are sure she’s hooked.  Reagan (3) had a fun year becoming a big sister and with her dance and art classes.  She likes to color and craft and have an activity different than her older sister.  Reagan will start preschool next school year.  The allergist cleared her to consume dairy over the summer, so she got to eat her first bowl of real chocolate ice cream – definitely a high light for all of us.  Marie keeps the family moving along and the kids entertained and busy.  She did travel to Cincinnati to be Tess’s confirmation sponsor.  Cary worked for the most part, which is going fine, but also got to go to a good friend’s bachelor party in Cincinnati.  It was a wonderful trip to visit friends and wish Nick well getting married.  (And a special shout out to Marie for staying home with a newborn and two other kids while Cary was in Cincy.)
We welcomed many visitors this year, and really appreciate the effort people put into seeing us and baby Nolan.  The grandparents made several trips over the year, with the grand moms here while expecting, during delivery and in the aftermath to help out.  Bill and Mary Jo Brewer came to see the sights of Boston, and we had a great time showing them around.  Brandon, Becky, Hunter and Bailee also came in to see Boston and take in a Boston Cannons lacrosse game.  Cary’s friend from college OD came in for the weekend.  Aunt Bonnie and Aunt Nancy stayed with us for a week to meet Nolan.  Again, we had a great time with everybody and appreciate everyone taking the time to make our year brighter.
With Nolan expected in the middle of the summer we didn’t take many trips this past year.  We did, however, make a trip to Philadelphia after Nolan was born.  We met Carrie, Lynn, Addie and Nick for a couple of days to see the city and go to Sesame Place. We also spent time in Philly with our friends Dave, Danielle, Karen and Gavin.  Soon we will embark on our yearly holiday trip to Ohio to spend time with family and friends, celebrate Christmas and have Nolan baptized.  Though around home, one fun thing we did was join a pool for the summer and the girls had a blast going swimming and playing in the splash park.
We hope you have a great 2016, and to see you soon!

Marie, Cary, Ava, Reagan and Nolan

Monday, December 28, 2015

Family Time in Ohio

We got to spend so much time with family since we haven't been back for a whole year!  A couple of days after Christmas we spend the day with the Brewer clan.  Aunt Carrie had all the kids make cute snow man ornaments.  The cousins had a blast doing the craft.  Then we got to visit with Granny who came in for Nolan's baptism.  Of course, mom wouldn't let us in the trip without a family picture all 15 of us and maybe still growing:)  Family gathering are always fun but around the holidays they are extra special.  






















Sunday, December 27, 2015

Nolan's Baptism

Nolan was Baptized today!!  We did it at St. Susanna and a lot of the family was able to make the special day.  Kevin and Trudi Westendorf are his Godparents, he is truly blessed to have them.  We are so excited for him to start this join with God.  We pray that he leans on him in good and bad times and knows that the greatest love is God's love.  Looking forward to watching him grow with God!
After the baptism, everyone joined us for the celebration back at Matt and Lynn's house.  It was great to catch up with family and share Nolan's blessed day