Dec 18-21 Parak Christmas in Detroit

Dec 18-21, 2014

Ryan and I made our annual trip up to Detroit the weekend before Christmas to celebrate the holidays with my family.

It felt amazing to see the sun after a gray December week. We enjoyed this beautiful day on the Paint Creek trail in Rochester.

Ryan ran 6 miles and I walked about 3 miles with my 35 week bump.

Aunt Cindy and Uncle Bob graciously hosted the Christmas Parak gathering this year. Olivia and I showing off our gifts. We both got each other Alex and Ani bracelets…great minds think alike?!?

Chris, Mom, Jenny and Darren.

Mason, Lila, Me with Rosalie and Olivia.

Megan, Aunt Patty, Uncle Ronnie.

Aunt Lorrie, Derek and Katie.

Me, Rosalie, Lila, Megan, Dad, Leah and Ceci.

Little girls watching a movie in Jacob's room.

Leah knows how to get a smile out of Rosalie.

More sweet faces, Aunt Cindy and Julia.

Olivia and I.

Funny faces!

Men + Bun = Mun

Ryan and Weston sporting their long locks.

Lanfear family.

Parak family.

Kiddies posing before our family gift exchange after a delicious Sunday brunch.

Watch out, I have people in Detroit! Cute bib from my parents for our baby-to-be. What a nice long weekend catching up with friends and family in Michigan.

Dec 7-8 Lanfears' Visit Ohio

Dec 7-8, 2014

Since Leah has a little extra free time during her maternity leave, she kindly brought her little family down to Columbus to visit us.

Ceci and I decided to get some fresh air and a little exercise down at the park.

"Hurry let's drive fast to escape the crocodile!"

Ceci fits between the tree trunks.

Leah and sweet Rosalie.

Ceci making a little bit of a sly face...

Big sisters and little sisters! Ceci is full of energy and so much fun to play with. She wore me right out, I had to take a nap after they left. Thanks for a great visit!

Dec 2 Celebrating Nana

Dec 1-3, 2014

Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, we got news that Ryan's Nana passed away. Kevin, Lindsay, Ryan and I made a quick trip up to Wisconsin to say goodbye.

Our beach.

Me and my shadow.

This is the widest I have seen our beach thus far. Sunset on Lake Michigan.

Brrr! Things look a bit different today, windy and cold.

Saying goodbye to Noreen.

Pall bearers.

Cold December day in Sevastopol. The service was really personal and we had a great lunch in Sturgeon Bay afterward. It was a lovely turnout of friends and family. Rest in Peace Nana.

Us grown kids and Uncle Dennis took a hike in the woods to help take down his deer blind. No deer this year for him, but plenty of deer tracks can be seen in the snow :)

Lindsay, Kevin and Sean.

Ryan. Great day for a hike in the woods.

Sunrise on our last day. Time to get back home…do we have to?

Nov 29-30 Thanksgiving Weekend in Columbus

Nov 29-30, 2014

Ryan and I stayed put over Thanksgiving this year. We worked the actual holiday, but had San Diego Cantzler visitors over the weekend!

Lindsay and I doing a belly comparison. She is 5 weeks behind me. Our kiddos are going to be best little buddies!

Julia and I took Isla and Cora down to the playground for some fresh air and fun on this mild November day. 

Awe! Sister love.

San Diego and Columbus Cantzlers'. Thanks for the visit and safe travels back home!

Nov 22 Baby Shower

Nov 22, 2014

My mom and sisters Leah and Megan put on a lovely baby shower for us up in Michigan at my mom's place.

It was so great to see my Aunts! Peggy, RoseMarie, Joyce and Barb.

Vivian, Megan and Aunt Della.

Dawn, Karen, Lila and Lori.

Dottie, Me, Dawn, Kathi, Melissa and Angela.

Aunt Julie, Mom, Dad, Olivia, Ceci, Aunt Cindy.

Fancy, very appropriately themed cake courtesy of the Prainitos'.

Showing off the gorgeous blanket homemade by my mom. Lila being my super present opener.

Thank you Megan, Mom, Dad, Leah for putting on such a great party for the bump and I! This kid is already so loved and lucky to be surrounded by such great people and so many gifts!

My godmother Rose Marie and my goddaughter Olivia.

Aunt Cindy copping a feel ;)

My best girls from way back!

Nov 17 First Snow

Nov 17, 2014

We awoke to a few inches of snow today, the first real snow of the season. Earlier this week there were some flurries.

I like the reflection on Olentangy River.

Halfway point on my morning cross country ski. I am thankful to have the day off to enjoy the first snowfall (without having to get in the car and fight traffic) and to have these old skis from the Cantzlers'.

Olentangy River in all its winter glory.

Following my own tracks home. I proudly am the first one out in skis this year!

Guess its time to put away the patio furniture...

Found these two lovebirds courting in the backyard this afternoon. Stay warm!