Lovin' the Y!

So for Christmas, we were given a years membership to the YMCA. I knew about the Y from friends who go there, but never really understood how cool it is. I have been so very thankful for the gift that keeps on giving. It is wonderful because it is so family friendly. It is not just a gym for Chris and I to go work out. Their mission statement is based on Christian principles and family values, and they have childcare for free, up to 2 hours. They have a great swimming pool, and a large gym, and lots of classes for adults and kids. And they even have "parent appreciation" nights twice a month, where they watch all your children for 3 hours for only $5. I feel like I have been a nicer mommy and better wife over the last few weeks. Regular exercise, social interaction for the girls and some alone time for Chris and I. It has been the outlet we all needed.

Wii love it!

So we tend to be the house where the games are played. And over the Christmas/New Years holiday we were given the chance to play Wii a lot. We recently borrowed a friends Wii, and are addicted to something we don't even own! So much fun. Chris rocks at the guitar (rockband), Annabelle is a star bowler, Ella loves to give high fives to everyone playing, and I love singing for rockband and bowling. Good times.

A Happy New Year

We enjoyed ushering in 2009 with my good childhood buddy Kristi and her husband, Mike and their adorable son, August. They drove all the way down from Chico area in Cali with their 9 mo. old to be with us for new years eve and new years day. This was the first time I had seen her baby boy, and this was the first time she had seen my 2.5 yr. old, Ella (who, by the way, poked her baby in the eye, and almost stomped on him with a large boot). I am so thankful we got to celebrate the new year together. I had to throw in an old school pic of me and Kristi back in the day...I think this was 5th or 6th grade...and we had decided to get all dressed up and take a picture to send to Kirk Cameron with our fan letter. Oh yes...I am that old!

Kristi & I, Willits, Ca, 1985ish

Mike, Kristi, Chris and I, ringing in the New Year!

The adorable August!

Our best attempt to take a photo with the kiddos!

Mike, Kristi and August Kipp