Fun In The Sun...Sorta

We headed out on December 26th for our trek to Florida. The kids did AWESOME in the car. They have really become seasoned travelers. It doesn't hurt that Brooke currently has an obsession with Toy Story and she did not mind to watch any of the 3 movies the entire car ride. Do what you gotta do, know what I mean?!

Since Andy kicked a whole lotta butt the 1st day, we were safely inside Florida our 1st night. After a nice hotel stay (did you know you get a discount when you check in after 130am?! HA!) we headed a short jaunt down the road to the University of Florida to check out the Gators. We walked right into the stadium and probably could have gotten on the field, but we didn't want to press our luck.

This one's for you, Julie Gebhart!

The kids loved the Big Gator right outside the stadium.

Yes, that is our van and new luggage carrier we got for Christmas from my parents (many thanks!). We considered stowing the kids instead of the luggage, it's so huge. I kid, I kid.

Next stop - THE BEACH! However, with it only being about 60 degrees or so it was a little chilly (Brooke used that term A LOT on our vacation!).

But the kids got all that pent up energy out, as they ran...

and ran...

all along the beach.

And added to our shell collection.

I love this crew!

After a pit stop at the grocery, we met Grandparents Sorg at the house after their flight. We were welcomed with the FLU BUG, as they both came straight in and went to bed, sick as dogs.

Welcome to Florida.
(Luckily, it only lasted 2 days.)

And this is how we found our little ones after Day 1 in Florida.

Definitely fun in the sun!

Goshorn Family Christmas

Tiredness caught up with me by Christmas afternoon so I did not get a lot of pictures after my 2 hour nap. But here is a few from our wonderful Christmas with Grandparents Goshorn, Uncle Eric and Aunt Leslie and, of course, Uncle Pete (Peg's twin).

Will asked for 'em...YeeHaw! Cowboy boots!

Daddy helping to get them on.

Brooke's are too cute - just gotta keep 'em on her feet!

We did our traditional Happy Birthday Jesus cake at Grandma's. This year I found festive plates that I just love!

The boys big gift were MobiGos - the Vtech version of a DS (kinda). It is really educational and the boys LOVE them. If this says anything - we took them to Florida with us (thank GOD!) and they did not work the last hour of the trip because the batteries were dead! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

After getting the kids to bed - next stop - Florida or bust!

Christmas Morning 2010

During the flood of 2010 (you know...that little water damage we had?!) our Christmas tree conveniently bit the dust. So here is our new tree, sadly with white lights and not our preference of colored (those dang big colored trees are mucho dinero) but still beautiful, just the same.

Santa was good to the Goshorn Kids. Here is what he left behind...

You know, he is so busy, he only has time to wrap in tissue paper and write in permanent black marker. He hasn't changed that since I was a kid. Right, Grandma Jenny?!
(I am going to have to start disguising the handwriting a tad better next year!)

Brooke got her Ladybug Pillow Pet. Lucky Girl!

I am not sure who was more excited - Brooke or Jack.
Bless his heart!

Will was excited about his new OSU football jersey (that he eventually wore A LOT in FL!).

Jack was very interested in the new Nerf guns.

And all 3 have already worn these shirts with pride.
Watch out - there is a new Justice League in town!

After shooting Nerf darts onto my 2nd story windows, loading the Barbie Car up with anything that could fit in the hatchback...

explaining to Will that Carson Palmer really didn't give him his new Bengals pants like the label said - that it was just Mommy trying to be funny, which obviously failed...

and a great breakfast, I could easily claim Christmas 2010 a success.

Next stop - Grandparents Goshorn!

Festival of Lights

It was that time of year again to brave the EXTREMELY cold weather, go with our best buds, the Markarians, and look like we are warm to see the Festival of Lights at the Zoo. The kids did great - I think I was the wimpiest of them all with the cold.
My.feet.hurt.

Not many pictures, as I was too cold. But I promise the Markarians were there.

Cold Daddy and Cold Brooke

Checking out the reindeer

Our traditional picture in front of the huge tree.

Next stop - Christmas morning!

Let's Start The Holidays Over

Since we are home and back to the grind, I thought I would catch you up on what we have been doing...the last few weeks, anyway!

We went to Yoder for an early Christmas this year to accommodate (mostly our) traveling schedules. It was wonderful to see Uncle Jon and Aunt Molly and visit some friends while we were in town.

Christmas morning was crazy as usual at Grandma Jenny's and Grandpa Bill's. This year Jack, Will, Brooke and Cade helped pass out presents before destroying the family room. Reminded me of when I was little with 5 of us opening gifts!

Jack was especially grateful for new gloves Mommy had been neglecting to buy!

THANK GOD Aunt Stacy got the boys Butler t-shirts for Christmas since Santa could not find jerseys - the main thing they asked for. Hope Fairy Valentine's Day gets a connection before the end of the month!

Brooke got lots of new clothes and baking tools for the kitchen. And a cute headband I have to teach her to keep in!

Reid just watched and didn't make a peep - til Grandpa's fire got him too hot!

Cade loved his new John Deere hat - never took it off!

And what Sorg function would be complete without a little gambling? Grandma and Grandpa played Christmas Bingo with the kiddos. Everyone won at least one game and $1. Lucky Ducks!

Next stop - Cincinnati for Festival of Lights!

Lord, Don't Let Me Forget!

Lord, please don't let me forget the big heart Jack has at the tender age of 6.

Before bed tonight, on Christmas Eve, Jack came up to me and said:

"Mom, I really hope Brooke gets the Ladybug Pillow Pet she wants from Santa. But if she doesn't, Dad, Will and I saw it at Walgreens today and we will go out and buy it tomorrow so she gets it. But don't tell her that - it's a secret."

I love this boy.
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas!
I know I will!

Christmas Play All-Stars

We had a busy morning last Friday. Jack's Christmas Play was at 9am and Will's began at 1030am. We made it to both, on time, considering there was snow, lots of traffic and 2 different locations!

Here is my angel. All 60+ kindergarteners were angels and looked adorable! We got a seat in the balcony so we could see all the action.

Pre-Play nerves

My good little catholic school boy with his hands folded!

"Go Tell It On The Mountain!"

Off to Will's performance....on the way I asked him if he wanted a snack. "Nope. I am gettin' ready. I am gettin' fired up." All-righty-then.

Posing with his amazing teacher, Mrs. Murray.

Showtime!
No-go time.

Will stood with his back turned most of the time because he was "a little shy." He sang all the words, but no motions.

He is still my angel!