School pic.

There were a ton more pics but this is my favorite.

I love that they took of pic of them together.

A day at the Circus.

My parents treated us to a day at the circus.

We ALL had fun and were amazed by all the acts. It was a great day!

To start off, we had to take advantage of the elephant rides....how often do you get the opportunity, right?

Lucas was thrilled to be in front and pet the elephant.

Thank you for a great day Nana!

And what is a circus without a little cotton candy!!! :)

Ice skating.

Both the kids enjoyed about 14 weeks of ice skating lessons this winter. Bob and I had so much fun sitting in the stands watching them. They really did get quite good and it was nice to skate with them and not need to hold their hands the entire time. Addison was especially impressed with the older girls at the lessons and watching them spin and twirl. She can't wait to skate like them so we will likely keep her in lessons for the long run as long as she enjoys it (as well as dance class).

At the end of the lessons they had the chance to be part of the annual ice skating recital for a very small fee of only $13 (including practices, rehearsal, costume and 2 shows). We couldn't believe the deal! Addison wanted to participate, but Lucas wasn't so interested so of course we weren't going to force him.

The tot level classes did their routine to "Walk Like an Egyptian." They did a lot more standing and marching and less skating but it was great for the kids considering they were only 3-5 years old.

Addison the Egyptian.

Interesting pose for a little girl huh.

Addison and her favorite teacher.

About ready to perform with her class (Lucas would have only been one of two boys).

A small glimpse of the show....

Friends.

I am completely blessed with the most amazing friends a girl could ask for. I have been friends with Marina since 4th grade, Venessa and Becky since 7th grade and Kris, Julie and Pam shortly after that. I am so lucky to have had them in my life for all these years and I have no doubt we will all be in each others lives for many, many, many more years.

Well, they all live 4 plus hours away....which stinks. But, they all make great efforts to come to St. Louis to visit us and we go to Chicago and Cincinnati as often as we can. Even if it has been many months since I have seen them, it always seems like it was just yesterday.

When we do all get together it is amazing and crazy. My friends are so great and often give up their entire weekend (and Becky's home) to spend time with us when we come to town. It ends up being a big party for all the kids and then we put them to bed and the adults get to have a party too. Between me and my 6 friends we have 12 kids, one on the way, and I am sure more to come in the future (hint hint Pam and Ryan). The kids are great friends just like me and my friends and our husbands are great friends too....it is perfect.

We were in Chicago a few weeks ago and ALL got together. Even Kris and Tyler were in town from Cincinnati which made the trip even more special. To top it off, we got to meet Maddox (Marina and Corey's new little boy).

11 of the kids in age order

Me and my 6 bff's....in age order as well (ha ha).

We went to Chicago for New Years too and had a GREAT time.

The kids enjoyed their new years count down (at about 9pm).

Me and Bob



Me and Marina

Me, Venessa and Becky

The guys....getting a little crazy