Aaahhh... Finally a chance to update my blog (& get through emails & Facebook). Things have been busy around here! It started with a nice Thanksgiving; going to my Aunt & Uncle's house. They have a Christmas tree farm, so we always take hay rides through the fields & cut down our trees. It's a fun tradition! Here's a picture of part of our group (some aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, siblings, nieces, nephews...)

We've also been really busy with basketball & swim meets. Zach made the traveling basketball team, so every weekend we are driving an hour here or there to watch him play tournaments all weekend long. Then we're also trying to get Sean to his basketball games (near home) & Lauryn to her swim meets. It's been such a blast to watch them play & compete. We've also been fortunate to meet some great friends on their teams. Here are a few pictures of them enjoying their winter sports:

Last weekend was such a wonderful weekend. All of Jim's siblings came to visit & were all here at one time. It's been 3 years since they were all together at the same time. One sibling flew in from CO, one from NC, one from WI, one from NE, and then he has one sister who lives here with his Mom. Jim's Mom turned 75 this year, so we planned a surprise birthday party for her. Even one of her siblings & a niece came to come celebrate with us! Then on Saturday we had a baby shower for Jim's sister who is expecting her first. We also celebrated the Collins Family Christmas. The kids enjoyed every minute they had to spend time with their cousins that they don't get the chance to see all the time.

Jim's Mom & siblings

6 of the 10 cousins on the Collins side

Then, while we had all our family here, we celebrated Zach's 10th birthday. I can not believe he is 10 already! Zach has become quite the little adult & grown up so much. He is almost as tall as me & weighs about the same as I do. He is growing like a weed! He is enthusiastic about everything he does, so he was so excited to have his cousin John here to celebrate with him. Here's a great picture of the two (& yes, they are the SAME age!):

Now it is time to relax & enjoy the holiday season. I am done with all my Christmas shopping & all my wrapping. The kids are done with school for the holiday's & so we plan to do some baking, more traveling basketball, and spending time with friends & family. Merry Christmas!