January

January started off with Rachel taking the boys to get fish.  This was a promise made back when we first moved to Mississippi.  The boys were beyond excited and each gave the set of fish different names.  Unfortunately, we had a disaster with tank malfunction and all the fish but one died.  It was a hard moment for the boys but they have recovered.  Nathan was convinced the fish could come back to life like Lazarus from the Bible.

Matt and Joshua built their first pinewood derby car.  

Nathan was the most energetic kid at the derby and he cheered for everyone!

We celebrated Matt's birthday.  He is the best dad and husband.  I love him when he spoils me but I love him more when I watch him love our boys.  

This couple was a favorite of Matt's while serving his mission in Alaska.  They were celebrating their anniversary in New Orleans so we had to make the drive to say hello.  It was a nice visit.  We were shocked when shortly after the sweet husband suddenly passed away.  Such a reminder again that we aren't in control and that tomorrow isn't promised on Earth.

Lots of warm park days this January.

Giant Monopoly game for one of our ladies nights at church

Nathan has really livened up at his Bear Cub Class

We went on a double date!  It was the best!

Joshua celebrated his 100th day of school.  I was proud of my crafting!  (It's rare)

Movie and s'mores

Nathan making everyone laugh!

"Mommy, can I please splash in the puddle?"  (Not quite what I had in mind)

 Day 2 of puddle splashing

Pete the Cat show

Fort Building

Park playing

Nathan leading everyone in sand angel making

Haircuts make me feel happy

Making his spider man hands and face

Moms are fun too!  Dad is always the fun one so they were shocked!  :-)

Turek Christmas Part 2

Cookie making tradition

Joshua and I slipped out for a play date with a friend

Serving with the church food welfare

Family pictures taken with tripods this year!

Hattiesburg Zoo and ropes course for the kids and Nani and PopPop.  

The other grown-ups went shopping and then took this photo while we waited.

Friday afternoon/evening Jessi and Peter went to celebrate their anniversary.  We enjoyed the beautiful weather outside.  Saturday morning Jessi and Peter flew back to SLC.  We took the boys to Lynn Meadows for a New Year's celebration.

Saturday afternoon we went and ate Mexican food. Then we all went to the trampoline park but we were too busy jumping and sweating to take any pictures!  Sunday morning, Kira flew back to SLC before church time.  We enjoyed church together and then some of Nani's scrumptious chili for lunch.  Matt and I left Sunday afternoon for an overnight date in Mobile, Alabama while Nani and PopPop took care of the boys.  

The trip was nice but it rained and it rained some more and most things were closed!  I didn't realize that with Monday being the observance of New Year's Day businesses and museums would close.  I knew the bank but seriously....We made the most of it and still enjoyed being together.  Target was open!  Matt is trying to model for you how wet he was as he ran from the car.  He dropped me off at the door.  :-)

Monday evening we decided to brave the weather anyways, and we wanted to use some coupons for the boys.  Somehow, Nathan also scored these rain boots.  He made it worth it though with his over the top reaction.

The week was filled with memory-making and merriment.  We loved our gifts, but really the time together is the stuff that will last forever.  We were very sad to see everyone go, but we are now settled back in the routine of life.