Farewell, 2013.

I have a few traditions I stick to, to name a few we make gingerbread houses on Owen's birthday, unless it is their Dad's year to have them in December (such as this year) in which case we make them on whatever day we celebrate O's birthday. We started this when he was only two and it stuck. And we began it per his request because I was that mom that wanted to make sure my December baby didn't feel like his birthday was lost in the world-wide celebration of Mary birthing a kid that turned out to be somewhat of a big deal. But at the same time, I take the brood's input on things they want in their room or for a party so when my baby said he wanted gingerbread houses built it's what we did, and it stuck. Other traditions we have are that I make a yearly family photo book, better known as our family Yearbook at the end of each year showing the highlights of our year (you can get a visual of what I'm referring to by clicking here). And I also make a video at the end of each year with the same premise. So without further ado, below is this past year's (2013) video. To see more go to the video page and you'll catch other videos from past years as well as random video shenanigans. Oh, and because I forgot to put it at the end of the video, the music is by JJ Heller, and it's called: The Boat Song. Enjoy.

2013 from Lorri Rumbarger on Vimeo.

Owen's First Roller Skating Adventure

Owen recently went roller skating for the first time. Can you believe that? He's seven and he's never been roller skating - have I failed my child? Don't answer that.

He loved ice skating for his birthday a few years back.

If that face doesn't scream EXCITEMENT I don't know what does.

Sissy helped him with his skating skills.

They're so sweet to each other when they want to be. I mean, sometimes I walk in and she is teaching him things as they play 'school' and other times I hear screaming from the hamper he's sitting on and his sister is inside. There is no method to their madness.

Perhaps what he loved more than skating while we were at the rink was the play area. He couldn't get enough of the slides. And he was totally cheesin' for the camera, but what else is new.