8- and 9-Months Old

So here's the deal: in case you haven't already figured this out, I often write these posts a little (okay, usually A LOT) after they occurred. I wish I could have done separate posts about Kate turning 8-months old and 9-months old, but the old to do list isn't getting any shorter! So... Here we go!

One thing I have learned is that monthly photo shoots are becoming increasingly difficult because of how much little miss is on the move! 

Christmas: The Finale!

To close out our Christmas celebrations, we hosted the Roberts family on the 26th to exchange gifts and spend time together. Because it had been a whirlwind of a week preceding our event, I decided it would be an Italian Christmas. We ordered iFratellis, everyone brought appetizers and/or desserts, and we stuffed ourselves and had a fantastic time. :)



My attempt at a crafty centerpiece. :)

One of my students got me these beautiful cookies as a gift - I had to share!

Gifts under the tree for one final "big rip!"

Brent and Audra's sweet boy, Parker

 Pretty nieces: Alex, Alyssa, and Halle

Luke enjoying some awesome presents - how great are his aunts, uncles, and grandparents?

Audra, Brent, and Parker

Kudos to Lori for coordinating our first white elephant exchange - it was a hoot, and it's going to be fun to continue! 

Luke had fun sharing the chocolates from the advent calendar my friend Kim got him. (These were a huge hit last year since Mr. Man looooves him some numbers.) He would find a chocolate... 

...and share with his family.

A great get-together marked the end of a fantastic holiday season! Jeremy and I were able to enjoy a nice New Year's Eve dinner together - and alone - to commemorate a wonderful year in which we added our sweet little Kitty Kate to join our Monkey Luke in our little family zoo. (Hmmm... what does that make Jeremy and me? He's a giraffe, obviously... because of the height... I'll have to think on what animal I am. =D)

2013 was such a great year for Team Roberts - can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!