Bring it on, 2016!

2016 is here and we're off and running!  We soaked up every second of our Christmas break and fell right into loving the lack of schedule and discipline.  Seems like that transition is much easier than the one getting back into the swing of things.  We loved every second of the holidays.  It's such a special time for us to get to relax and just be in the moment without having to rush all over the place.  I really savor that about our holiday traditions.  It's a peaceful time for us.  Here are a few pictures from our pre-Christmas celebration.

 The boys made a trip up to Mississippi for some duck hunting.  They had a blast shooting ducks and not taking baths while I enjoyed a quiet weekend home doing just about the opposite.

 Our Christmas Eve always starts with baking and decorating cookies.  We're not going to win any artistic accolades, but they sure taste good which we attribute to the loads and loads of butter!

The Christmas Eve service at Olive is one of our favorite traditions.  We get to worship and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

Above is how I would like them to act, but below is my reality.  

Santa brought more than we deserve and maybe more than some of us (Beau) expected.  He was a little nervous once bedtime rolled around when he began to rethink some of his behavior choices. Thankful Santa has a forgiving heart and delivered treats (and a little advice) in spite of many "questionable moments."

We spent some time in Fannin County the week after Christmas visiting family and friends, but from the pictures it looks like we just sat around and held cats.

We made it home to Florida before dark on New Year's Eve...just in time to ring in time to watch the festivities on eastern time and get to bed.  We're party animals at Casa de Tidwell!  Momma had a pure barre class to get to in the morning, so.....priorities!  We're all about at least keeping our resolutions past Jan 1st!

This week has wiped us out trying to pretend we didn't spend a majority of our time off from school staying up too late, watching football, and eating too much sugar.  We've ripped off the band-aid and jumped back in full force.

2016 brings change for our family.  We are building our first home in northwest Pensacola to get closer to the boys school and work.  We have lived in many homes over the years, but never built one of very own, so we're excited about all that comes with that experience.  Another big change is that I've gone back to work after about 9 years of being a SAHM.  I actually joined Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in November, but wanted to get through all the in-house training before I really dove in headfirst.  Well, now I'm diving in and I'm enjoying it just as much as I thought I would.  I love the real estate industry.  Having worked in real estate marketing before, I knew this was a business I would enjoy getting back into once we could plant more permanent roots somewhere.

We are excited about what God has planned for our family and yours this year and pray for health and happiness all year long.  Happy New Year from the Tidwells!