Happy New Year!

Our New Year's Eve was far from exciting, but we spent it at home with these two crazy children in front of the fire.

2013 was a good year for us. We became homeowners - and have since learned all sorts of things, like how to reglaze windows, when to prune hydrangeas, how to keep bamboo from spreading, etc. The girls continue to be healthy and happy. And while the year has seen its low spots, like the passing of my grandfather and other health concerns in the family, we have so much to be thankful for.

I have no resolution. I think my only goal is that everyday I want to look around at some point and say, "Holy crap, I've got it pretty good."

So, Happy New Year from the Sodens. We hope 2014 is a great year for everyone!

Hello, Santa

The weekend before Christmas we headed to Marion to see Cookie and Grumps. On the day that we we left we were lucky enough to meet up with our friends, the Courtneys. We met at Edaville on a cold and rainy night, but were treated to a train ride to see the holiday lights and a visit to see Santa:

Without any fear, Caroline hopped on Santa's
lap and let him know that she wanted a Barbie plane.

They look so sweet in this picture. They
may have fooled Santa.

We warmed ourselves with some hot chocolate and then said goodbye to our buddies Pierce and Fitz. As we headed out, however, the girls very nicely asked us to ride the merry go round. It was covered from the rain and it seemed harmless, though it made me painfully aware of how quickly I become nauseous on even the tamest of rides.