WE DID IT & New Year's Eve -365/365

Well, WE DID IT! 365 pictures in 365 days!
MANY days we actually had MANY pictures! It was such a rewarding thing to do and we are all glad we took on this project. Even looking back at the early months of 2013, there is so much we would have forgotten, if it wasn't for this blog. We tried to capture small moments, as well as the big ones. There were days we struggled to find a picture. Jim loved the days when it would be 10 or 11 at night and I didn't have a picture. He would just laugh and then come up with a great idea! He was supportive of all the time it took to sit down and write every night, too! 

We had an absolutely amazing 2013. Of course we had our private bumps in the road with sadness and tears, as every family has, but I think we are ending 2013 stronger and happier than ever! We have amazing families and friends...we are truly blessed. 

 Now, on to the question, "will we continue in 2014?" YES! This has become such a habit and has made me become such a memory hoarder, that I can't imagine not doing it! Although, I am really going to try to keep it shorter and sweeter. I got so into writing, that some nights, I would take such a long time to get it all down. I'm going to really try! We'll see! 

Thank you SO MUCH to all of you who would visit the blog daily and leave us comments. They made us smile and kept us motivated on this journey to take 365 pictures in 365 days. It made us feel so loved that you actually cared enough to take time to read and look at our pictures. We love you all! 

I will post the link to our finished photo book, that we will have bound and printed, as soon as I get it done. The end product will be such a keepsake for our family. 

Onto, what actually happened today! It was New Year's Eve! Nana came over to get Reagan this morning for a little bit, while I got a few things done. 

This evening, we were celebrating New Years Eve with Jim's family at the D&E Camp Challenge building. We did that last year and it worked out great. The kids all ran around and and had a blast together. They all climbed in this huge toy box together, played "pictionary", chased each other and bounced on huge bouncy balls. The had a great time! All the adults enjoyed our time together to catch up. As the kids get older, sometimes some of us, don't see each other as much as we'd like. It was nice to have a couple hours to spend together. 

 Our party broke up early and we were home and in our pajamas by 9:30. Jim and I plunked down on the couch, had a drink and watched the coverage. We actually stayed up, without having to force ourselves! We did pass out by 12:30 though. We had a really nice, quiet new years eve. 

 Here is a picture of all the kids at New Years Eve! Project 365 was nothing compared to trying to get eight kids to sit still and look at the camera. LOL! Love all these kiddos! 

Reagan's First Movie - 364/365

Today was a big day for Reagan! 

We were going to see her first movie in a theater! We had been wanting to make it to see Disney's Frozen since it came out, but we just hadn't made it. Aunt Pam, had gotten Reagan a few Disney Movies for Christmas, that happened to come with a free pass to see Frozen. I called the theater to see how much longer it would be there, they said till Thursday. We said, well then, we better go, so today was the day! 

 We got there, got a HUGE bucket of popcorn and got seated. She seemed pretty excited! A couple of the previews kind of freaked her out a little bit, but she seemed fascinated by the huge screen. When the movie started, she was just like the title, FROZEN! She never moved for an hour and 45 minutes. She loved every second of it. Every time we looked down at her, she had this HUGE smile on her face. Jim had read her a few Frozen books before seeing it, so she was pretty familiar with the characters. When she first saw, Elsa, she shouted, "Look, there is Elsa!" It was so adorable! 

Jim and I enjoyed it just as much as her. We both thought it was one of their best movies in a long time. We both thought it could rival The Little Mermaid for music, which is tough to do. The movie is very visually pleasing with all the snow and ice. It's really gorgeous! 

 When it was over, we told Reagan it was time to go. She responded with, "No, I want to see it again!" We all do, really! We are hoping it goes to Movies 8, so we can see it again. We don't want to wait till the March DVD release date. 

 When we got home, she went straight for her Frozen toys she got for Christmas. She got both the Anna and Elsa "toddler" dolls and some smaller figurines. She even got an Olaf pillow. She grabbed them all up and sat on the couch watching a little bit of Princess and the Frog till bedtime. 

 It was a very successful first trip to the movies!

The photo of the day is Reagan's smile from the movie...

Next, just her and her tickets...

I had to include her snuggling with her new buddies after the show. 

 

YSU and One Last Christmas Party - 363/365

This morning, we just spent some time around the house, freeing all Reagan's new toys from their boxes. That took more time than anything. I really wonder where they think the toys are going, that they need to twist tie, rubber band, and bolt them to the boxes. It's CRAZY! 

This afternoon, Jim and Greg decided to check out the YSU basketball game. The Penguins won in a complete blowout against South Dakota. The final score was 85-59! In the first half alone, the score was 53-18! During the second half the Penguins pretty much played all their backups. Jim and Greg ended up staying the whole time, just to enjoy a nice afternoon out. 

 This evening, we went up to Ron and Rachel's to have our annual holiday get together. We brought the pizza and Rachel had chips,salsa, fried mozzarella sticks, cookies and beer! While we were sitting enjoying our dinner, Ron got a beep on his phone, only to discover the Browns had fired, Chud. Really, after ONE year?? WTF!? We were all in disbelief! 

Anyway, we had a great visit and the kids had a blast playing with each other. Parker and Reagan were taking turns bouncing on Parker's new trampoline in the living room. Reagan found a new love for Milana's bumbo seat. She would put it on the trampoline and try to bounce! It was so funny. Sadie and Brinkley had a fun time getting to see each other, too! We all had a great time. 

I forgot my camera, AGAIN, (not sure what's going on) so I had to rely on my phone to try to get a pic. LOL! 

The photo of the day is all our kids at the party....

Next, Jim and Greg at the game...

Finally, Reagan and her new Doc McStuffin's check-up center.

 

Jingle Bell Run - 362/365

Today, I was going to run my second 5K! 

It was the Jingle Bell Run to benefit cancer research. It was nice because it was right at the Canfield Fairgrounds. It was such a GORGEOUS day for a December run, sunny and 45! It was great! Nearly 500 people showed up to run, it was a little intimidating. I just told myself, I wanted to beat my time of 40:06 from my first 5K, a couple weeks ago. I was missing my running buddy, Rachel, too. She has some other stuff she had to take care of, so she couldn't make it. 

 They started a little after one, and we were off. The course was a little flatter than the last one, which made it nice. Everyone spread out pretty quickly, then little groups formed. I was with the same group of people the whole time. We kept getting in front of each other, than falling behind again. 

The track was great, because you kept looping around, so I was able to see Jim and Reagan about halfway through. It was a nice momentum boost to see them clapping and waving to me. 

When I was finally coming down the home stretch, I could see the clock and I was thrilled to see a 37 hanging out there. I gave the last minute push and came in at 38:10. I was able to shave two minutes off my time! I was so proud!! Hopefully, I can keep improving with every one I do! 

 This afternoon, we took a little rest, then went over my mom and dad's to do our gift exchange with them. We had a little miscommunication, though. They were heading to our house and we were already at their house. It was too funny! When we finally found each other, we chowed down on a Wedgewood Pizza and then opened our presents. Everyone got some great stuff! My mom loved a little frame I made for her of our Matchbox Twenty Cruise. Papa loved his Flynn Tires gift card...LOL! One of Jim and I's favorite gifts was tickets to see Jillian Michael's in Pittsburgh. We can't wait!! We love watching the Biggest Loser, she's just awesome! Reagan loved her Doc McStuffins Check-up Center. It was such a nice, quiet, fun evening. I forgot my camera, so I don't have any pics though. :( 

Anyway, it was a perfect way to end our family Christmas season. We are so thankful for everything we received this year from everyone. We are truly blessed! 

 The photo of the day is me finishing my run!

Next, my first official bib number, shirt and my jingle bell. 

 

Build a Bear & Ray and Jenn Party - 361/365

Today was an exciting day for Reagan! She went to Build a Bear for the first time! 

Nana, Pam, Reagan and I, went to lunch, then, wanted to do something fun with Reagan. Since there is not much to do, we decided to go to Build a Bear. Aunt Pam, loves to take Noah and Emma, so she thought Reagan would like it, too! 

We got in and Reagan immediately picked a pink, Disney Princess bear. I fell in love with a Panda and shamelessly tried to sway her, but she wasn't having it. LOL! We went over to the stuffing area where she was just a little apprehensive of the sound. After a few minutes, she was totally into it. The girl helping her stuff was so great with her. She had her do a bunch of stuff to the heart before placing it in the bear. She told her to rub it on her legs, so it will be strong like Ariel's legs. She had her kiss it, so it will always have good food like Tiana. She went through the whole list of princesses, it was great! 

 After, we got her all stuffed, Aunt Pam let her pick out some clothes for her. She got a great princess t-shirt, colored tutu, and awesome sequin shoes. She even got a magic wand! 

 Next, it was time to fill out the birth certificate. Reagan named her "Friendly." It was PRECIOUS! They got her all down in her box, that Reagan called a "castle!" She was SO INTO the whole process! When we were leaving, she insisted on carrying her, herself. She dragged her behind all through the mall! 

 We have a generous gift card we received, but haven't had a chance to use, so we'll have to go soon and make another! 

This evening, we were all heading to Raymond and Jennifer's for their annual Christmas Party. It's always such a fun gathering. They always have TONS of food and snacks. You certainly don't starve. One of the highlights, is hanging in Raymond's arcade. He has some awesome old school video games. We have fun playing down there. Jim rocks at the games, I suck! 

Before we left, we all went up to the loft to look at Jennifer's pictures from the Matchbox Twenty Cruise. We were HOWLING re-living all our fun times! What a hoot! 

While we were partying, Reagan spent the night at Grandma and Papa's. Her and Papa spent some time reading. Papa said he was shocked when he read one of her favorites, and she said the words before him! They had a fun time!

The photo of the day is Reagan at Build a Bear.

Next, Ray and Jenn's Party...

Photocredit: Jennifer (left) and Pam (right)
Finally, Reagan and Papa enjoying a book...

 

Girls Day and Old Friends - 360/365

Today, during the day, was girls day! Jim and Papa had to go back to work, and Ed, was going to visit some old friends. 

Pam, Reagan and I, decided to run a few errands. We went to lunch first at Inner Circle. Ed, actually popped in a had a quick bite with us, before we ran our errands. Reagan loves when Uncle Ed comes to lunch because he is an awesome drawer and colorer. They had a good time! 

 After lunch, we set out to both Walmarts to look for our beloved "Christmas Crack." It's a Planters Peanut mix that has peanut brittle, yogurt drops, pretzels, cashews and peanuts. All the Zabel family LOVES it and no one had been able to find it this year. We call it crack, because you CAN NOT STOP eating it. It's SO GOOD! Pam actually found some cans at BOTH stores...SCORE! We're all set for our crack addiction.

 Next, we ran to Altiers. They carry these fun yard spinners for all different themes. We all have some. Pam was looking for a snowman and Ed, wanted a new airplane one. She scored there, too!

We were all planning on going to dinner tonight after Reagan got up for her nap. We all rested in our various homes, but after we all sat down, none of us wanted to get back up! LOL! We all stayed home...except for Jim. He had made plans to meet up with some college friends that were in town. They met at O'Donalds and had a great time catching up! It's always great to see old friends.

While he was out and about, Reagan and I played with some of her new toys and unpacked some of her goodies from the other gift exchanges. We had a great night exploring all her new stuff!

The photo of the day is Jimmy and his pals...

Next, Christmas Crack! 

Finally, Reagan playing her new game!

 

Christmas Day - 359/365

Christmas Morning = SO EXCITING! 

 We actually had to go and wake Reagan up this year. She was so petered out form all her Christmas Eve fun, she was trying to sleep in! We got her up, set and we went down to open presents! 

Santa leaves a few presents for her next to the tree in her playroom. (That's also where she leaves the cookies for him.) Then, mommy and daddy put presents by the big tree from us. She had asked Santa for Dora toys, so all the Dora toys ended up in there. She was PUMPED! 

After she tore those apart, we moved into the living room to open the rest of the presents. She was so excited! She was so generous, too. At one point, she was having more fun watching Jim and I open presents, then opening stuff herself. She would say, "Here mama, dada, you open another one!" It was so sweet! By the end, she had made out pretty good, from mom, dad, and Santa! We had such a great morning! 

The gift of the year, was probably the train table. We had put it together and set it up prior, so it was ready to go. She stood by that thing the rest of the morning! It was great! 

 Pretty soon, it was time to head over to Nana's for the day. We do the "Downard gift exchange" first. This one is fun, because each couple buys one girl and one boy gift that is $20.00. It's SO fun to see what people get! This year, Jim got a bunch of fun BBQ sauces and I got a cool scarf and makeup case! Reagan gets some presents, too! She was thrilled! 

 Next, it was time to chow down. My mom and dad always do an awesome filet and everyone else brings a side. It works out so well and we are all STUFFED by the end. After we got everything cleaned up, it was time to start the marathon, Zabel gift exchange. It usually takes us about three hours to complete! We like to take our time and open things one at a time so see the treasures. We do goofy stuff, nice stuff and just fun stuff, so it's quite an adventure to see what shows up. We also have a sparkly golden box that makes an appearance every year. Who ever gets it, has to put a present in it for someone next year. This year, Pam received it! Woo hoo! 

 Zach was able to come up for Christmas this year for the first time in many years, so it was AWESOME to have him home! We had such a fun night!

The photo of the day is our annual Christmas morning family photo....

 Next, Reagan and her goods...

Next, a Zabel family photo...

Merry Christmas! 

 

Christmas Eve - 358/365

It's Christmas Eve! 

Goodness, time sure does fly! 

 I swore I wasn't going to be out and about on Christmas Eve, but there I was. Reagan and I headed out for just a few errands, then home to FINALLY finish wrapping. It was never ending this year! 

 This evening, we were spending Christmas Eve at Jim's mom and dad's with Adrienne, Jake, the kids & Mabel! We had a great time! 

Nikki and Mabel made an awesome dinner of roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, steamed veggies, and soup. YUM! It was so good! 

After dinner, while we were waiting to for everyone to get settled, Papa held a short impromptu dance party with the girls. They loved it! 

 Next, it was time to open presents! The kids are all at such a fun age to watch open presents. They get so into it and they all offer to help the adults open their gifts, too! I think the present of the night was the slinky grandma got each of the kids. They were tearing around the house with their slinkies. The girls actually curled up in the chair and were giggling away with them. It was so cute! We showed them how the slinky can walk down the stairs and they LOVED that! 

 It was such a fun night for everyone and all the kids got some great presents. They were all anxious to play with their treasures. 

When we got home, we had to lay out our cookies and milk for Santa. Reagan was so excited to lay out the cookies she baked herself for him. She also wanted to give him "magical milk." Magical Milk is just plain white milk with Nesquick stirred in. She LOVES stirring it. We got Santa all set and turned in for the night. 

 The photo of the day is the kids and papa all sitting around a present and Reagan with her new phone....

Next, Jillian and Reagan giggling with their slinky.

Next, Santa's cookie station all ready! 

The last Eppie Adventure - back in his sleigh with his reindeer. He left Reagan a note and chocolate. LOL! 

  

Wrap, Concert - 357/365

Christmas preps, Christmas preps, Christmas preps. That is the theme of the day. 

 Reagan and I ran out to do a few errands and then came home to wrap. 

This afternoon and evening, Reagan spent her time putting on an amazing concert. She received a Disney Princess microphone as an early Christmas present, so I let her have it today. Boy, does she love that thing. She has grown fond of the song, Holly Jolly Christmas, and has been singing that for days. She was stoked when she realized it the microphone amplified her voice. She sang to us the rest of the day. It was SO adorable and totally lightened up the stress surrounding last minute Christmas stuff. LOL! 

 The photo of the day is Reagan and her microphone....  

Eppie Adventure - Hanging from the chandelier.

 

Holiday Party & a Leak - 356/365

Today started out a little rough. 

Jim took Reagan to potty when she got up and the toilet ended up overflowing. Jim got it all cleaned up. Then, we ran a fan in there to help dry it out. It has been acting a little funny, so we're not sure what's going on with it. We'll have to get it checked out. 

 After that crisis was over, we went downstairs to make some pancakes. We decided to try to make them from scratch, which we have never done. Jim is the master pancake maker. When he cooks them, they are always so fluffy. We mixed em, got them all cooked and they looked perfect! We used our cool zoo pancake molds Ray and Jenn got us, so they were extra special! We sat down at the kitchen table to start enjoying them, when I looked up and noticed a HUGE water spot on the ceiling. I jumped up and started to panic! I didn't know how much water was up there. Or, if it would start dripping. Jim assured me it was fine and we would just have an pretty ugly spot on the ceiling. We just kept an eye on it and it never got any worse. It's ugly, but nothing a little primer and paint won't fix. Mark will help us! :)

 This afternoon, Jim and Brinkley went on a little stroll, while I wrapped some presents. 

 This evening, we were heading up to Adrienne and Jake's for our annual cousin's Holiday Party. We've decided to rotate it every year. Last year was ours and this year was Adrienne's. Jake made a yummy feast. He made awesome chicken breast, rice and beans, plantains, and latkas. Nikki was in charge of dessert and I had wine. I felt kind of bad everyone else was slaving and cooking, while I just had to go to the store and pick up wine. I'll take it though. 

 After dinner, Adrienne had a craft for all the kids to do. She had some foam gingerbread men that they could decorate! They had such a blast! 

 When they were done with their craft, they just played for a little bit, while we got everything cleaned up. Reagan, of course, spent most of her evening at Jillian and Evan's train table. She LOVES trains! After a while, Jillian wanted to show the kids her room. Reagan just loved Jillian's toddler bed. She said, "WOW, your bed has a door!" It was too cute! We still have her in her crib since she hasn't climbed out. LOL! 

Finally, it was time for the kids to open presents! They had such a blast and got some really nice stuff. Reagan got a couple Disney Princess Barbies and some art stuff! She was thrilled! 

 We had such a nice family fun night! Jake and Adrienne threw a GREAT party! 

The photo of the day is all of us at the party!

Next, our lovely water spot.

One of lovely pancakes....

Eppie Adventure - cookie thief! 

  

Zoo Breakfast and Cookie Baking - 355/365

Today, we had an early wake up call! 

 We had reservations for breakfast with Santa and the Animals at Akron Zoo! We had to be there at 9:00, so we left home right at 8:00. We got there and were escorted to the big cafeteria. There, they had a huge breakfast buffet, cookie decorating, a craft, and of course, a visit with Santa! We decided to head straight for Santa, since we knew the line would get pretty long. We were some of his first visitors. It was cool, because he had Mrs. Claus with him! You don't get to see her very much! Reagan was a little bit shy, but warmed up after a few minutes. 

After she talked with him and we took our picture, he had a little gift bag for each kid. The bags had lots of snacks and a little stuffed Christmas Owl. It was so nice of Santa! 

We decided to eat next. The buffet was great! They had, cinnamon rolls, fruit, scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, bacon and sausage. It was delicious! While we were eating, there was a little elf named, Ellie, walking around talking with the kids. She did a little magic trick and took their "picture" with a HUGE foam camera! 

While we were waiting for our group to be called for the rest of the activities, we went and decorated a cookie and did the craft. The craft was pretty cool. They glued a piece of paper to a plastic spoon. The paper had a little hole in the top half. The kids glued cotton balls all over it. When they were done, they could hold it up and it looked like they had a Santa beard. It was too funny! 

 In the basement of the building we were in, they had a HUGE model train set up. The kids were in awe of this. Reagan could have watched the trains go around and around all day. In fact, when we had to go upstairs to meet our group, she put up a fuss because she didn't want to leave! 

We finally had to go out to the carousel and find our group. We were then led over to the lion exhibit. The staff had put a Christmas tree in their pen with treats and stuff in it. It was neat to see them going at it trying to get their treats. 

Next, we took a short walk around the zoo while we waited for our turn to feed the penguins. When we got to the penguins, Reagan was so excited and not even grossed out by the dead fish in her hand. The penguins were just swimming round and round the platform waiting for the fish. She loved feeding them and asked to do it again, when we were out of fish. 

 When the event was over, the zoo opened to the public. We were allowed to stay, since our program included zoo admission. Even though it was raining, we decided to walk around a little more. We were already in our ponchos and it wasn't overly cold. It was actually really fun, because we were the only ones in the zoo. We only saw two other groups of three people. It was so funny. It was deserted! 

We had the best time playing with the Otters. They followed us to all the different windows in their tank. It was hilarious! Reagan would run to one window and they would follow, so she would run back the other way, and away they went. We spent about a half hour playing with them. 

We finally decided to call it a day and head home. 

 When we got home, Reagan and I decided we would roll and bake our cookies before her nap. Then, when she got up we could frost them. We had the best time cutting them out. She was an amazing helper! Our dough made MANY more cookies than we thought, so it was quite the task! LOL! 

 After nap, we had even more fun decorating them. Reagan actually hummed Rudolph and Jingle Bells to herself the WHOLE time she was doing it. It was the SWEETEST thing! She absolutely loved decorating and did almost every single one herself! 

 What a perfect family fun day we had!

The photo of the day is Reagan and her fish for the penguins.

And, our little cookie cutter....

Finally, us and our finished product!

Eppie Adventure - he took a trip to the zoo, too!

 

Baking and Sofia - 354/365

Busy day today, as they all are, around the holidays. 

 I picked Nana and Reagan up at Nana's around 9:30 to head out shopping. Just as I got there, the two ladies that clean for my mom and dad, were just arriving. They were so sweet and each had a gift bag of presents for Reagan. How incredibly sweet! She got two Disney outfits, Minnie pajamas, a Sofia the First hooded towel and some new books. She was so excited!
 After she opened all her stuff, we were off for the day. Nana and I got a TON accomplished today. We went to Sam's Club, Khol's, Five Below, Giant Eagle and a few other places. We pounded the pavement and knocked so much off our lists! Woo hoo! 

 This evening, Jim, Reagan and I were just going to hang around the house. Reagan and I decided we would try our hand at baking sugar cookies from scratch. She had so much fun at the Baking for Santa at Boardman Park that I wanted to do it with her again. We mixed up the batter and I have to say, it looked pretty good! Daddy even lent a hand! We were going to let it sit overnight to firm up and make the cookies the next day. We had so much fun and didn't even make that big of a mess! LOL! 

 Jim was giving Reagan her bath tonight and she was so pumped to use her new Sofia towel. She was running up and down the hall twirling. It was the cutest thing! Love that little peanut! 

The photo of the day is our little dough mixer... 

And our little Sofia...

Eppie Adventure - coloring

  

Brinkley Nap & Date night - 353/365

Today, I just hung around the house and got some chores done, while Jimmy was at work. 

I finished the very last of my online shopping, which felt great. Brinkley and I, took a little time and lounged on the couch, which also felt great! We were both all cuddled up under blankets. He just loves sleeping in his spot. It's so precious. 

Jimmy and I were going to have a date night tonight, since Reagan was with Nana and Papa.  Nana came to get her early this morning. Then, she was just going to spend the night over there. Nana and Papa wanted to make sure they had some special quiet time with Reagan before the holidays! Jim and I decided, since she wasn't home, we would go and pick out some of her toys from us! 

We had already gotten her the train table and a few other things online, but we always like to go together and pick some stuff out, too! We got her a few Sofia and Ariel things, and a couple accessories for her Loving Family Dream House. We just can't wait for Christmas Morning! 

After we were done roaming around Toys R US, we decided to go have dinner at our old stomping grounds, Cafe Capri. When I lived at the condo, we had dinner there ALL the time, since it was so close. Since we've moved to the house, we don't get out that way quite as much. It was so great to be back and we even got to sit in one of our favorite booths. We had a great night! 

Reagan, Nana and Papa had their own adventure this evening. They went and had dinner at Tippy. Reagan just absolutely loves going over there and especially seeing her friend, "The Linda." 

Fun for everyone, today!

The photo of the day is Brinkley curled up with his toy. I failed at taking any other pictures today.

Next, Papa and Reagan at Tippy...

Eppie Adventure - stroller riding