Before leaving for Thanksgiving we "decked the halls". I got lazy and didn't get out everything I normally put up but it looks jolly and that's all that matters! Here are the "elves" decorating!
Notice Kale even got out the orange cones to indicate a worksite was underway!
The good part of having both families from the same area is we always get to celebrate with each side every year! The bad part is that it is VERY rushed! But better then not getting to see everyone! Wouldn't have it any other way! We have a lot to be thankful for and are most thankful for our wonderful families!
My mom had the Goeken Thanksgiving at their house. We had all the great grand kids together so we took advantage of the photo op.
Ava, Kale, Isaac, Abby, Helen, Noah, Kyle, Jake
Abby and Ava show off their big blues!
Since Thanksgiving we have had constant illness at our house. Colds, lots of snot and an ear infection! Joe had the worst barking cough I had ever heard and was even tested for whooping cough! Result= negative. Joe has been wondering how I managed to avoid all symptoms (knock on wood). I attribute it to the flurry of germs I swim in everyday at school.
Our little nephew, Landyn was born on Dec. 9th. We were excited to get up there but didn't think his parents would appreciate us bringing the Petri dish of germs with us to share so we waited until Christmas to meet him. He sure is a cute little squirt!
Ava is 10 Months!!
She weighs about 21 pounds.
Can stand for a little while on her own.
Walks behind push toys and along funiture.
Has become quite the climber!
Has mastered going UP the stairs.
Has added... Bobobobobobob to her baby babbles.
She knows just how to taunt Kale already! (and so it begins :))
And her first pearly white is finally poking through!
Joe didn't have Christmas off this year so we headed up without him. Santa delivered some great toys before we left. Kale was so into Santa this year. It was fun to hear what he had to say about the whole thing. Lots and Lots and Lots of questions. Santa even left us this letter!
Dear Kale and Ava,
You have been very good this year. Keep listening to your mom, dad and teachers!
Kale- I had my top elf, George, work on this very special tractor that he made special just for you. He even made a wagon that hooks behind so that you could pull Ava around when it gets warm again. I have been watching you be a very good big brother. Take care of your little sister! I especially like how you have been not throwing fits when you get frustrated. You are getting to be so big--and your mom and dad’s ears are feeling much better J! Remember, Christmas is the season of giving. Many boys and girls don’t have very many toys to play with. My elves have been working very hard to make sure all the kids have things to play with but I might need to have your help. Is there any toys you could give to kids that don’t have much to play with? See you on NICE list again next year, buddy! Merry Christmas!
Ava- I brought you your very favorite foods! My elves, Snowflake and Sprinkle, have been working hard to make that recipe taste just the way you like it.
Merry Christmas to All!
Love,
Santa
P.S. I loved the cookies. The reindeer ate ALL of your carrots. Rudolf ate the most and he tried to eat the bag too! Silly reindeer!
We went to church on Christmas Eve. Ava doesn't typically sleep in the car. So, she went without a afternoon nap. I was wondering how she would hold up at Connie's after church. She was like a happy energizer bunny and was up until MIDNIGHT!! But of course, no sleeping in! She was up and rearing to go by 7:00 the next morning.
We enjoyed Christmas day at the Schueller's. Kale could hardly resist tearing into the mountain of presents he had sorted out from under the tree. Both kids got SPOILED!!! Kale loved meeting his new cousin Landyn. Hopefully we didn't share any germs with him! (ugh!) I found Landyn and baby's first Christmas shirt and was hoping to find Ava one as well. I think people forget that BIG babies are having a their first Christmas too! The shirts only went up to 6 months! That could have been a CUTE picture!
Shannon and her family arrived Christmas night to mom and dads so we opened gifts again there. Our mountain of loot barely fit in the car! Kale, of course, didn't want to leave but was excited to bring all of his new things home. Ava had more fun with the boxes and trying to eat the wrapping paper but she seemed to LOVE everything about her first Christmas!
Kale is outside any chance he can get. Ava wants to be a part of too! Maybe next year Ava!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
