Our Last Cando Christmas

This year we traveled to Cando, North Dakota to celebrate our last Christmas there. Although I won't miss the 10 hour drive (one-way), I will miss spending the holiday in the house where I grew up. Grandma Sweetie Pie (my dad's mom) was even able to come over and join us this year. Another guest arrived just in time--Santa made a surprise visit too! Erik, Grady, (Jen wasn't able to come due to illness-- we missed you Jen), Jessi, Tom, Sophie, and Adam were also at my parent's house. The cousins had fun playing together and working on their sharing abilities! Even though Christmas will seem different in future years, it will still be special because we will be with family.

Heaven's Windows

This morning Blake saw a picture of Randy's mom, Marlene. He asked who it was and I said, "That's Grandma Marlene. She is up in Heaven." Blake replied, "In Heaven with Jesus." I said, "Yes, in Heaven with Jesus." He then thought for a moment and asked, "Which room is Grandma Marlene in?" I was surprised by this question for I never really thought of Heaven that way, with a bunch of rooms, but a 2 1/2, almost 3 year old, can really have a unique and honest way of looking at things. I answered, "I don't know which room she is in. What room do you think she is in?" Blake said, "I think she is in the room with all of the windows." I asked, "Is she in the room with all of the windows so she can see us?" He said, "Yes, she is looking down at us." I almost teared up at his response.

I do think our loved ones are looking down at us, especially during these special times of year, like the birth of Jesus. We miss these loved ones every day, and we wish that we could also look through a "window" to see them. Merry Christmas, and if you are missing your loved one's this holiday season, know that they are looking at you through Heaven's windows!

Santa Clause Came to Town

Blake and Bennett had their first visit with Santa Clause this past weekend. Blake didn't really know what to think, but gladly took the candy cane that Santa offered to him. Our friends, Stephanie, Hadley, and Piper also met us there to see Santa. Blake can be seen with Hadley in one of the pictures. Although he was shy around Santa, Blake did mention to tell him that he wanted a tractor with a bucket on it!

Celebrating Christmas With Papa and Grandma

This past weekend we celebrated Christmas with Papa Ron and Grandma Claudia. Blake had a wonderful time handing out the gifts, and he especially like opening his! Papa and Grandma gave Blake and Bennett a new wagon, which will really be handy for when they take walks this spring and summer! Blake also liked posing in front of the tree with one of his most recent favorite outfits-- the "batman" cape and baseball hat. Blake enjoyed giving Grandma a ride in the wagon too! Thanks for the fun night!

Fun in the Snow

Even though the temperatures weren't as warm as we would like them to be, it didn't prevent us from getting outside and enjoying all of the snow we had around the yard! Blake loved climbing up the snow hills and yelling "king of the hill!" He also liked building forts using the big chunks of snow.

Decorating the Tree

Blake was such a great helper decorating the tree this year! He was so excited to put the ornaments on the tree. I think his goal was to see how many ornaments one branch could hold! I thought it was cute how you could tell exactly which ornaments Blake put up, and which ones I put on the tree.

Bennett is 7 Months Old

A new month, a new tooth, and a cuddly 7 month old boy! Bennett is starting to sit up more this month and really is liking to play with his rattles and other baby toys. He is becoming so much more aware of the world around him now too. He has been such a snuggly, laid-back little man! We are so blessed to have him as a member of our family! We love you Bennett!

Cutting Down the Tree

This morning we ventured over to Papa Ron's farm to cut down our annual Christmas tree. We strapped Bennett's car seat into the sled (see picture-not sure if that was super safe) and headed out to look for the "perfect" tree. A scene from the movie "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" comes to mind: "Dad, I can't feel my legs!" "Clark, Audrey can't feel her hips!" Okay, enough of that. Anyway, we did find a tree. It's probably not the most symmetrical, but one we will enjoy this holiday season!

Thanksgiving 2010

We spent Thanksgiving in Fargo, ND this year with Grandpa and Grandma Gronos, Erik, Jen, and Grady. Blake and Grady had a great time playing together and swimming at the hotel pool where Grandpa and Grandma stayed. Grady also enjoyed getting Bennett to laugh.