Friday, December 27, 2013

Christmas 2013

This year we spent our Christmas Eve/Day in Wisconsin. It was just the 5 of us on Christmas Eve, unless you count the doe that Randy shot with his bow in the early evening. We opened gift Christmas Eve night, and then woke up Christmas morning to see what Santa brought. We attended Christmas Day Mass in Eau Claire, and then went over to Papa Ron and Grandma Claudia's in the afternoon/evening.

Monday, December 23, 2013

Christmas Programs

This year we had, not one, but two Christmas programs to attend. The first was Blake's program at his school a few weeks ago, and the second was Bennett's preschool program last week. Blake and his other kindergarten friends recited a poem, sang a song about mittens and gloves, and also sang a song called,"We Will Jingle," to the tune of "We Will Rock You!" They all wore sunglasses for the last song-- really cute. I didn't get very many good pictures of Blake at his program, as I was SO far away from the stage. I did manage to get one "ok" picture. Blake is in the back row on the right. Mondovi schools has a cool new feature now called "Buffalo TV" where you can watch live or archived footage of school events. Blake's class is singing the first 3 songs. Here is the link to watch the concert: http://www.mondovi.k12.wi.us/BuffaloTV.cfm Bennett had his first school Christmas concert this past week. They sang a couple of songs and played on the drums that they made. Some of the songs they sang were, "The Little Drummer Boy" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."

Monday, December 16, 2013

Photo With Santa

This past Friday Blake got of school early so we thought it would be a good day to go down to the mall and get our picture taken with Santa. When I say "we" I meant the kids, but wouldn't you know it, I ended up being in the photo also! Bennett did not really want to sit on Santa's lap or have his picture taken with him. When we got there Marlee and Blake both sat on Santa's lap, but Bennett clung to me, hid behind my leg, and started crying. When Marlee saw Bennett crying, she immediately broke out crying! UGGHH! So to get all 3 of the kids pictured with Santa WITHOUT tears, I also had to be in the picture. I did not plan on being in the picture, as I am not even sure if I showered that day. Oh well, it was for the kids, right?!!

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Let it Snow!

We received our first good batch of snow this week. It would be Marlee's first sled ride, as last year she was a bit too tiny to ride in the sled. She enjoyed the big sled with her Bennett, as well as the little sled by herself. She also got a try at making her first snowman. The most she would do is stand up next to the large boulders of snow and bounce up and down. I did capture one more picture of Marlee getting that first feeling of cold snow on her bare hands. Just like her big brother Blake when he was 12 months old, she DID not like it! I have a picture of both Blake and Marlee feeling the snow for the first time. See the resemblance?!



Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Thanksgiving Memories

The kids and I made the journey to my parents' house in Alexandria, MN this past weekend for Thanksgiving. We went a different route this time so that we could avoid the traffic in the cities. It probably took us longer, but at least I didn't have to contend with those crazy semi-truck drivers or being stuck in stop-and-go traffic with 3 kids! Randy stayed back to go deer hunting, but unfortunately he wasn't able to get one. There is still muzzle-loader season, however! :) Blake, Bennett, and Marlee had fun playing 'house' with their cousins- Sophie(7), Grady(7, and Adam (4.5). They also liked playing picnic with Marlee's baby toys and making Christmas ornaments. Early Thanksgiving morning Jessi and I got up to run in Alexandria's YMCA 5K Turkey Day run. It was a windy and cold morning, but was fun to take part in a run with my sis. Jessi took 3rd place for females (even after having to stop at the halfway point to tie her shoe)! Nice job, Jess! I captured 1st place for women, and got the bonus surprise of winning a cake pan, cake mix, and frosting! (It's the little things!) Here are some pictures of the weekend. By far the sweetest picture is of Marlee and Grady. They sure became good little buddies on this trip. In one picture you can see Marlee laying on Grady's head. I think that is her version of a hug. We hope your Thanksgiving was as enjoyable as ours!