Christmas Eve and Day 2009

This year we spent Christmas at home rather than in North Dakota. It felt different not spending the holiday with my family in North Dakota, but it is also good to start new traditions too. On Christmas Eve we attended the Children's Mass at the Newman Parish in Eau Claire. Then we came home and waited for Papa Ron and Grandma Claudia to arrive for supper and gift-opening. Blake had a blast handing out gifts to everyone and opening them himself.

On Christmas Day it was just the 3 1/2 of us! Blake opened his presents and stocking from Santa, and we spent the rest of the day cuddled up inside staying warm! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and made it to and from your destinations safely!

Building our First Snowman and Fort

On Christmas Eve day we decided to take Blake outside to see if he had or would conquer his fear of the snow. Immediately he wanted to walk on the snow, unlike the last time we went outside and we had to carry him everywhere! Yeah! The snow was heavy and wet and just right for a snowman. Randy also wanted to build a fort with Blake. Here is a picture of the snowman and the fort. Later that night the snowman tipped over, so it's a good thing we captured a picture of him when we did!

Blake loves to ride on the tractor with Randy. Randy took Blake along as he plowed our driveway. After about 10 minutes on the tractor Blake ended up falling asleep! I guess we know what we'll do if we ever have trouble getting him to fall asleep at night:)

Dishwashers

On Saturday we had our friends Bill and Leslie and their daughter, Sylvie, over for dinner. After dinner both Blake and Sylvie wanted to help out by washing the dishes. They were having so much fun at the sink! If only it were this enjoyable for me!

Christmas Tree 2009

This year we finally went out and cut down our own tree! Usually we are in North Dakota for Christmas so we refrain from getting a tree. However, this year we will be staying home for the holidays, and we definitely needed a tree this season! We cut down the tree on Grandma Claudia's land! It was fun hunting for that perfect tree. Here are a few pictures of Blake admiring the tree after we put it up the first time. Yes, I did say first time because about 2 hours after first putting it up--CRASH!! All of the ornaments and a lot of needles fell off! We put it up for a second time and it hasn't fallen down again.

We Remember Marlene

Today we remember a wonderful mother, wife, and woman! We miss you mom and grandma and Happy Birthday!

If Roses Grow in Heaven
-author unknown

If roses grow in Heaven,
Lord please pick a bunch for me,
Place them in my mother's arms
And tell her they are from me.
Tell her I love her and I miss her,
And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek,
And hold her for awhile.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it every day.
But there's an ache in my heart,
That will never go away.

Bowhunt 2009

Randy shot an 8 point buck with his bow on Sunday morning, November 1, 2009! He came in to tell Blake and I as we were finishing up breakfast. He was so excited to have us come with him to track it. Randy puts in a lot of time in the off-season getting ready for the deer. From planting foodplots to putting up tree stands, it is truly his passion! We are very proud of you, Randy! Also, thanks to Kyle for taking the awesome pictures!

Buck Tracking

Randy shot a buck with his bow this morning. He came in and got Blake and I to go with him to track it. Blake loved seeing the buck up close! Great job Randy!

Halloween 2009

Blake experienced his first year of trick-or-treating. Because we live in the country it is a bit harder to go door-to-door. Luckily, our good friends Kyle and Stephanie and their two cuties invited us to tag along with them in their neighborhood. Blake wasn't too fond of the idea of putting on his bee costume, but with a little coaxing we were able to get it on him for about 30 minutes! Thanks Kyle, Stephanie, Hadley, and Piper for the fun night and delicious lasagna!

Pumpkin Carving 2009

We had our first year of pumpkin carving. Blake wasn't too sure what to think about cleaning out the inside of the pumpkin. I got this one picture before my camera died.

Run, Blake, Run!

The other day Blake needed to burn some energy. Since it was raining outside we decided to do some running in the house. He loves to say, "On your mark, get set, GO!"

Jessi, Sophie, and Adam Visit

This past week Jessi, Sophie, and Adam came for a visit. Blake had a blast chasing Sophie and copying her every move! Thanks for visiting Jessi and kiddos!

Hayride 2009

Jeremy and Julie Pichler host a hayride every October at their home. Julie makes delicious soups and breads to enjoy before the hayride. After a wonderful lunch we all jump on the wagon and take a beautiful ride through the colorful trees. Blake was so relaxed this year he fell asleep for the first 15 minutes of the ride. Thanks Jeremy and Julie for a memorable day!

October 2009

Boy, has it been awhile since I updated the blog! Here are some recent pictures of Blake the last few months! I will try to do a better job of updating!

Big Green Tractor

Blake has been having a wonderful summer playing outside. One of his favorite things to do is to check out the wheels on the tractor in the garage. He also loves to get rides on the tractor!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to some wonderful men- Randy, Grandpa Greg, and Papa Ron!

Happy 3rd Anniversary!

Today Randy and I celebrate our third wedding anniversary! I want to take this time in our blog to say "thank you" to Randy for being such a wonderful husband. Over these last 3 years he has done so much for us! What a supportive and loving person you are, Randy. Thank you for giving me your heart these last 3 years! I love you!

Children's Museum

A few days ago Blake and I took a trip to the Children's Museum in Eau Claire. He loved it! He climbed over bridges, shopped in the "grocery store", and played in the water exhibit! We will definitely be going back there soon!

Trip to Maui

We have been back from our trip to Maui for 2 weeks now, and I am finally getting some pictures posted! We had a fabulous and relaxing time while we were there, but missed Blake like crazy! We are glad to be home in Wisconsin!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Easter 2009

Blake celebrated his second Easter by having a little egg hunt when he woke up this morning. He also "found" his Easter basket under the kitchen table! Happy Easter everyone!