Great Grandparents

The day after Christmas we were able to stop by and visit my grandparents that live in the town I grew up in (Wisconsin Rapids). It was really nice to see them again and to get some pictures of them with Gavin.

Brad & Georgie

Brad and Georgie were able to make it home for Christmas again this year. It was really nice to be able to see them again so soon (we also spent Thanksgiving with them). Hopefully it won't take a whole year to get them "home" for another visit.

Grandma's and Grandpa's, Part 3

Not only did Roth and Dera get ice fishing poles from my mom and dad, they also got sleds. I think there's a big hint from my parents in there somewhere, but I can't quite put my finger on it yet!
I hope that each and every one of you had as Merry a Christmas as we were blessed with.

Grandma's and Grandpa's, Part 2

My dad picked out the noisiest toy he could find for Gavin. We're all VERY grateful...

Grandma's and Grandpa's, Part 1

My dad bought Chris, Roth and Dera ice fishing poles for Christmas. They came with a free hat--I'm not sure which thrilled the boys more, the hat or the pole. I'm sure all three boys will have lots of fun with the fishing poles and I will certainly enjoy the peace that will come with their use!

Christmas Day Photos

We couldn't get all of us in one picture because no one wanted to wait long enough for me to set up the camera to take it automatically, so here are two pictures of all of us--one with Chris and one with me--on Christmas morning after church.

Christmas Morning

We actually had to wake our kids up this morning! I was asked to play violin at our church service and had to be out the door by 9am, so we wanted to get the gift opening going by about 7am and our kids were still sound asleep. I remember waking up at about 5am each year when I was a kid--if not earlier. I guess we just have good sleepers! We had a great morning and the boys loved all of their gifts. They even sat patiently while I read the Christmas story to them. Then, it was off to church and then off to Grandma and Grandpa's for more Christmas fun. Pictures of all of that will follow...

Baby's First Christmas

I bought these jammies for Gavin before he was even born and couldn't wait to put them on him. He wore them all day today, Christmas Eve, and was the star of the show. Tomorrow will be all kinds of fun with all three boys! We can't wait...

Gavin's Tongue

Gavin recently discovered his tongue! Every time he smiles, he now sticks it out. We all think it's really cute. Of course, I know it's just one more thing to add to my list of "Things that are cute now that will not be cute later".

Grandma Roz

This is Chris' mom, Roz. Chris took this picture when we were visiting this past weekend. Our boys all love going to her house--especially when they get to play with the cats! Gavin just loves going because he gets plenty of cuddling.

Santa Clause

Chris and I aren't big promoters of Santa, but he was at our local mall and there was no line, so we decided to take a quick picture. Roth would not join, and I didn't make him. I remember the last time my parents made me take a picture with Santa and Ben--let's just say, you could tell by my expression that I was being forced! Dera was more than happy to jump in there though, especially once he figured out that he'd get a free candy cane.

Christmas Begins

While we were in the Twin Cities, we did Christmas with Chris' family. Saturday morning, we celebrated Christmas with Chris' dad and two half-siblings. Unfortunately, neither of us thought to take a picture there. We did get some pictures at Chris' mom's house--where we celebrated Christmas on Saturday evening. Pictured here are (from left to right) Dera, Katie--Chris' sister, Roth, Kelly--Chris' other sister, with Gavin, and Shane--Kelly's boyfriend. The kids came home with far more gifts than we got for them. They haven't had a bored moment since they arrived back home. Thanks everybody!!!

Holidazzle

This year, Chris and I decided to add on to the Minneapolis traditions and bundle our kids up for the Holidazzle parade--which takes place downtown. Gavin and I didn't stay out too long, but he liked the lights that he did see--the parade is at dusk, so all of the floats are full of Christmas lights. Unfortunately, my parents didn't want to stay for that (and who can blame them?), but two of Chris' sisters and one of their boyfriends were able to join us.

Great Soup

Every year, after the Dayton's 8th floor show, my family always had lunch at the restaurant on the 12th floor inside Dayton's. So, of course, we had to stick with that tradition too. They have great chicken & wild rice soup--which we all enjoyed before we did a little shopping.

Cinderella

When I was little my parents always took Ben and I to Minneapolis around Christmas time. Dayton's (now Marshall Field's) always had some great display on their 8th floor. Each year they do a different story and you get to walk through the scenes. They dress up animated, child-size characters and it's always very fun to see. This year the story was Cinderella--which Roth and Dera were none too thrilled by. It was a lot of fun to revisit this childhood memory with my kids. My parents were also able to join us!

Comparison

For those of you who still wonder, here are pictures of Chris and I as babies, along with Gavin so that you can compare. From top to bottom--Chris, Gavin, me. If you want to see the pictures enlarged, just click on them. I think it's fairly obvious who Gavin looks like, and of course, I think he's just the cutest baby ever!

Smile

It just dawned on me that I have never posted a cute picture of Gavin smiling--which he does ALL the time. His smiles always brighten my day! I am hoping this one will have the same effect on you.

Thrilled Daddy

Chris absolutely refuses to carry Gavin in any of the carriers we have, but I insisted that he let me take at least one picture. Doesn't he look happy? Personally, I think he should have to carry Gavin around like this for 7 months--to match what I had to do!

Ginger Bread House

Roth, Dera and I put together this ginger bread house. We had lots of fun. We also ate quite a bit of the candy and the frosting. It tastes as good as it looks!

A Mouthful

Here's Gavin with his favorite new toy--his fist! He just loves sticking it in his mouth and chomping on it. If you pull it out, in goes the other fist. He's not on to his toes yet, but being that it's winter, they are covered all day long.

Tae Kwon Do

Roth is in Tae Kwon Do, and has been for a little over a year now. A while ago, he tested for his yellow belt and received it. We are very proud of the progress he's made and the effort he puts into learning his patterns. I actually started with him, but use the fact that I got pregnant as my excuse for quitting. It might be more accurate to say that I hated the knuckle push-ups (although I could do them) and the running, or that I knew he'd surpass me in no time! It was fun while it lasted.

Another Soccer Boy

This is a picture of Dera, from this past Spring, playing soccer. He's played for two seasons and is doing really well. We love enjoying the outdoors during his soccer games and cheering him on. This is my favorite action shot of him. I am hoping he'll want to play again this coming year.

Family Fun Night

Every Friday night, we take each pick one activity that we want to do as a family. The activities are written down and placed on a game-like board. We then we spin a spinner on the board (which I made) to see who's activity we'll get to do. Last week, we ended up with Chinese take-out for dinner and a family game. Chris took this picture of Roth, Dera and I learning a new game (thanks Overton's). It was fun!

Poor Baby

Dera took this picture the other day. He caught a very rare moment! If you've spent any time with Gavin, you know that he rarely ever cries, whines, or fusses. He's cute even when he does.

Christmas Picture

In case you didn't get a copy or just wanted to see it again : ), here's our Christmas picture. If I missed you, send me an email and I'll see what I can do!

Roth and Gavin

Roth picked this outfit for Gavin on a shopping trip a couple of months ago. This is the first time he wore it and Roth was very proud.

Burrrrrrr

It sure was chilly while hunting for our tree, but Gavin and I kept warm all bundled up together. Boy, is he getting heavy--especially with all that winter gear on.

Fun in the Snow

Roth and Dera really enjoyed dragging each other through the trees as we hunted for our Christmas tree. They think it is just so funny when they make each other run into a tree.

The Christmas Tree

Today, we picked out our Christmas tree. Every year we get a small, real tree for the basement--where we open presents Christmas morning. We always go to the same tree farm and the boys love going crazy with the sled. It was bitter cold this year, but we found the perfect tree and had a great time decorating it.

Giggly Gavin

Here's Gavin, mid-giggle. I am convinced that there is no sweeter sound than the giggle of a little baby. Then again, when he babbles on and on in his sweet little voice, which he's just started doing, my heart also melts.

Gramps and His Dog

If you haven't met Churchill, you're missing out! My dad finally wore my mom down and got that dog he's been talking about for 30 years. They decided to get an English Bulldog in large part because they're very mellow, lazy, and calm dogs. Churchill, however, does not have any of those personality traits.

Uncle Ben II

Here is a much updated picture of Ben with Gavin.
Sorry I've not added anything to this site for a while. Life's been busy. I'm also about to head out of town for a few days, but I'll catch up again when I get home. Pray for Chris--he'll be all alone with Roth and Dera for four whole days! Come to think of it, pray for Roth and Dera!

Uncle Dean

My Auntie and Uncle set up a little Christmas village in their house each year--actually pretty much everyone in my family does that. Anyway, Uncle decided to show it to Gavin who really seemed to enjoy all of the lights. Christmas is going to be a blast with him this year. I can't wait.

The Moms

Chris very affectionately calls Linda and Leata "the moms". If ever I can't get a hold of my mom for some practical advice, I know that I can call Leata (my Auntie). Now, I suppose we could start calling them the Grandmas! My kids still call my aunt Auntie, because that's the special title she's earned in our lives, but she really is so much more than an aunt to all of us.
P.S. My mom is the one holding Gavin!

Friends

My life-long best friend, McKenya, and her husband, Tom, recently returned from a long adventure through Europe and were able to stop by the festivities on Thanksgiving night. It was great to see them--I know that Gavin really enjoyed their visit.

Dedication

Tonight, my dad dedicated all three of our boys at his church. It was a really special event and I'm so glad that my dad was able to this for us. Chris' mom was also able to join us, as were many of my extended family members. It was another great night for so many reasons.

Gavin and Gramps

This picture was taken Thanksgiving day. My dad didn't want to share Gavin with anyone, but we did eventually make him. Once in a while he got to hold him--this is my favorite picture of the two of them. I think my dad likes being a Grandpa even more than he likes being a dad. He's great at both!

Thanksgiving Dinner

Here are two pictures of our Thanksgiving dinner at my Auntie & Uncle's house. There were 17 of us crowded around one dining room table (with a little extension for Sarah and the kids). We were just about eating on top of one another, but it was a great time. Brad and Georgie were able to join us, along with their good friend Janice and lots of Georgie's family--all from Ireland. Georgie's mom (Molly), 2 of Georgie's sisters (Sarah and Rachel), and 2 of her nephews (Luke and Evan--Rachel's boys) were there. My parents and brother, Ben, were there, as well. Unfortunately, we didn't all fit into one picture, but you get the idea. Gavin was a great hit, but slept through dinner. All in all, it was a wonderful, family and food filled day. I hope yours was just as wonderful.

Johnny Jump Up

We tried! I guess we'll have to try it out again in another month or so. I know he'll love the Johnny Jump Up once he can actually use it, but that time obviously has not yet come. Sofie sure was intrigued by it though.

Such a Sweetie

Here's a picture of Gavin sound asleep the other day. He looks so peaceful and sweet. We just love him, especially when he sleeps! Actually, we are really enjoying his awake time right now, too. It's fun playing with him now that he's getting into that.

Proud Big Brother

Yesterday, Dera got to choose Gavin's outfit. He picked this one (thanks Kristin!) and was so proud of himself for picking it out. He wanted to hold Gavin all day and Gavin didn't mind at all.

Big Boy

Here is Gavin in a pair of big boy pajamas that we bought for him before we knew what we were doing! His tummy is always bare in the morning when he wears these, but he does look like such a big boy when he wears them. Gavin had a very big day on Friday. He rolled over for the first time (tummy onto back), played with his first toy--and I mean actually played with it, and he giggled for the first time without being tickled. Yesterday, he learned to make the raspberry sound with his mouth. Unfortunately, he found it really funny to do that while eating and even more unfortunate was the fact that I laughed each time he did it, causing him to just keep it up. Oh well, I can teach him manners later!

All Dressed Up

My mom bought this outfit for Gavin. He looks so grown up--except for the whole high chair and pacifier thing. God bless the person who invented pacifiers, by the way! Of course, there's only one type that Gavin will keep in his mouth (thanks a lot Katie!) and they only sell them at Target, which we don't have. We're stocked up now though. There's no panic like the moments you spend searching for that magical paci. What sweet relief it brings once found.

Just Reading the Paper

Chris was holding Gavin the other day while looking through our local paper and Gavin seemed so interested in it. I just had to have this picture and thought it was worth sharing. Sherry, I know that you, especially, will love this one!

Uncle Ben

It is my brother's 22nd birthday today. I thought I'd put him in the spotlight. This picture is actually a couple of months old, but it's the most recent one of Ben that I have. Happy Birthday, Ben!