Just some pictures...

Cool dude!
This was Gavin's choice of jammies.
Hair cut with the clippers. It's so much faster that way!
Waiting at the window for Grandma and Papa.

Today

Today was a nice day. It wasn't too cloudy, too cold or too windy. The boys and I went for a walk/wagon ride and then I let them run around in the driveway when we got home. Reily just stood there for a second, not quite knowing what to do. It was the first time he was able to run around outside. He LOVED it!Gavin loves to pick up "woks" (rocks).

Once Reily found the puddle, he was done running around. He just stuck his feet in and then started digging around. His hands and his shoes got a little bath when we got inside.

Cute Boys

Gavin loves to say "ha ha" whenever the camera is on him. Reily's favorite new space.
Lazy morning watching "toons".

Pacos

Gavin loves to stick his hands in his "pacos" (pockets). I just thought he looked really cute. What a big boy!

Before, During, After

I just got back from three glorious days in Miami, Florida. It was tough coming back to all this snow.
This picture was taken just before I left. Yes, that's our mailbox buried in the snow bank.
Obviously, this picture was taken while I was on the beach. It was wonderful!
This is the after picture...there is still way too much snow. I don't know why I was smiling for this picture.

Florida

My three days in Florida were wonderful and warm. I really enjoyed the time I spent with Jessie (a friend from college). It was nice to get away and enjoy a few days of the beach, ocean and sun.

Independence

Gavin has always loved choosing his own clothes. Today, he found swimwear and put together quite an ensemble throughout the day. Hey, we just make sure he doesn't go out in public on days like today.
I don't know what inspired him. Doesn't he look great?
Here, he's added his favorite shoes just because they go so well with the rest of the gear.
Oh, and the Packer pants had to be worn today, as well. Someone is going to have to teach this kid a thing or two about matching.

Birthdays

My mom and dad both celebrated birthdays this month. The boys enjoyed having grandma and papa here, helping open the presents, and eating the desserts quite a bit.

Pasta Night

We all had pasta for dinner the other night. Can you tell who enjoyed it the most?

In!

Now that Gavin says "in" correctly (it used to come out "nee"), he is into getting in to everything.

House

I found this house for Gavin and Reily dirt cheap after the holidays. Gavin loved it so much we had to bring it upstairs. His real joy is in keeping Reily out of the house. Reily's not such a big fan of that game.

Packers Fans

The picture is a bit outdated, but this was the cheering section at my mom and dad's house during the Packer/Giant playoff game. We all know how that one turned out.

One More

After everyone left to head to the reception, Ben and Kirsten had this shot taken at the gazebo outside of their wedding chapel. It's too cute not to share!

If you're just dying to see more pictures, you can visit the Medina chapel website at http://medinachapel.com/ Look for the Photo Gallery link on the left and then click on Chapel Couples 2008. There are pictures in there from another couple, but there are also several of Ben and Kirsten's wedding.

The Wedding

Ben and Kirsten got married last night. It was a beautiful wedding in a great little chapel and the reception was great--neat restaurant on the river in Appleton with great food and good company. Even though there was a lot of snow, we all made it home safely, too.
The rehearsal.

Yes, I did help Kirsten with her hair--not because I have any particular talent in this area, just because I said I would!

Kirsten and her dad.

My dad did the ceremony--this time, he did not have to pause for 5 minutes of crying.
Ben and Kristen had a friend of hers and our cousin Alex sign their wedding certificate as witnesses during the ceremony.
The kiss. And now, our family has one more. We couldn't be happier!

Appliances

Lately, Gavin's been really in to cooking. Recently, he pulled out our strainer, filled it with "cookies" (more commonly known as wooden puzzle pieces) and wanted to cook it. He even told us it was hot.
While watching mommy fold laundry, Reily found the dryer intriguing.
And, of course, the dishwasher is always a draw for any toddler.

Reading

Chris and Gavin read together every day. If life gets too busy, Gavin is quick to remind his daddy that they need to read.

Babies, babies, babies

Kelly and Kacey came for a visit. Three kids under three can do a lot of damage to a kitchen floor! We all had fun, but there were crumbs everywhere.

Our holiday season was full of babies transitioning into toddlers. Here are the proud grandpas.

New Year

My dad recently did some work on our cottage as a surprise for the rest of the family. We spent New Year's Eve there to see the improvements and enjoyed the new furnace the most!