Monday, January 26, 2015

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

This year's tree decorating commenced with a tree straight from Nelson's.  No, we did not cut down our own tree this year.  It was too cold - so we opted for the pretty store-bought variety.  Cullen picked out a great tree and both kids helped to decorate it.  Well, they kind of helped.  They actually became enthralled with the beads and ribbon that I use to decorate and started playing snake and jump rope as I made the tree festive.  However, Simone was adamant that she put the star on top.  This is the first year that she has gotten into the tree decorating and it was fun to have her help.

Cullen's elementary school put on an amazing Christmas show.  He was dressed as a Shepard and sang his little heart out.  The Cathedral Elementary School Christmas Pageant was quite the "to-do".  Dirk actually arrived 30 min. early just to secure seats in the gymnasium.  And as it turns out, we were still craning our necks to see our sweet shepherd boy.  Simone and I ended up moving up to the floor in front just so we could see.  Cullen was absolutely thrilled that Grandpa Mark and Grandma Liz came down to see his show.

Simone and I had a double-date with her friend Macie and Macie's mom Rachel.  We saw the La Crosse Community Theater's production of Merry Christmas Charlie Brown.  Simone and Macie loved it.  Oddly enough, her favorite character was Sally Brown (Charlie's sister).  Personally, I liked Snoopy!

Finally, we also paid a visit to the La Crosse Rotary Lights display.  The lights were great as always, but the best part was seeing the kids in awe of the reindeer.  They studied each one making guesses at each reindeer's name and whether or not they looked ready for Christmas.

Cullen and Simone have given Dirk and I reason to believe in the magic of Christmas.  Seeing everything through their eyes is truly a joy!

Thursday, January 8, 2015

The cold sets in....

As the cold sets in, we start to think of Christmas. The kids kicked off the season at a brunch with Santa.  They both pined over toy catalogs all morning writing a rather lengthy list.  I had to let them know that the list only serves as a guide for Santa.  Kids never receive every toy that they ask for....  Simone is also starting to enjoy cooking.  On a cold Sunday we decided to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.  And they actually turned out!....  Cullen also had his buddy Jerzey over to play.  Cullen and Jerzey went to the YMCA daycare together and have been best buds since they were infants.  It's fun to see these two get together and pick up right where they left off....  And finally, as the mornings are getting colder the kids seem to need more time for cuddles.  No matter what your age, it's hard to get out of bed when it's cold outside.

Thanksgiving 2014

We were fortunate to gather together with the Moore family for Thanksgiving.  It meant a lot to everyone to be able to come together again for our first holiday without Wowee.  The entire family (except for the Ramstacks) were able to congregate at Mark and Liz's new pad.  Turkey was gobbled, jokes were told and toddlers learned to gamble.  Just a typical family gathering!  I know we made Wowee proud.