Creative Outlets

I've found it very flattering to get some cake requests from friends! :)

I'm learning a lot & having fun... here are the latest 2

Frog pond theme with frog smash cake

Dora & friends

The Holiday's Part I

We had breakfast with Santa!

This was the best photo we got & it's GREAT for two reasons: (1) Ian was giving it his all considering how nervous/excited he was and (2) Audrey isn't screaming her head off!

Brian & the kids chatted with Santa... Ian wanted to know where the reindeer were, naturally!
Audrey wasn't so sure about this guy but since he gave her a coloring book, she was happy.

We did see LOTS of her signature "stink eye"

...and when the cookie plate was taken away we got her signature meltdown.

(but she is pretty darn cute even when she's grumpy)

The best part of the weekend? Inspite of a blizzard in our neck of the woods AND major snowfall/freezing rain in MN - the Renneke's were able to visit! We always say that being together with loved ones is the real gift. We're so happy they made the long, snowy drive... safely!

The kids are all growing up so fast!

Ian was beyond thrilled to hang out with his cousins, Aunt Jody & Uncle Scott... and of course with his new presents! Here he is with his new giant Toy Story play-doh set. He was so excited that we found him on the table tearing into it.

Audrey received lots of wonderful items for her beloved dolls. Bitty Baby has never been so clean (new doll tub) and comfortable (new crib)... and filled with fake medicine (new Dr. kit)

I'm sure Grandma Carol is happy to see Audrey carrying on the tradition of enjoying American Girls as much as Hannah used to! It's neat to see the little mommy in her.

We feel so blessed. It was fun for all of us to celebrate Christmas - snowed in - a little bit early.

Thank you for everything guys!

Thankful!

We are particularly thankful this season! We love that the kids are getting old enough now to understand the meaning of the holiday's and talk about what they're thankful for. Ian has been learning all about Thanksgiving at school - here he is beaming with excitement, showing off his school projects and anticipating company! He would be most thrilled if the house was bursting at the seems with all our loved ones. Thankfully we got to see several beloved family members in person... others via Skype... and the rest of you we held in our hearts across the miles.

Uncle Pat was the guest of honor for Ian... it had been a while since we saw him but Ian jumped right in to update Pat on everything. Here they are watching something on his phone.
We got to have a real turkey dinner (complete with baked squash, stuffing, rice pilaf and cupcakes) at Nana's - the kids had a blast & we all left with FULL bellies!

G'ma & G'pa joined us for dinner - we opted for steak this year since it was just us. Everything was delicous! Menu: Steak, green beans, mashed potatoes, sweet potato souffle, corn pudding, stuffing, pumpkin bars & of course pumpkin pie. Audrey tried everything, Ian ate 3 dinner rolls... sounds about right.

We decided to put up the tree a full month early! The kids were SO excited to help. One thing we notice each year is how special the ornaments we've accumulated are. Some are from when Brian & I were little, some mark other memories - the kids' milestones, our wedding and even our beloved Oliver. Ian was thrilled to hang an ornament with Ollie's picture on it - we still talk about him a lot and thankfully we know he's happily enjoying the holidays with his new family.

One thing Audrey was NOT thankful for - new clothes. She's funny about her clothes. Right before I started filming the footage below she was saying, "NO! I non't like em!" as she tossed them into a pile angrily. She's wearing a new outfit today & doing fine :)