Christmas Morning

Can't open presents before the first cup of milk (aka coffee for my parents!)

Is this what these are for?

Hey, does this new vest match my socks?

Santa was too kind--time to enjoy my new gifts!

Christmas was a lot of fun! After church on Christmas Eve we came home and made a bunch of tasty appetizers (for the 4 of us - my mom was here too). Adelyn was the last to wake up on Christmas morning...how many years until she is dragging us out of bed? She seemed to really like all of her presents. She would get distracted and play with each new toy for a while before opening the next one, but that gave us some time to open our gifts. Mom and I made cookies while Jon and Adelyn napped and then it was time for the big meal...yum! It was a really nice time. Adelyn's new favorite word is 'cookie.' We hear it several times a day followed by about 5 pleases. She really likes the almond bark w/ candy cane cookies you made Auntie Stacy--good work!

Merry Christmas!

We hope you are having a great Christmas! This was supposed to be our Christmas card photo but the website we ordered them through didn't like the resolution. I had to at least put it on the blog after we froze outside for the photo shoot (many thanks to our photographer Sis who also endured the cold!) Have a great night--the New Year is right around the corner...

Holidazzle Parade

The view is best in Dad's arms

Adelyn's combo smile/growl--popular for the camera these days


We took Adelyn downtown to see the Holidazzle parade last night. Considering it was still 37 degrees on the way there it seemed to be the best night to stand around outside. We bundled up and got our warm beverages as though it were below zero and joined the crowds. It was a great time! Adelyn ohhed and ahhed at the lights and enjoyed the business of all the people.

We stayed downtown for dinner and a little shopping after. Dinner itself ended up being disappointing--poor service and only OK food but it was redeemed by the fact we saw Marion Gaborik saunter by as we were finishing up our meal in Block E (the day after he set a new Wild record by scoring 5 goals in one game mind you!). Jon, in his excitement to let us know, managed to knock his water glass into his lap before hopping up, grabbing Adelyn (who already had the camera out taking pictures) and then taking off after Gaborik & girlfriend. Unfortunately, because of Jon's wet pants, they were too slow to find where they went, but our spirits were renewed none the less.


Adelyn taking Dad's picture with his help

Let me know your results...

What The Holidays Mean to You

For you, the holidays are about celebration. You enjoy all the fun and fellowship that the holidays bring. You celebrate the holidays in an over the top style. If something is cute, you'll buy it. People end up with a lot of gifts from you - and your house is like a holiday wonderland, full of decorations. During the holidays, you like to feel cozy and comfortable. You're happy to stay inside with a roaring fire and a warm drink. You think the holidays should be comforting and relaxing. You don't like the holiday rush... you just like the simple pleasure of the holidays. Your best holiday memories are of childhood foods and traditions. You secretly still wish you believed in Santa Claus.

What Do the Holidays Mean to You?

I tried this one a few times because I had issues picking just one answer but both times it came back with the same response so whew. Give it a try and let me know what it says for you!

Early Christmas

We celebrated Christmas early with Stacy, Nick, Sis and my mom this weekend. It was so fun to have everyone at our house. We did some shopping and lots of visiting Friday, opened presents, baked cookies, and went out to dinner Saturday (and shopping-but didn't close the mall down). Sunday it was off to church and then a little more shopping and cookie baking. A weekend filled with Christmas music, apple cider, and family--how awesome! Adelyn didn't really care about opening the presents but really liked once they were ready to play with! Stacy and I had a great time playing with her Barbies and new outfits...ahh the good old days.

Passing out presents to everyone, with some help reading the name tags

Excited about her new sweater rack Uncle Nick made for her new room

How many new gifts can we use at once-sit & spin, puppy purse, and mr potato head

Making cookies = making a mess = having a blast!

Cookies are fun to make but even better to EAT

You Are Apple Pie

You're the perfect combo of comforting and traditional. You prefer things the way you've always known them. You'll admit that you're old fashioned, and you don't see anything wrong with that. Your tastes and preferences are classic. And classic never goes out of style. Those who like you crave security. People can rely on you to be true to yourself - and true to them. You're loyal, trustworthy, and comfortable in your own skin. And because of these qualities, you've definitely earned a lot of respect.

What Kind of Pie Are You?

18 Month Check Up

Sly hip check to the snowmen

Ready to go see Santa

Adelyn's 18 month check up went very well. She made a goofy growl/smile at the Dr. most of the time while she was talking to us. The Dr. was impressed with Adelyn's vocabulary and commented on her spunky personality. Adelyn can repeat pretty much anything we say now, which is fun. She amazes us with how many things she recognizes on her own. As we dropped Jon off at the hockey rink Sunday she called out 'hockey' from the backseat. This was only her 2nd time at the new Lakeville rink. Crazy how she recognizes it even from the car. Throughout the game she hollered "Goal" and "Go Cougars" (which sounds very cute) and clapped enthusiastically whenever the other fans were cheering. She is very proud of her dad's team!

Last weekend we made a trip to the Mall of America to do some Christmas shopping and attempt to get a photo with Santa. The first sightings of him at the local mall showed signs that it was not going to be easy to get her to sit with him (lots of 'noooos' from her as we passed by and asked her to wave at Santa). We prepped her for a few days, hanging up window stickers of Santa and such and thought we had made progress but when the time came there was zero chance she was going to sit on his lap alone. She was clung around Jon's neck pretty tightly. So, back up plan, we got a family photo with Santa. It turned out cute as you can see the new baby bump in the photo as well and Adelyn's not in tears. Makes for good memories too!

Here are her current stats:
Weight 26 1/2 lbs - 80th percentile
Height 34 1/2 inches - above 97th percentile
Head 47 1/2 - 80th percentile
As you can see, she is not lacking in growth! Keep up the good work Adelyn.

First Snow

Walking just got a whole lot harder

Snowball fight--Grandma wins!

Dad's the coolest (no pun intended-burr!)

So far Adelyn gives the snowy weather two thumbs up. Grandma Bonnie watched her in the morning while Jon and I tackled some Christmas shopping. They spent the first hours of the snowstorm stomping around outside. Then when we got home she wanted even more. The poor girl can't even bend over to pick up a snowball without tipping over. It was pretty funny! The snowsuit must take some getting used to. Plus her cute boots that I got for $5 last spring are too small (dang it!) so I'm sure that doesn't help much. After church we hope to conquer the MOA for more shopping. Adelyn and Grandma are being drug along this time...off to find new boots. Hope you are enjoying the new snow! Its been a few years since I've had snow for my birthday, which was weird, so I think its great.

We got the Christmas tree decorated after the snowball fight and most of the decor out. There are still aspirations of getting some lights on the outside of the house but we'll see what happens there. When we were out playing in the snow I mentioned we need to go in and have hot cocoa (directed at the adults of course). Later that evening Adelyn came up to me and said 'hot chocolate'...not quite that clear but I knew what she was talking about. She's never even had it before but must have known somehow that its something good. She continues to surpise us with how much she picks up on. Unfortunately no hot cocoa for her last night.