Christmas 2009 - Pt 3 Snow Snow Snow

It was quite snowy and cold in Minnesota, but we didn't expect anything less.

Haven was so cute all bundled up!

We didn't stay out very long this day. It was too cold.

We got about five feet and Haven wanted out.

We didn't really make very good snow angels, but it was fun anyway.

It is hard to tell in this picture, but the mound of snow was quite tall. So we acted like Dora the explorer and climbed the snowy mountain.

Jonathan and I did some sledding. We both were injured :o) I jammed my finger and my neck is still sore, and Jonathan bruised his side on a wipe out. This was Jonathan second time sledding in his entire life. The first time was earlier in the week. There was quite a jump and the hill was fast after people had been sledding on it the day before. Turn up the sound. I am the one screaming and Jonathan is the one grunting. I was testing out the video just now and Jonathan, who was washing dishes in the other room, thought the cat's outside were in heat. Nope that is just me screaming on the video. Thanks a lot Jonathan.

Christmas 2009 - Pt 2 Ice Fishing

We didn't get to spend time ice fishing, but we did get to see what was like. It was nothing like I thought it would be. I pictured a shack on the cold ice. I am sure there are some like that, but that is not what Jimmy rented.

In this picture we are in the middle of the lake. Weird to think about! We drove out in a truck.

Here is the ice house. It was COLD out on the lake of ice with no wind breaker.

This was the front of the house. See the bunks? And a table in which to play games.

Here is the back. The heater keeps it VERY warm. Not roughing it at all. Some houses have toilets and refrigerators and stoves.

In this house there were six ice holes. They were rigged to where you did have to hold a pole. You just waited for the rattle to sound.

H didn't really catch this, but it was a good picture. He was at the right place at the right time for the photo op.

Jimmy uses minnows. You can see it sticking out of the fish's mouth. Unfortunately the little fish swallowed the hook and could not be saved. His death was a cold one outside on the ice.

The minnows.

I was cleaning out the ice that froze on top of the hole.

Christmas 2009 - Pt 1

The Sunday before Christmas. Here are the kids all dressed up.

We left late Christmas Eve and traveled three hours and spent the night in Kirksville. The next day we got up and headed out. It was a difficult driving day for Jonathan. Very snowy and slippery roads. It took us quite a while to make it to my brother's house in Minnesota. At some points in Iowa we could barely see. There were parts where the fog and the blowing snow made road visibility difficult. Mom and dad also had a rough drive, so we ended up having Christmas the day after Christmas.

My brother Jimmy and sister-in-law Amie announced a new addition to the family! Amie is due June 11th. They sneaked an extra stocking on the fireplace with "Baby Fry" on it. It was a fun way to announce it! Also, they amazingly kept the secret from us for 16 weeks so they could tell us in person!

We each got a moose ornament to commemorate our Christmas in MN.

Jonathan is modeling Haven's new necklace.

My nephew Colten with Levi and Amie.

My nephew Cullen with Haven. She is looking so thrilled.

My sister-in-law Sheryl was thrilled with a gift.

My older brother Eugene. We were grateful he came up to the cold weather (he likes living in Florida). He didn't complain a bit :o) He was stationed in North Dakota for 14 years, so he is no stranger to the cold.

We ended up matching.

Dad bought all the boys little remote control helicopters. They played with them all week long.

Levi was still a little young for opening presents. He loved the paper though. Nice drool. He is always spitting or drooling.

Cullen made this shirt for Haven. She is putting on her new cowboy boots.

We were modeling Haven's hair bows.

Pre-Christmas and a Fort

We FINALLY put up the tree on Thursday. Haven helped put on some of the Christmas ornaments. Now she takes them all off.

We have been talking about going to see the lights in Eureka Missouri for a few years now. This year we went. A little pricey we thought, so we are good for the next few years. They had a ton of lights, but some of the cut-outs were a bit cheesy and some downright disturbing :o) Haven enjoyed herself, so it was worth it.

Daddy and Haven made their first blanket and chair fort tonight.

Annual KC Christmas

Last weekend we went to the KC suburbs for my annual GNO Christmas party. We stayed with my cousins. It was great because they had a very kid friendly house. They have two grandchildren close to Haven and Levi's ages.

Levi has the cutest smile!

My cousin had her grandchildren over (my third cousins) and Haven got to participate in Christmas Cookie decorating.

Levi doing what he does best. Slobber and drool all over toys. We were at my friend Carla's house. She has three boys.

Here is Carter. He is around 14 months old.

Haven was around boys all weekend long! Carla and I always tease about which brother she will pick. Keagen or Jackson, and now Carter.

We were able to spend some time with my former roommate Rachel. She also has a little boy. I missed the picture, but they were actually interacting for a while. That was the first time I saw Haven playing and talking with a child her age. Usually they play separate.

We were able to attend Jackson's 4th Birthday Party. It was Diego and Dora theme. Perfect for Haven who loves Dora.

They jumped on the rocks and had to pick up a ducky.

They caught their star.

They went through (over and over and over) the dark tunnel.

Over candy mountain and then they hunted down the final prize. I really want to try this theme for Haven's third birthday.