Good Times Good People

When we were deciding on a date for a baptism Jon suggested that we pick the Dec. 28th day, so Jon and his family (Susan, Peyton, and Scottie) could spend some time with us.

Our wonderful visit started Friday evening, and the kids hit it off right away.

Peyton jumped right in ready to hold Pyper

The girls

Playing so well with Scottie

Jon was so excited to meet his goddaughter

The kids loved sitting at the little table together

Bo had picked a tie dye cake for Pyper's baptism.  

Peyton was such a great helper, and such a great role model for Bo

Dying the cake mix

Finished Tie Dye cupcakes

Finished cake 2 layers, Rasberry filling, with a cream cheese frosting.

Bo was so worn out after all our guest for the baptism that she fell asleep in her tent.

Sunday morning Josh made us waffles and had 2 little helpers.  Then they headed to see Jon's aunt to spend time with them for their Christmas.

Making waffles

Then Monday we head to the Mall of America, it was fun looking at through the eyes of people that have never been there.

Our wonderful house guests

Jon loved pushing Pyper around

The kids loved spending time with each other

Susan got her some cuddle time with Pyper

 We were going to do some rides, and maybe the Underwater world, but instead we did some old time photos and it was so fun, and the kids were so cute.  Pyper slept through the whole thing so she didn't make the pictures.

The girls posing for pictures

Bo Loved hanging out with Peyton

Scottie might have been sick of the girls but they were certainly not sick of him.

The plan was for them to stay through the new year, but due to the weather they decided to head out on new years eve morning.  However, not before we made some chocolate fondue and watched a couple movies with the kids.  We miss you guys already, can't wait to see you in July.

Our first Thanksgiving

This year was our first year that we didn't spend 

Thanksgiving with family since our first Thanksgiving as a couple. Here are a few pics from that day.

Love this guy

A little Risk (we haven't played it since)

So this year since we had already gone to Iowa for Thanksgiving and my parents were at  my sisters for Thanksgiving we decided that we still wanted to make a turkey and some of the trimmings. So here they are.

Our Turkey

Carving his first turkey

Home made gravy and mashed potatos

Stuffing (I added a little to much water, but the flavor was good)

We invited our friends Laurie and Andrew over to enjoy our food with us.

We are thankful for our friends and family, and being able to have delicious food on our table.

Birthday Weekend

For all that truly know me know how much I love birthday's.  Since we have had Bo though, my birthday just really hasn't been as big of a deal to me as it use to be.  There are few things that I really want for my birthday.  To be able to do something I want to do on my birthday, to hear from my family, and close friends, and have my banana split from D.Q. (or home-aid).  This year I got all three plus my amazing daughter singing Happy Birthday to me on the way to daycare.  She also reminded me it was my birthday about 100 times and gave me lots of hugs and kisses. 

Enjoying her first ice cream cone at D.Q.

Friday night Erica came into town, so Bo and I headed to their hotel to spend some quality time with them.

Playing on the I-pad after playing in the pool

Bo was so adorable with Kaitlyn, she kept offering to share her pizza with her, and checking on her to make sure that she had enough. 

Saturday morning I headed to my friends garage sale, and got lots of clothes for Pyper as well as a sit and stand stroller that I really wanted.  Then Erica and the kids came over to spend most of the day with us. While Josh cleaned out the 4 season porch, I mean garage.

Bo and Abby at my friend Kelly's garage sale

 (I took more Pics of Erica and the kids, but there on my other camera)

Erica wouldn't let me touch the bleach water to clean our new sit-n-stand stroller

Then that evening Nip came over to spend some quality time with Josh.  Bo was so excited to see Erica and Nip all in one day.  She even showed Nip how she swings.  I think we might have a little lefty.

Then Sunday we decided to spend the day at the Minnesota Zoo.  

Bo checking out the giraffes

Checking out the Prairie Dogs with Daddy

What a great weekend with family, and friends.  I couldn't ask for a better birthday weekend.  Thanks everyone for  making my birthday weekend special with your messages, and phone calls.

Texas, were some of my favorite people live!

My last week of vacation, Bo took her first plane ride to San Antonio Texas to visit her godmother.

We headed out Monday afternoon (thanks Sherryl B for the ride to the airport).  I don't think I have ever been so anxious in my life.  I was so worried about flying with her.  

How would she do in the airport, through security? 

Did I pack everything we needed?

How would she react when we got on the plane?

Would I be the lady that had the crying kid the whole trip?

Would she get air sick?

Would I have enough things to entertain her?

Would she in pain from her ears popping due to the elevation?

Would the person next to me hate kids and give me dirty looks the whole time?

and many many more things went through my head.

Getting ready to go into the MSP airport

Whoa Snoopy

 We made it safely through security and Bo loved seeing all of the people at the airport.

Pushing her stroller through the airport

 All my worrying was for not, Bo did great on the plane, and the lady sitting next to us had a child of her own, so she was excited to have Bo sit next to her.  Bo also entertained all of the people around us.  Landing was a big hit for Bo she pointed out the window at all the buildings.

We safely landed and were greeted with this.

Kaitlyn, Erica and Owen

Playing with friends

Shopping is fun

Tuesday we headed over to my aunt and cousins community pool, and spent the afternoon hanging out with them, before the girls had soccer practice.

Emma, Alison, Erica, Kaitlyn, Meredith, Bo, and Aunt Susan

Then Wednesday morning we headed to the park, Bo loved following Owen around

Owen and Bo on the bee

Owen and Bo on the swings

Then we decided the girls that we needed to explore the mall

Bo loved standing in the stroller

Thursday afternoon we headed over to my Aunt Susan and Uncle Rick's to hang out with them, and maybe do a little more swimming.

Meredith and Bo

Alison, Meredith, Bo, Emma, and Kaitlyn

Morning Kaitlyn

Friday morning we decided to go to Bass Pro Shop, and let the kids look at the fish

Owen & Bo were more interested in the games

Katilyn loved trying to figure out what Bo was doing, not sure how much Bo enjoyed showing her though.

Then Friday Night we all headed over to Rick and Susan, Where Susan made us a delicious meal, and My uncle Tim his girls Alexandra, and Sydney, My cousin Sheryl and her two youngest children even stopped by for a little while.  It was so nice to hang out with family too. 

Thanks Susan for hosting, and not only being such an amazing aunt, but also for welcoming my friend and her family into your home. 

Meredeth, Bo, & Sydney

Saturday morning Erica and Josh got to go on a much needed date, while I stayed home and watched the kids we had a lot of fun playing together.

Block time

I want to sit up there too

Were we found Owen sleeping

We headed out Sunday morning, and I was far less stressed this time. 

Bye godmother, I'm going to miss you

Plane ride home

We had such a wonderful time.  We really miss Erica and her family, and wish we could spend far more time with them then we do, but we will take every opportunity that we can get.

We also loved having the opportunity to see the Theis' as well.

Until next time....