Ho Ho HO

Winona State had their Santa again and since we weren't up to anything we thought we'd drop in. We went a few years ago and there were no people there, cookies and punch. It was  very relaxed. This year, there was a big line and by the time we got there--- all of the cookies were gone! We still got to see the big man and Peter had a very important message for him: A big train that goes on its own... We'll have to see how that pans out. This Santa is the nicest guy ever- super friendly and gentle with the kids, doesn't force anyone to come over and will sing with the kids.

So happy to be there telling Santa!

As close as Emelia would get.

Emi's ready to be done...

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas!! Around our house- we got Halloween put away, clings on the windows, stockings knitted _ i decided that we needed them and three days later- the littles had stockings- and the tree set up!

First we had to send the kids up into the attic to get the supplies down.

 Up in the attic. Pete really wanted to "go up and look for bats." Emi must have seen a bat.

 Set up the nativity. Emi just wanted to play with teh cows, Pete wanted to know if there could be trains there...

 Put the tree up- Emi helped with lights, ornatments, breaking things, pretty much all of it!

 Pete could NOT wait to put things on the tree. He started while I was still finishing up iwth the lights.

 We got out our race medals from this year to add to the tree- there are a good number of them this year! I had Emelia try them on. I think they weight as much as she did!

And the Christmas stockings that I kint. Green is Petes and Emi gets the fancy red one. Right now they are being used as gunny sacks for toys by the kids. Soon I will have a place to put them up high where they can't be reached until the big event!

What we've been up to...

 Each month goes by faster and faster... not enough time to do anything extra- like take pictures. These are literally all of the pictures I have taken this month... Better luck next month, I guess.

Lots of walks around the block with Emi on her bikes, and Lots and lots of trips around Winona with Pete on his pedal bike. We are to the point that he would rather pedal than ride his skut bike- unless he is pulling the trailer.

One last picture with the pumpkins- a cat for Emelia and Diesel 10 for Peter.

Hosted Thanksgiving at our house- Emi got hungry and tired of waiting- she was happy to sit in her seat and wait for our cousins though! She knew dinner was on its way!

Went to the cities and revisited Choo-Choo Bob's Train Store. It had been two years- I remember feeding Emi while Pete played trains last time- now she was playing right along with him!

Watching hard for the trains to come around the corner.

Happy "OWL"een!

We were the owl family this week. Well we already were I suppose ordering mice at Culvers and hooting our way through the church but it went the next step.
With my dad's help I made them each a set of owl wings- Pete got green and Emi pinks and purples.

And as always the Halloween week in Winona was crazy! Parties, trick or treats at SMU and the library and then the real deal. Here are a few pictures to enjoy from our fun and games! (It is also a good time to mention that we are getting ready for baby #3 to be arriving  in March! Poor kid... it will be mentioned more in the future!)

Proof of Baby #3!

Tricks and treats at SMU with friends

Owls live in trees.

Back in the pumpkin... again... #1, #3 (I must be missing year 2...)

Not as happy about this.

Seeing a real owl while trick or treating.

Library story time.

Off to the library!

At the end of the night. 

Back to the pumpkin patch

We had a little streak of warm warm weather this week- nearly 70*! So we headed back up to the pumpkin patch to see what we could see with Shana and her girls! There are a lot of pictures- everyone was in a good mood and it was overcast so the colors are really nice! :) (enjoy grandma vivi!)

Found the cat of course!

He found the only green pumpkin in the whole field!

Such nice smiles today!

Where did my baby go??

Leading the way.

And another smile!

He told me as soon as he got up that he was excited to go and drive the green tractor

Happy Birthday to Emelia!

Emelia- You are now a big and beautiful 2 year old! You talk non-stop- (especially about your family- mama, dada, broddur, Peter, gaga, bompa) and what we are all doing or where they are- (Dada go byebye). You love to play with blocks (stacking blocks and duplos) and your farm animals. You also will play trains, but that doesn't last as long usually. You like to play outside- digging in the sand, playing in the water (you were splashing in Devil's Lake this weekend in your diaper- it was 45*) and riding your little bikes around on the sidewalk.
You will read books for hours and like to sing songs- "Wheels on the Bus" and EIEIO are two of your best.

You surprised us all on your birthday by repeating- Happy Bird-hey! Each time you'd say it you got a huge smile on your face like you knew you were being tricky. You know what you want and we are working to not let you get it all of the time- but it is hard- you are a CUTIE.

You also love to hug. Mom and dad, other kids, other adults and even your pets! You love to play with Scout and Pumpkin- They love you too- neither one of them runs away when you come clunking up to them- you must be an animal whisperer.

We love you so much little girl!

Kim Gets Married!

Kim's wedding has been anticipated in our house for quite a while- for two reasons- 1. We were looking forward to it and love her, Kyle and her family a whole bunch. 2. She wanted Pete to be in the wedding party.

Once she asked, I told her to forget the conversation, think about it and then get back to me. She was sure and Pete was set to go! He was a perfect little man at the wedding and she was a gorgeous bride! The flower girl drug Pete down the aisle, told him to bow (he flopped so low his head almost hit his knees!) and he got to go on the trolley with the wedding party and have "champagne"!

at the hotel before the rehearsal

I love this picture of her and Pete playing!

Kim and Kyle toasting.

Petey toasting!

Gang's all here!!

So worn out!

Emi was scared of Kim in her big wedding dress- think back to Minnie Mouse-- but she made friends with the other bridesmaids!!!

Congratulations to Kim and Kyle! We love you both!