A little bit of this. A little bit of that. (Holiday-style)

Here we are, the second week into 2012!  And I have to say that we all thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas and New Year vacations this year.  Colin was so enjoyable the entire holiday season.  There was excitement and joy on his face whenever we plugged in the lights on the tree, moved Santa on our countdown calendar, or drove by the light displays in the park.  Add in that he would eagerly answer "Baby Jesus!" when asked whose birthday we celebrate at Christmas and it's enough to make me want to freeze him.  When does this naivety turn into reality? 

Now, a photo recap from the happenings over the holidays.  Be prepared for photo overload! 

We spent the Christmas weekend with the Holt side, skating on the river, opening presents, eating too much yummy food, and playing with new and old toys.

But first, we shoveled the driveway & sidewalks.
The first real snow of the winter!



Christmas Eve




Uncle Luke & Auntie Alexa



Santa left some good loot in CJ's stocking

Can you tell it was warm? Look at those cheeks!



Helping Grandma open her gifts



A John Deere tractor from Luke & Alexa



So excited for a new backpack!



Ice skates from Grandma & Grandpa

Santa brought a workshop



Christmas Day - playing with cousin Brynn




Picture time with cousin Helena


Next up was testing out the new workshop at home.

New Year's weekend brought a trip to Grandma and Grandpa Rau's.  We consumed even more yummy food and had fun opening presents and playing outside.



Passing the time in the car





Pizza party



Can you guess what I gave you, Grandpa?



No more messy fireplace ash clean-up



Colin's gift to Grandma



Ready for church

The end!

[Not so] Jolly Old St. Nick

Colin can now say that he met Santa, sat on his lap, and told him what he wanted for Christmas (word is he asked for a ball. SHOCKER.)

He was very excited to sit with Santa until we got closer...

I can't blame him though.  This Santa really needs to work on his skills.  He didn't even say hello, ho ho ho, Merry Christmas...nothing.  We had to coax Colin to sit there by giving him a candy cane.  And even then, he wouldn't look at the camera.



Regardless, he did great - even thanked Santa for the treat. 

We thought it would be a great idea for Colin to help show Will how it's done.  Or not.



Merry Christmas!



Not your average December

We're so lucky to live in the neighborhood that we do, where we can meet up with friends and walk to the park on a 40-degree December day.  These two boys have so much fun together.  That is, until someone falls and cuts their lip open.

Wordless Wednesday

Too cool for words.



Colin's version of thumbs up



Deck the Halls [in 40 degree weather]

Even though it feels like fall instead of December, the tree is up and we're ready to welcome Christmas.  And as you can see, the tree has its own admirer. 

He especially enjoys walking around the tree announcing what ornaments are Dad's, Mom's, and Colin's.  This little elf is his favorite.

We spent last weekend visiting with Scott and Andrea and playing outside in the "winter" weather (more on that later).  Colin and Adella had fun together for a couple hours on Saturday morning.  It's been a while since we've seen her so it was fun to listen to her unbelievable vocabulary and see how much she's grown.  She will be such a great big sister come March! 

Always playing catch-up

There's been so much happening the last few weeks, I'm not sure where to start. 

First up was the wedding of one of my college roommates.  Grandma and Grandpa Holt took Colin overnight so John and I could roadtrip to Riverdale, ND.  We had a blast celebrating Miller and Dave, we all just could've maybe done without the Red Eye. 



The wedding was in the gym!





Of course there was a game of lightning




This dude got the bride out. Who does that?!



Next, we celebrated the upcoming arrival of our first niece.  Kelly was showered with baby goods, including some adorable purple and pink outfits.  I cannot wait to see the little one rocking her pink polka dot swimsuit at Grand View next summer!



Hostesses & Momma-to-be
That green wall isn't doing any of us a favor - we look sickly!



Finally, last weekend we gave thanks and enjoyed a wonderful meal with the Rau's.  John and I played host for the first time (with some help from my mom) and there was no shortage of food or laughs.  We did a little Black Friday shopping and spent some time relaxing together as a family. 

As I turn my calendar over to December today,  I can't help but look forward to the busy holiday season.  Christmas program at daycare, shopping for gifts, decorating the tree...but most of all I look forward to teaching Colin about the real reason we celebrate Christmas.