And the fun continued....

STANDING on the Long Lake!

Although the formal holiday gatherings were over, our break still had plenty of activity and fun to come! The day after Christmas we loaded up to visit Grandma and Grandpa Todd's cabin for the first time. Daddy helped Grandpa move some things in, and Mommy helped Grandma get a few things settled inside. The boys even helped with some of the cleaning and organizing. They also decided that Grandma's vacuum attachments make GREAT pirate swords.

We explored around the property, the boys did a little sledding, and we even walked out on the frozen lake. After rest and a nice supper, we enjoyed another round of Yahtzee. Friday brought our drive home with a stop off in the Dells at the Moose Jaw for lunch. The boys and mom all donned moose antlers!

Grandma helps Andrew in to his sled!

Our arrival home required a massive grocery shopping trip and we also started in on a few projects. Upon checking out the mail we discovered that Jeremiah had a friend's birthday party on Saturday. Sunday brought a special gathering with many of mom and dad's college friends at the Kuipers' house. The boys enjoyed playing with the numerous other kids in attendance. Andrew found his way to mischief with Owen St. Peters when they decided to "feed" Claire's fish with some baby powder! Quick work by the dads saved the fish!

For New Year's eve we enjoyed a quiet night in. Daddy made milk shakes, we watched a few Charlie Brown shows and played Wii. Both boys hung on to watch the ball drop on the east coast and help us toast with some sparkling apple juice. The boys sleplt in the next morning and then appeased mommy by watching the Rose Bowl parade with her.

Sporting the Moose antlers!

Christmas 2012

Sophia and Andrew in the snow

Jeremiah's school Christmas break began on Friday afternoon, Dec. 21 so that was also the departure time for our Christmas travels. Our celebrations began with the Schnitzler family on Saturday, Dec. 22. It's always fun for the boys to be with their pile of cousins! After gift opening, several of the adults and kids ventured out for sledding on G&G's driveway. Andrew wasn't so keen on the sledding but he played in the snow, partly with big cousin Sophia. That night we enjoyed fondue, including REAL Swiss cheese fondue courtesy of Laura. (By the way, we forgot to mention that our Christmas preparations have also included an advent calendar filled with Swiss chocolates from Laura!)

Karl and Jeremiah sledding together.

Sunday brought the larger Schnitzler family gathering and even more cousins to play with! Andrew had fun with Alec, mom's cousin's son. Jeremiah likes to rumble with the "big boys". That evening we were able to attend cousin Karl's church program.

The boys started Christmas eve day by joining Papa S. for chores. Andrew has even become an active participant in this activity....finally! And, something changed in a 48 hour period and he even wanted to join Jeremiah for a few sled trips down the hill before we packed up to head to G&G Todd's house.

After lunch the boys attempted a nap while Mom and Dad helped Aunt Carrie with Christmas eve preparations. Andrew decided a nap was over-rated, even after being moved to Grandma Todd's room. Grandma showed her true colors when arriving home from work. Greeting Andrew in her room she said, "Andrew, are you supposed to be sleeping? Would you like my cookie?" Andrew proceeded to eat her cookie and then watch TV in her room.

Aunt Carrie joined us for 4:30 church at G&G Todd's church. Andrew determined that this was a good time for a nap. Honestly, it was probably the best decisions, given that church lasted nearly 90 minutes. However, it all concludes with the delightful singing for Silent Night in candlelight.

Daddy and Jeremiah spreading reindeer food.

After dinner, we shared the boys' Christmas program videos and then prepped for Santa's visit. Jeremiah and Daddy spread reindeer food in the backyard. (Thanks Stefanie for the special treat!) The boys put out cookies, carrots, milk and water for Santa and the reindeer. Then, Daddy read the Christmas story from the Bible before bed.

Jeremiah intent on his race track from Santa.

Andrew got Spider Man from mom and dad.

Chewy the cat and Andrew grabbed an afternoon nap.

The next morning, the boys checked out their Santa gifts and stockings, enjoyed some breakfast and opened gifts from mom and dad and a few others. Jeremiah was quick to want to play with his race track. They both played with Andrew's food and the Leapster from Grandma was a quick hit! The other Todd aunts and uncles arrived in the afternoon and then we opened a few more gifts. That evening Jeremiah discovered a new favorite game - Yahtzee. He quickly understood the strategy and won two games!

Big Brothers To Be

Although not much has been recorded here yet, we found out in mid-September that we would be welcoming another child to our family! We told Jeremiah and Andrew the week of Thanksgiving. Jeremiah seemed excited and was hoping for a sister. We're not sure Andrew is grasping the whole thing even yet, but he does want to "see" the baby in mommy's tummy.

We shared the news with the rest of our family at Thanksgiving and then began to tell other friends. On Dec. 14, an ultrasound showed that we will be welcoming another little boy in to our family! Baby is due May 10, but will arrive by scheduled c-section prior to that date.

More developments to come.