Christmas 2012

We traveled to Grandview for Christmas this year and were able to spend some good time with Mike's family.  It was a quick trip with lots of activity, but we were glad to be able to be there.  Max had a good first Christmas and Molly was thrilled with all of her gifts.  It seemed like the whole Christmas season came and went in record time this year!

Grandma and Grandpa Great with the awesome cookbook of Grandma's recipes that Nancy, Melissa and Jessica put together.

All 7 of the grandkids trying to hard to wait patiently to get downstairs and see what Santa left.

This is seconds after discovering the Princess Little People Castle that Santa left.

"Seriously Mom, we get to keep these toys?"

To say she was happy would be an understatement.

Hard to get them to stop and pose for a picture when there is so much to explore.

Max had some interesting methods for getting into his presents.  At one point he was biting the box, but I couldn't get a picture quick enough.

He worked really hard.

 

The Peppa Pig dollhouse was also a big hit.

So I gave Molly $10 and told her she could pick out anything in Target she wanted to give Daddy for a present.  She spent like an hour wandering around between the sporting goods section, the toy section, the electronic section and everywhere in between.  Eventually she settled on a Ray Mysterio WWE wrestling figure.  Odd choice, but she was so excited.

Proof I was there too.  :-)

Luke modeling his new worker guy outfit in the midst of the carnage.

Back home on Christmas night playing with the new stuff.

Molly's Christmas Program

Molly had her first school Christmas program a few weeks ago.  She was so excited and took it very seriously.  I have some video, but for some reason they won't load.  I'll try again later. 

Hiding behind her hands.

Very serious face.

Cute girl.

Thanksgiving 2012

We spent Thanksgiving at Mike's parent's house.  I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures, but here are the few I got.  It was a great time with family and we especially enjoyed meeting the kids' newest cousin Baby Jake, although I have no pictures to show.

 

He looks thrilled to be hanging with Uncle Dennis.

Molly and Lauren having a snack.

Max loves Grandpa Great.  He always goes to him and he always has a big smile.

All of the girl cousins "sharing" the iPad.

Jenn, Mike and Jessica

Max's Baptism

We had Max baptized the first weekend of November.  It was All Saints Day which is special to us because William is recognized during part of the service.  We were lucky to have both sets of grandparents and Aunt Annie, the Wessels and several Gilberts there.  Charlie and Amanda weren't able to make it and they were sure missed, but honored they accepted our request to be Max's Godparents. 

I love how Molly and Max are laughing at each other in this picture.

Whole family picture.

Halloween 2012

This year for Halloween we had a Bumblebee who insisted on being called a butterfly with black and yellow stripes, and a cute little monster.  They got to dress up and trick or treat at our church''s Trunk or Treat and then for neighborhood trick or treating.  Molly really got into it this year and was literally running from house to house.  She enjoyed telling her joke (Knock, knock?  Who's there? Ye Old Lady. Ye Old Lady who? I didn't know you could yodel.) and couldn't believe how much candy she collected.  Can't wait for next year when Max can run around after her.

In the church parking lot for Trunk or Treat

It was really cold.

Our 'trunk' had a Packer's theme, which wasn't particularly scary, unless you're Jay Cutler.

The kids right before trick or treating.

Enough pictures, let's go!

Pumpkin Patch

We weren't able to make it to Howell's, our favorite pumpkin patch, this fall but I did take the kids to a little stand here in town and snapped a few pictures.  We are in a season where it is nearly impossible to  get pictures with both kids looking/smiling but these were the best we could do.

 

Mr. Handsome.

Hey guys, over here!

No, no, look up!

Relaxed Molly?

Hey Max, how's that straw taste?

First Day of Preschool

Molly had her first day at St. Timothy's Preschool on September 11, 2012.  We were a little nervous as to how she would do because she tends to be a little shy, but from that first day she walked right in and has loved every minute of it.  Her teachers, Mrs. Madden and Mrs. O'Tool are wonderful and she has blossomed so much in the past few months. 

So excited!

Modeling her Lalaloopsy backpack.

Max was excited too. 

Daddy came to the parking lot to meet us and wish Molly good luck.

One last hug for Mommy before heading inside.

Estes Park 2012

Back in September we headed to Estes Park, Colorado for vacation.  We went with my parents and Annie and David were also there for a part of the week.  It was wonderful as usual and fun to take Max there for his first visit.  I'm not sure why these pictures are so small and scrunched together, but at least they made it on here!

Can't wait to go back.