Christams Concert

Last Monday, Jack and Will had their Christmas concert.  I am so happy that I was able to go.  When they both walked out on stage, they were searching for me.  Once they found me, you could see them instantly relax.  It was a great mommy moment.

The morning of the concert.

Jack came onto to the stage first.  He was searching.

William getting ready to sing.

Yesterday, Jim and Michelle visited for the day.  Jim brought his ice fishing gear and the men spent the afternoon on the lake.  Lots of "man talk" took place in the fish house.

Meanwhile inside, Michelle and I whipped up some sugar cookie dough.  We frosted a few before they left.  As always, someone was in costume as we decorated the cookies.

Treats & a Tree

On one of our snow days last week, we made truffles.  The kids helped my crush the Oreos.  Jack deemed himself a professional cookie smasher by the end of it.

In case you missed it, our kids love to dress up. 
Jack was pulling Will on indoor water skis.

On Saturday, after a few attempts to see Santa at Fitger's, we caved in and stopped at Menards to buy a tree.  We usually go to a tree farm and cut one down, but the subzero temperatures prevented that from happening.


Moose assisting Will hanging ornaments.



Jack's new move, giving bunny ears.

Sydnee trimming the tree.

Everyone helped hang ornaments. 

Jack and Sydnee dancing to some Christmas music.

Jack putting the star atop the tree.

Admiring the tree.

Snow Days Part 2

Here a few more from our days at home.

They all "helped" clear the driveway.  Sorry, they are not for hire.
Syd, Will, Jack, and Allie

Will's first costume yesterday.

His second costume of the day. 
Sydnee had to get in the picture with her cape and shield.

Snow Days

Our first winter snow storm of the season did not disappoint.  It snowed continuously for three days.  The boys have had three snow days and I am on my second.  Sunday and Monday nights Moose removed the carpet and from the dining area.  What else do children in Northern Minnesota do with a large open area, but play knee hockey?!

Sydnee took her turn as goalie.

Then Allison had to take a turn.

Sydnee, Allison, and Jack posing for a group shot.

Floors were installed on Tuesday despite the snow storm.

New floors!

The snow has stopped.  This is a view from the deck.

This is the view from the front door. 

A long lost friend & DIY projects

After several months of missing, Bunny has resurfaced.  We thought we lost her forever.  She was found in the back of an end table drawer.  I think her safe return gave Will some inner peace.

Moose has been hard at work the past few weekends creating a mudroom from nothing and the beginnings of a bench with storage in our front entry. 

This morning Sydnee peeled her own orange.  She was so proud. 

Thanksgiving 2013

Wednesday night we received about 3 inches of beautiful white, fluffy snow fell.  The next morning we drove down to Hastings for our Thanksgiving feast.  My mom and Ken were gracious enough to provide all of the food and fixings.  Two of Ken's sons and their families joined us for the meal.  Robb, Kathy, and Drew stopped over for dessert and play time with the cousins.

City of the North Parade

Moose being the great dad he is, he braved the cold and took the kids to the parade in downtown Duluth.  I was fortunate to get invited to a Scrapbooker's weekend retreat.  Even though I don't scrapbook, I worked on school stuff, did some Christmas shopping, and met some friends.

Jack, Will, Sydnee, Allison, and Moose.