Christmas day

Christmas Day, Devin woke up and came right into our room with such excitement. this was the first year that he has really gotten it and was really excited that morning. He came in saying, "Santa brought him new toys!" He has really enjoyed all of his new stuff that he has gotten for Christmas.

For lunch we headed to my Grandma's house to celebrate with her and the rest of the family. Before anyone else got there it was just us, Grandma and my uncle Tim. Devin had to climb up on his lap and show him his game and how to play it. It was really cute and special.

This year was a little hard at Christmas for many reasons. First of all I am always missing my dad and even more so at Holiday time. But this year we lost my grandpa, so it was different but special at the same time. Everyone was there for Christmas Day and that has not happen in many years. I think it meant a lot to my grandma. But to make this season even harder my best friend lost her dad a few days before Christmas. So, we have been helping her and her family out the best that we can even if it is just lending a ear or helping them get moved backed into their house.
After lunch and things were cleaned up we had a few gifted to open. Devin wanted to be Santa and help hand out the presents. He really did not have much interest in his own gifts, he wanted to watch everyone else open theirs.

Ben had Monday off, which was nice and we were able to have some family time. That night Jim came over for supper and a little Christmas gathering. After supper Devin helped grandpa open his gifts and showed him different pictures.

This may be the closest I get to a three generation photos without everyone bucking me. I have to say that I really do like this photo even thought it is not prefect and they are not looking at the camera.

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas Everyone!!! Well today is finally Christmas Eve, but the only thing is that it really doesn't feel like it. Here in Minnesota we have NO snow and fairly warm temps for the end of December. I am not complaining, but I do like snow for Christmas.

This year I introduced The Elf on The Shelf to Devin. We have the book on my Nook, but last weekend my mom got Devin the actually book and the little Elf that goes with it. It has been fun finding where the Elf is the next morning after he has gone and seen Santa to tell him how good or bad Devin has been that day. Devin understands it which makes it that much more fun. Below is a picture of our elf, Elfie.

Today Devin got a gift from the boys across the street and on the package was a key for Santa. We hung it on our door since we don't have a fireplace this way he can get in.
Everyone has to have a picture in front of their Christmas tree!!!

After supper tonight we told Devin that he could open 3 gifts. Every year I get Devin a new ornament that is either something we have done that year that was special or something that he is into. This year I found a Disney one with Goofy and Mickey!!!

I love the facial expressions. I wish I would have videotaped this one.

We are just starting to get into games, so nothing is better than a little Candyland.

Christmas at my mom's

On Sunday we headed to my mom's to celebrate Christmas. Pat and the family came over for the day. First we had a wonderful lunch that of course there was way too much food and of course we all ate too much. But then again it wouldn't be the Holidays without too much food. Devin loves to help pass out plates. As you can see he found a bowl cover to wear on his head (he likes to bye the lunch man), I think he just likes to be a little helper.

After lunch and dishes were done, we had to do a few photos in front of the Christmas tree. Devin did really well once we got him in front of the tree. I might need to add that we did have to threaten "no presents" if they didn't do this or that. We only had a couple of melt downs from each of them and I believe all 3 of them ended up in time outs at least once, but not all at the same time. Gotta love little ones when they are super excited. And we had two little boys that really could have used a nap by the end of the day.
We even got a nice one of all 3 of them with Grandma!!!

We even took a nice family photo. Well, we had to take a few to get just this one photo!!!!

Once all of the family photos were done it was finally time to open presents. And boy were they excited and no of them wanted to wait any longer. I find it funny that both Austin and Devin got an item that were different, but both only cost maybe $3 and that was the one item that they loved the most and wanted to play with. For Austin it was a Matchbox car and for Devin is was the Star Wars M&M fan in the box that is pictured below. That fan is with him everywhere even to this day.

I love how in the picture above that are so intrigued by what Alexis was opening up. Below are the new slippers that Devin got from Grandma. He even wore them to bed on Sunday night. He likes to wear them, but I think his little toes get a little too warm in them when he wears them too long.

After all of the gifts were opened. Grandma was found in one of the rooms reading Alexis' new book to the kids. I believe Alexis was first and then Devin wanted the story read to him.

Once everything was cleaned up and put away. This is what we found in the living room. Those four sitting on the couch playing Monopoly on the Ipad2.

Wintertime fun

So, a friend of mine had this wonderful idea!!! In Blue Earth we have these Carolers that are made of cardboard or wood and are uptown in an open area. She thought that it would be fun to get a bunch of people together and go and take a picture with them. So, a bunch of people really turned into a handful of people. But we had fun no matter what.

It was not only fun for the adults, but for the kids too. I am happy to say that I am glad there was snow on the ground when we did this otherwise I don't think it would have looked as good.
My little handsome Santa!!!!

Santa

So, back in the middle of November I took Devin up to the local photo studio for our yearly Santa photo. I thought maybe this year would be better than last year. While no such luck. He was crying and kicking and just plan wanted OUT. So, I have to admit that I even tried bribing him with McDonald's or a new toy that he wanted. Nothing worked, all he said was "No, thank you."

So, on Saturday we headed over to Albert Lea to finish a little shopping and Santa was at the Harley store and sure enough Devin went right up to him and got right up on that bike.

A little Merry Christmas Santa hat that this little boy wore all over the store and really wanted. He did not get that hat (I really did not want to pay the price) but we did find one at another store (more in our price range).

Happy Birthday

Two weeks ago Devin turned 4!!! Wow, the time does go by fast. For his birthday we took him to the party store and let him walk down the aisle and choose his own theme for his party. He want a Darth Vader theme birthday party. I took him with me to order his cake and he took the lady what he wanted on it. We had a very nice day spent with family and friends. Even my friend Pam and her husband Rob were able to come to his party. (They live in CO and were home for Thanksgiving).

The kids watching Devin open his presents.
Austin being silly and I think a little bored.

Dr. Devin in the house.

Devin and Chloe playing with the guns after everyone left.

Cookie time

This last weekend I started making cookies and of course I had a little helper on and off. Devin enjoys spreading peanut butter between crackers, putting them into the bowl of chocolate, putting M&Ms in the middle of another cookie.

I usually make enough right away to take to the hospitals that I have students at for clinical as a thank You. But I also leave some for us and then will make another batch for friends and family for Christmas.

First snow

Last weekend we had the first snow of the season. It was not too bad out and we got a good amount of snow, around 4". The boys went out to clean off the driveway at least once on Saturday.

Devin need to use the big shovel instead of his little red one. Dad had to use the little kid one.
Once they were done shoveling it was time for a little computer time for both of them.

Bathtime Fun

Tonight at bathtime we tried alittle something different. I put shaving cream in a muffin tin and added food coloring and Devin was able to paint in the tub. He loved it and had a blast painting.

halloween 2011

So, I am way behind in updating, but here is a few from tonights trick-or-treating. I will hopefully update from the last few months soon.

This Saturday

So coming up on Saturday August 20th, myself and a friend of mine having been working hard all summer for this day. We have been putting together a Kids Fun Triathlon!!!!! It will take part at Putnam Park in Blue Earth with the Race starting at 9am. It is for kids ages 5-14.

We have raised a lot more money then we thought that we would be able for our first year and this is something we want to do every year. I really hope that we have a good turn out for the event. When I see kids on the street they tell me that they plan on doing the triathlon. And that makes me smile! All of our proceeds are going to the BEA Foundation; which will turn go back to the kids whether it is with new classroom gadgets/ learning tools or some new fitness stuff.

I will hopefully have some pictures to post after the event!

Breakfast on the Farm

On Saturday Devin, my mom, and I went to Breakfast on the Farm (Ben had to work). It was held out at Kirsten and Andy's farm. Kirsten and I have been friends forever and it is always nice to visit with her. Devin was really excited about seeing all of the cows. They have a dairy farm and some chickens.

We started with some food; which Devin ate 2 whole pancakes!!!

Then we got a person tour from Andy, himself!!!! Devin wanted to pet a chicken, so I told him he had to ask and he sure did. He wasn't too sure about it after it started flapping it's wings.
He even got to milk a cow!!! This was his favorite and didn't want to leave. I think it he could he would have milked a real cow.

This was one really friendly calf.

Doggy Parade

Last Thursday evening Blue Earth had a Doggy Parade and we thought it would be fun to have Jordan walk in it. So, we added uptown for a fun little event. Thursday nights in Blue Earth is when the stores stay open till usually 7 or 8pm so it was a prefect day to have the parade and there were also sales going on too. Devin and I walked Jordan in the parade from the Bank to the news paper and then bank again. We even got our picture taken and made it in the Blue Earth paper. I think it was because Devin and I were walking Jordan (who is very small) next to a BIG Saint Bernard.