And Christmas has started

On Saturday we had Christmas at my mom's house. We had a fun time. We played, then went out for supper and then came home to over gifts. When we got to my mom's Austin and Alexis were already there and I thought it would be a good idea to get pictures done before we eat. Well, as you can see by the picture below, they weren't very happy with me.

So, after supper I thought I would try again. Just what, when you tell them they have to take a few pictures and then they can open presents, wow look at the difference. All smiles!
We got one of our family.

One with Grandma Diane and her three grandkids!

Pat's family!

Then it was time to open gifts. We let the kids open all of there presents before us adults even looked at ours.

Devin and Alexis wanted to help open more gifts once theirs were all opened. Austin was happy playing with his train all by himself. (I don't blame him)

Devin playing with one of his new toys on Sunday at home.

Baby it's cold outside

Devin really likes to play outside and this cold weather is making it really hard to get out. Last weekend we had a big blizzard and Devin and I didn't go anywhere. Ben had to work and there were a few issues so he got to work late on Saturday. But Sunday Devin really wanted to go out when Ben was going to blow out the driveway, so we all bundled up and headed out. It was below zero and windy so Devin and I didn't last long. Nut we at least got out.

Here is Devin and his rosy cheeks.

Man it is cold outside.

Christmas Cookies

This year I have been busy making a couple different batches of Christmas cookies. Devin even got to help me out out. I made one batch to take to the hospitals that I have students at for clinical and then I made some more this last Friday and Saturday. Devin at first just watched, then he just ate the peanut butter, then he needed a knife to help, then we got out the chocolate and he was done (or I should say that I was done with him helping)!!!!!

Working hard at putting peanut butter on the cracker.
What a good job!

Here is a sampling of what I did on Saturday. YUMMY!!!!!

Most of these went to work with Ben on Monday, to daycare and some went to my mom's, some went home with my brother and some went to the neighbors. I really enjoy making them, but the less I have in the house the better off I am.

Devin's 3rd Birthday

November 27th was Devin's 3rd Birthday!! Wow, the time sure does fly by fast. I can't believe he is 3 already. Sometimes I think he should still be a baby. We had a gathering at our house. We had all of the grandparents, great-grandparents, Pat, Robin and kids and even the Groe's were able to join the fun. Devin was is a great mood (which always makes for a better day) and did really well with all of the people in the house. We did a few photos with his birthday cake before everyone arrived. As you can tell we had a Spiderman theme. When we were in the Cities we let Devin pick out his theme for his party.

HE really didn't want to blow out his candles; which was a big change from last year where we had to relight them numerous times.
After a wonderful lunch and cake we started with presents. Devin had a blast opening his gifts.

He was SUPER excited about his new tools!!!!

We got him a suitcase and filled inside that suitcase was costumes. He wanted to wear his Darth Vader costume.

Our new flooring!!

Not only did we great a lot of snow on Saturday, but we also got new flooring. Patrick and his family made the trek over from Jackson that morning to install our new flooring. I am very happy with it and thank my brother and sister-inlaw sooo much. Patrick did a wonderful job.

We started with alot of help both big and small. Once we got going on getting the carpet up, I took the kids outside while I made trips to the garage with the old carpet. They had a lot of fun playing outside and helping inside.

Patrick showing off his wonderful job!!!
Trying to decided at 9pm where to stop for the night. Right around half way there. It did go faster once we brought the kids to Grandma's to play so the adults could work without having to watch them.

Almost finished floor on Sunday morning.

The flooring is all in now and I will post some photos once I get things put back and my new rugs down!!

First snow fall of the season

Friday night and into Saturday we had our first snow and boy was it a big one. I think we got somewhere around 10'' of snow and it was thick and heavy. When Devin woke up I showed him outside and he wanted to get boots on and head right out. We wait about an hour or so before we actually headed out.

This is looking South on Main Street around 8:30 in the morning.

My Birthday Weekend

The first weekend of November we took a little vacation. Not only was it long over due, but it was my birthday. We headed to the cities Friday morning and made our way to the Mall Of America. We ate at Rainforest Cafe, hit Underwater World, did some shopping and just hung out.

Devin really enjoyed watching all of the fish. He was really excited about the sharks.

Devin and Ben watching the turtle swim above them.
On Saturday, my friend Pam's sister got married and we were invited to the wedding. I even got a quick picture with my wonderful son before heading to the reception in downtown Stillwater.

Pam and I at the reception. I was very excited to extend my congratulations in person to both her and Rob on their engagement!!!! I am sooo happy for them!