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.