Christmas 2013

If you were to ask how our Christmas was this year, I would have to say I've had better.  I was so excited to finally be over the flu after Thanksgiving.  And then Erin got sick a few days before Christmas and I was only a few hours behind.  Ugh.   When the fevers set in we really didn't do much except wish we were home.  The boys eventually got it too, but not until we made it home Christmas day.  So thankfully they still enjoyed alot of the activities!  It was good to see everyone and Erin loved being around Casen.  We took the boys bowling for the first time.  They play on the Wii all the time and so were thrilled to try it for real.   In fact, they didn't want to leave!  (Since then we have taken them bowling here at home and they still loved it!  It just might have to be a regular thing.)

We stayed at the Rummels for Christmas morning so Santa could come. :)  The boys were excited but Erin was still feeling the after effects of the fever and didn't care too much.  But after some food  she perked up a little and the boys were more than happy to help her with her gifts. :)   

It's always nice to see everyone for Christmas, but this time it really felt good to get home.  :)

Hmm...seems to be more eating than frosting going on here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Erin was not too sure about Nate, but Dustin she liked!

presents from Rummel side

presents from Rummel side

Erin just woke up from nap...and is starting to really not feel well

Christmas morning!

Later in the morning Erin finally felt up to opening some gifts.

There's a smile we hadn't seen in a few days!

The Jacksons came over to our house the weekend after Christmas.  Phil and Chelsey hadn't seen our new house yet, so it was fun to show them around.  I dont really have many pictures, but we just spent time playing mostly. :)

Alex turns 6!

We let Alex open his presents a few days early, since his birthday is so close to Christmas.  Of course, he didn't mind!  I think Adam was just as excited as Alex for the gifts. :)

Thanksgiving

We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year.  It wasn't a big crowd, but we had a nice time.  The "kids" made gingerbread houses and enjoyed playing with Jeremy.    Andy had to work the day after Thanksgiving, so Jeremy drove me and the kids up to Chicago.  We spent the day/night there and then Andy drove up on Sat morning.   The plan was to go to Legoland Discovery Zone, but Erin came down with the flu while we were in Chicago.  So everyone went except me and Erin, and then when they got back we just packed up and went home.  Eventually everyone got sick (except Andy!), so we had a long two weeks of functioning on survival mode.  :)  Thankfully we are all feeling better in time for Christmas.

A week or so ago we got 7 inches of snow.  We were so thankful it came on a Saturday so we had time to shovel the driveway.  We used all the snow from the drive and made a fort for the boys.  The snow was perfect for snowballs and building.  So the boys had a blast playing outside.  Erin went out a little, but she's still young enough that it's not her idea of fun yet.  :)

Erin B-day and Stu & Barb visit

Erin celebrated her 2nd birthday the beginning of November.   Most of her gifts she was indifferent.  But she got a new baby and stroller and she loves those!  I'm amazed at the differences between Erin and the boys.  She has such a natural mothering nature it surprises me occasionally.  She readily brings the boys there blankies when they are crying or upset.  She also puts away toys or kitchen things when she sees me doing it.  In fact, when I work, she helps Andy put away dishes since he doesnt know where anything goes!  She's also starting to talk alot more....things we can understand.  The little phrases she uses are a crack up sometimes.  I ask her a question and her response is, "Umm........sure."    What a joy this little girl is in our family.  :)

Stu and Barbara came to the states for a couple weeks.  Barbara was in a wedding, and then we had a little wedding reception in Atwood for Stu and Barb.  We all enjoyed getting to spend time with them.   Uncle Johnie even flew out for a visit!  Stu and Barb even stayed with us in Lafayette for a couple days.  So the kids enjoyed getting to play with them at their own house.  Oh, and if you notice no furniture in those pictures, that's because I had the carpets cleaned.  :)