Is this better?

OK, I'm posted out for the night. I think I have us caught up to the beginning of December. One of us will try and post some more this week and get us caught up to the New Year. Sorry we aren't keeping the blog up to date, but we've had an unusual amount of free weekends in December so we took full advantage of it and went out and spent some good quality time as a family. I wish we had more weekends like that! Stay tuned for postings of December up through the New Year!

Tis the season to be giving....

It's become a tradition that every year we go to Topeka and pick up the boys and spend they day picking out items for kids less fortunate than us. This year was especially fun for me. I really enjoyed watching how much Jonathan has matured. He was so helpful in picking out toys that another little boy would love and he even helped pick out clothes, when the other two boys were 'bored'. I love watching each of them grow, and realize the impact we can make for a few children at Christmas. Here's all the loot we picked out this year! Jonas was so tired after picking out clothes and toys that he couldn't even lift his arms to eat a cupcake.

Special people in Hays

We only got to see Uncle Jeff for a short time while we were in Hays over Thanksgiving, but here are some good times with the rest of the family. Jonas loves to go with Grammie to get the mail. Jonas: "Hey, she might actually be getting the hang of this." Uncle Jared showing Jonas the cool animals at the pet store.

Whoa.....that is a big snake. Oh...and look at the cute little bunny!

Cheesing out!

The (gingerbread) House that Jonas built

The title to this post would have been a little more accurate if it would have read "The House that Jonas ATE!" While we were at Grammie's we decided to make a gingerbread house. You'll see from the pictures that some of us took this way to serious and need to remember we are working with a two year old. Momma trying to make sure that all the corners line up just right! "Now Jonas, you need to put the candies on the house, not in your mouth." Jonas and Grammy observing Emily's technique.

Taking a "lovie" break.

"Oh yeah....that's my bad ass gingerbread house!"

The finished product!

Road Trip!

On our trip to Hays for Thanksgiving we decided to make a few stops and have some fun. After a stop in Salina for a very cozy lunch with all three of us in the front seat of my truck eating Cozy Inn burgers, we decided to take a little nature hike at Mushroom Rock State Park. It was a cold and windy day, but we had a blast. Mommy and Jonas on a big rock..... ....a close up to see how cute they look. As you can see from Jonas' stance, he wasn't convinced that the rock wouldn't fall on his head.

Oh no, I'm I encouraging him to be a window peeper?

I'm not as brave as Em (even pregnant), Jonas and I climbed on a little rock.

Jonas telling him how his day was going.

Two cuties!

Jonas guarding his Mommy.

Good picture to show how windy it was!

As we were leaving Jonas noticed the cows and begged to have his picture taken with them.

Thanksgiving Day

We spent Thanksgiving Day celebrating with Emily's family. They finally decided that the group was getting large enough that they would rent the Community Center in Waverly, and I have to say, it worked out great! The place was large enough for the adults to talk and the kids (including me) to play soccer, freeze tag, green light go, and other games. Good family, good food, good fun! Joy and Bryce hamming it up. Rory and Abby burning off a little energy! A family that makes crafts together, stays together. Doug showing us why he asked Santa for dance lessons. :)

Look at these crazy kids.

That evening we decided to decorate the tree that Niki gave Jonas. I think this may become a new tradition for us.

All Giggles

Back in November we watched Abigail while Allison and Kyle went to a K-State game. Jonas and Abigail had such a fun time playing together. For days after she left, Jonas would ask where's Abigail. Here's a quick video of them laughing at the cats under the bed. It's still undetermined if cats were actually under the bed or not. Regardless, it's easy to see....they really enjoy each other's company.

Now Jonas wants Emily and Allison to have their babies so Mommy can watch the whole clan!

Fall Fun

Preparing the leaf pile. Someone has to crush the leaves.

To cute for words.

One of his many daredevil landings.

He works hard for his money, way to go momma for all your efforts.

Taking a break.

Draining the rain barrel and checking to make sure his new boots don't leak at the same time.

Halloween 2010

Grammie and Jonas' pumpkin. Where's the fire.

Caught in the act.

What a scary group.

Smile for the candy.

Amy getting help lighting the pumpkins.

Trick or treating with Momma.

Planning session on how to fill the wagon with candy.

Pumpkin Patch

Jonas loved this pig.

Nothing like slinging pumpkins on a sunny day. Hanging out in the maze.

This way!

Jonas' favorite part of the patch...rotten pumpkins.

Who needs pumpkin pie when you can have these two cutie pies.