The Joys of Zeke's Speech Delay

I know, I know it sounds horrible. I have been working with Zeke on his speech. There is one word that I haven't been able to correct him on though. It's "Crappa". I love it. I makes me smile every time I hear him say it. "I love Crappa!" "I wanna call Crappa!" Yes, Crappa is my dad. Grandpa is what the rest of my kids call him. :)

Drum Major Instinct

This You tube video is wonderful. If you have 9 minutes check out the full speech, it will move you to tears.

Pictures from the Boys and girls Night Out

The boys on their way to the Monster Tuck Rally.
The girls bursting with excitement to go to the American Girl Doll Store.

All the girls.
Grace and her doll company.
The girls were able to pick out a doll to join them for dessert. If you notice in the forground the dolls got their own menus and desserts too!
The girls being treated like royalty by the staff at the American Girl Doll Store.

Lulled to Sleep...

...by PBS.

Happy Birthday Grace!

Boxing Day

We had lunch with our dear friends the Carlson's and Kaldor's. We had a great time chatting with our friends. Brett and Jessica (Carlson, pictured) are out on the east coast in PA. We miss them and like them are counting the days till they return to MN.
Asa just chillin'.

The Christmas Story

We have a new Christmas tradition! It started last year. The children (well Barnabas and I included) act out the Christmas Story while Barb narrates. Barnabas and I are Mary and Joseph and this year baby Jesus was played by Kit the American Girl Doll Grace got for Christmas.

Before the story Zeke watches Great Grandma Nelson open her gift.
The shepherd and his sheep.
The Christmas Angel with her new MP3.
Sweet little sheep.

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas morning with the Howard's. Grace's life was changed when she received an American Girls Doll from Auntie Molly and Uncle Jed. Asa got and Adventure Pack that he takes with him everywhere and Zeke loved every minute of the whole experience. Although the Pumpkin Cheesecake that Nanny made may have been his favorite. Barnabas and I were treated to sleeping in and a date while we were up in Duluth too! It was a wonderful time to be had with family. Next year we are crossing our finggers that Uncle Jed and Auntie Molly will be able to join us!

The children had a great time passing out the gifts.

This is Zeke's new favorite thing. He must have it to sleep.

Helicopter and Jet flannel sheets!

This is and "adventure pack" from National Geographic Kids. Head lamp, canteen, a watch with the time, date, compass, temp, signaling mirror, & magnifying glass. What else does a boy need?
Daddy and Daughter having a moment.
1001 Pirate Things to Find. They have found a good portion of them!

"Oh my gosh! Could it be?"
"My dreams have come true!"
a very loud squeal....
"This is the best Christmas of my LIFE!!!"
The boys put on their outfits and Zeke looked himself up and down and said "I AWESOME!!!" We told Asa on day three that he had to wear something different and he couldn't understand why. Needless to say Auntie Molly and Uncle Jed have done it again, perfect gifts!

Christmas Eve

We split the holidays between our two families. Christmas Eve is with my family and Christmas Day is with the Howard side. We had a great night of Panetone, hot cocoa and family.

Waiting ever so patiently.
Waiting not so patiently.
3 of my favorite guys.
Zeke triumphant with his Pirate book.

Having a wonderful time!
Handsome new sweater from Nonna.
Asa's dream come true!
That's not a ghost on the right side it's my nephew Giovanni getting in on a slow exposure picture. Love that kid.
Zeke and Grandpa having a little time to themselves.

Our Christmas before Christmas

We go to Duluth for the Holiday's so we had our own little Christmas with the kids the night before we left. Santa came that night while the kids were in bed and left them all MP3 players all loaded up with their favorite music. Asa came storming into our room at 5:20 bursting with joy about his "iPod" and Skittles he got in his stocking "Mom! Mom! I got an iPod! Only teenagers get iPod's and I have one!! This is so cool! It's like the best day of my life!!!"

Here are my crazy 3. This was the best picture I could get of them. They were a little overly excited to open presents!
For my little science kid. The graduated cylinder lasted a whole 15 minutes. She was so excited she twirled and dropped it. Bummer.
Asa so excited to get a soccer ball that he could use in the house.
Zeke was pleased as punch with all of his gifts. This was for him to use with his glove inside the house.

Grace wanted a poster of the periodic table for her room.
Lincoln logs!
Zeke so happy with his ball and mit.
Grace drew a family picture for Barnanbas' desk.
You can't tell by the picture (Zeke was in high motion) but he got a stuffed guinea pig! We have been pig sitting for Zeke's preschool's guinea oig Chimpy and he (and I) have fallen for the little guy.

Zeke's Christmas Pagent

Zeke's Preschool puts on a Christmas Pagent every year for the students and faculty at Bethel. Zeke's participation was more of an observer. He seemed to really like watching all the folks who were watching him.

The cutest pig in the bunch!
Zeke came down the isle waving a flag and dancing to a hip hop Christmas song. So very cute.
Zeke getting down with the preschool. His teacher Mrs. Huston is the one dancing in the forground.