Christmas Morning

Chris and I were really looking forward to Ashton's "first" Christmas even though it's really his second Christmas. He's just at that age where he's showing so much expression. Our little bubble was burst when Ashton came down with a stomach bug just as we were about to head out the door for church on Christmas Eve. We also had to miss Grandma and Grandpa Hale's Christmas that night and didn't know what to expect for Christmas day. Ashton thankfully slept through the night and woke up in good spirits. We did have to throw him in the bathtub before we could start our morning since he unfortunately had a blow-out. Of course I had to put him back into pajamas for the whole Christmas morning effect (if you're wondering why he's still in pajamas and not dressed for the day). His BIG present was a red wagon. He thought that was pretty special, so special that we couldn't lure him out of there. He had to open the remainder of his presents while seated IN THE WAGON. We thought it was pretty cute. By mid-morning we made the decision to head to Grandma and Grandpa Olson's for their Christmas celebration. BIG MISTAKE!! The majority of family that attended also came down with the bug. Chris and I were the first to get struck - beginning mid-morning on Friday - and the others by early Saturday morning. It wasn't what I had in mind for my Christmas break, but I was quickly reminded that I'm not the one in control of things, the good Lord is. We were all pretty much feeling good by New Year's Eve and had a wonderful time celebrating at the home of our good friends, Winn and Betsy. Good food and fun was had by all. Chris got off of work at 10pm that night and was able to join in the fun thankfully.

First Encounter

This was Ashton's first year visiting Santa. He did a great job, and Santa was very accommodating as well.

Christmas Tree Tradition

My family had a tradition of traveling into Wisconsin each year to retrieve our Christmas tree and then head to Rocky Rococo's Pizza for supper. It is something I cherished and so Chris and I decided to carry on that tradition with our family. This year we traveled to a tree nursery just south of Eau Claire, WI. We found that "perfect" Christmas tree and had fun doing so. Here are a few shots from our day. If you'd like to see more you can go to my facebook account where I have all the pictures from that day posted.

New bed....for Ashton!!

Chris and I had been questioning whether or not Ashton was ready to move out of his crib so we decided to try it out over the long holiday weekend. He has proven himself to be a BIG BOY! He is doing fabulous at night and during naptime. He alerts us in some way or another when he's woken so we can come and get him, and he's only fallen out one time so far. We're very proud of him.

Snapshots from the Olson Thanksgiving

Chris and I hosted the Olson Thanksgiving this year since Chris was on-call and I wanted to do what I could to prevent Chris from missing one of the best dinners of the year. Well he ended up having to go in after all but got back before ALL the food was put away. We had quite a bit for leftovers since we were a smaller group this year. We always seem to go overboard on the side dishes or should I say my Mother seems to : D. My nephew and his girlfriend made a birthday cake for my niece, Samantha. If you're wondering what kind of cake it is, it's called a Punch-bowl Cake (it's made and served in a punch bowl. It was very yummy!! Ashton thought the candles were pretty cool too.

Cuddle time

My three boys.

Copper and Ashton have really gotten to be good buddies. We'll enjoy watching the two of them bond over the coming years. I also think they will REALLY appreciate one another after baby arrives in May 2009!

Daddy's Little Helper cont'd

Chris has been working on an addition to our home. We're incorporating a coat closet, 1/2 bath and mud room by utilizing space from our two-car deep garage. Chris has been working on it with any spare time he has. Of course Ashton likes to get in on the action. The project is going slower than Chris had hoped but we look forward to having that additional space to our home!! I'll be sure to post pictures when we're nearing completion and of course when it is totally finished.