Mini-Van Family

It's official, we got a mini-van.  It happened, Wednesday.  We didn't necessarily need a van, we knew we could fit three car seats in the back, we tried.  It was more for the space of everything when we traveled.  Our trunk was already cramped with the 4 of us and knowing that babies somehow no matter how small they are have more stuff than any of us; we traded our 300 for a Grand Caravan.  It's got a lot of bells and whistles which we weren't looking for but was a great added perk.  It was a great deal and it's comfortable.  I think we will be very happy and know it will be great when baby boy comes in 6 weeks.  

Christmas 2011- Part 2

The day after Christmas we went over to the Schmitz Christmas.  It was chaotic, fun and enjoyable.  The boys love to play with their cousins and the rest of us love (for the most part) seeing them with each other.  We ate soup, played lots of games, opened presents and just hung out.  It was a relaxing day.  I love my family, we always have a good time together. 

 Max opening his gift from God-mother Whitney and God-Father Andrew.

Emmeric opening one of his gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Schmitz.

Christmas 2011- Part 1

Christmas morning we woke up at Steve and Sherri's home.  The boys were so excited and so was everyone else.  We ate breakfast, lounged around and just enjoyed each other's company.  A wonderful Christmas morning.  

 Opening and more opening of presents.  

 Max, I spying with his new telescope.

 The pile of wrapping paper.  The boys did pretty good handing out presents and helping people open them.

The momma opening some new baby bibs.

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve was a day of  relaxation and family.  My parents and brother Andrew came for lunch and  we played.  Then we went to see Aunt Whitney at work at the hospital, to church and back for a little birthday party and a few presents.  It was a fun day and one hopefully focused on the true meaning of Christmas.

 A classic family picture by the tree. 

 Happy Birthday Party for Jesus after church.

The boys opening their presents from Mom and Dad.  Emmeric recieved a barn, Mr. Potato Head and a RC car.  Max got a huge dump truck, Mr. Potato Head and puzzles.  

Bird feeders

This morning we made homemade bird feeders with Uncle Andy.  Andy brought the pine cones and bird seed and we provided the peanut butter.  It was a very messy project but the boys liked it, especially having a lick  or two of the peanut butter.  

 Emmeric and Andy smearing the PB.

 Mom and Max making some more feeders.

Four little feeders on the tree, hopefully some birds will come  and we will see them eat.

Gingerbread Houses

Tonight we made gingerbread houses out of graham crackers and frosting.  They are kind of make shift but the boys enjoyed themselves and it was fun to do it as a family.  

 A few sprinkles here, a lot on the floor.

Almond doors and craisin windows.  what healthy gingerbread people.

"Something Cool"

This morning Emmeric came running upstairs and says "Mom, come see me do something cool."  I agree, come downstairs to find him "jumping trucks."

A tad bit dangerous?  Yes!  But he cleared the trucks and kept jumping afterwards.  Boys!

Christmas Cookies

Last night we decided to make cookies.  The boys needed something to do and since this is relatively easy and fun we mixed up the dough.  Waited for Eddie to get home late, ran up to the grocery store, bought 1 cookie cutter and some sprinkles and were home to roll, cut and bake before bed.  We all had lots of fun, the little's did a good job of sharing the rolling pin and cookie cutter and who doesn't love to eat the end product.

 Emmeric playing with the dough in the bowl.

 Helping Daddy cut out trees.

 Stretch.....roll out that dough.

Emmeric shaking on the sprinkles.  

Jesse Tree

The Jesse Tree is quickly becoming one of my favorite traditions at our house.  We started it last year, the boys love to hear the story and hang the ornament on the tree.  It's been a good way to talk about many people in the bible and give us something to discuss during meals.  Last night was day 14, I would say they both know more than half of the ornaments and who they represent by heart.

The Nativity Story

We've been trying to do lots of family activities during advent; last night we acted out The Nativity Story with our fisher-price nativity set.  The boys thought is was great!  We did it 3 times, each time playing different parts.  Ed or I read the story and told the boys what to say when it was time for their line.  It was not only fun but also meaningful.  I'm sure we will be doing this a few more times before Christmas.

 When Emmeric played the Angel he flew around the whole living room before telling Mary she'd have a baby.

 They liked to bring all the animals to the stable.

Max was a wonderful Mary.  He would yell "I'm scared" when the angel came and loved to make her ride the donkey all the way to the stable.