I am anxious to move on to 2010 with this blog. I want to record things as they are fresh in my mind. I am enjoying spending time on this but feel this irritation as I continue to try to "catch up." So, with that said, I made a compromise with myself. I will will create one more entry for 2009 with just a few of our favorite moments. OK, more than a few...it will be a long entry!
Bathtime!
The kids put in so many bubbles that we had to continue to empty water so we didn't have an overflow. To get the bubbles, we just kept turning on the whirlpool jets. I probably just voided my warranty! We toyed with the idea of trying to get them all the way to the ceiling but decided it wasn't worth the clean up. Yes, that was MY decision, not the kids. 
WASH DAY
Old fashioned washing. Eric's dad had this part to an old wringer washer. The kids had asked many times about it and looked it over. Now that Samantha is so into Little House on the Prarie, we decided to pull it out and give it a try. We had read about how each day of the week, some part of the washing process was done just to start over again. This process isn't as difficult as wringing out by hand, but it was a bit more challenging than our washer! Imagine this...Eric and I had an apartment (in 1990) where we actually used a wringer washer to do our clothes. It was in the basement of the apartment. We didn't see the need to buy a washer so used it. We quickly found some cash to invest in a used washer.
O Christmas Tree
For several years we have been going to Pinehaven Farms in Wyoming, MN to cut down our Christmas Tree. We have been sharing this tradition with Eric's sister and their family typically the weekend after Thanksgiving. Because we celebrated Thanksgiving in WI, we went the weekend before.
Here are the kids, with their cousin, Grant, showing off our pick.
Pinehaven also has animals to feed and some great spots for photos.
This was the first time Ben actually feed an animal from his hand.
Wow is he big!
All decorated up!
Thanksgiving with Baby Abby
All of the kids enjoyed spending time with their baby cousin, Abby. She was about 7 months old so very interactive and fun. I think Abby enjoyed them too.
American Swedish Institute - Minneapolis
Holiday Tour
Samantha was thrilled! She was able to try on a Santa Lucia gown and crown and sing and dance to traditional songs. It was exactly what she was hoping would be at the holiday display.
Merry Christmas
This was the first year that my parents came here for Christmas. It was so nice for all of us. It was a beautiful snowy day filled with gift opening then outdoor time!
Samantha received her long awaited Kirsten doll from GaGa and PaPa. It was actually her birthday present but to get through the anxiety of the wait and not wanting disappointment on Christmas, she opened her doll on Christmas Eve.
The kids each painted Eric a picture for his gift. They were all unique and quite wonderful!
The kids got a pinball machine from GaGa and PaPa. They really enjoy it, as do we.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It was a perfect Christmas Day!
Way cool headlamps from cousin Grant!
We decided to string popcorn and cranberries for the birds Christmas gifts.
High Tea
Samantha and her neighbor friend Nina enjoyed "high tea" at Cafe Latte in St Paul. There birthdays are one day apart and over this past year have become very close friends. Nina's mom and I took the girls for a little birthday celebration. It was a special afternoon for all of us.
Little House on the Prarie Birthday
Samantha's 8th Birthday party with a few friends...Little House on the Prarie Style. We have never done the "drop off" type party but rather invited a few friends with their families...siblings included. It was a really nice afternoon!
The Menu consisted of fresh home-made lemonade
Johnny Cakes
Baked Beans
The kids each got 10cents to spend at our "old fashioned" candy store. It was pure joy!
The kids (and adults) took turns shaking the whipping cream to make butter.
The kids played the game, Who has the Button. It was funny with the littlest ones trying to give it to the guesser. They had such great fun with a button!
A Day in the Life of An Elf - Macy's Display
For the second year in a row, Macy's has put on this wonderful display for the holidays. My parents stayed in town for one extra day so we took them on this excursion. We took the Rail downtown and headed to Macys a few blocks away. We really enjoyed the all of the details of this display. Benjamin and Grandma were particularly intrigued. Afterwards, we went to Macy's cafe for some delicious italian ice and some really colorful sugary cupcakes. The kids even agreed that they would try something else next year!
Benjamin looked at almost every display this intently. It was like no one else was there.
Happy New Year!
The kids get ready for our annual New Year's Eve party with our long-time friends. Each year we eat finger food, drop the ball around 7 and get the kids in bed early. This year, we decided to add the Woodlake Nature Center candlelight walk to the end of the evening. Although it was cold, it was a beautiful way to end the year!
I look forward to blogging in 2010!
No comments:
Post a Comment