Christmas #3

Our 3rd and final Christmas this year was in Iowa with Grandma Nesie and Papa Knute! I took the kids back by myself for a long New Years weekend. The trip started off a little rocky when we went to get on the airplane and Emma decided she wasn't so sure about getting on. So if you can piture it - I Hurled her onto the plane with one arm while carrying Chase, 2 bags and other things! A Wonderful woman sitting in the front row in her army fatigues offered to carry her back to our seats for me (as she was Screaming!) and I walked down the isle of the promising to everyone on the plane that she wouldn't scream the entire flight...hopefully! Anway, we sat down - Emma in the windown and me and Chase next and had an open seat in our isle - which was great. Emma was a Champ - she loved looking out the window and absolutely loved flying - especially taking off! We had a layover in Chicago that lasted 3 hours instead of the planned 2 - so that was a little rocky - but we made it. I have to say I'm a BIG fan of the kids area that Southwest Airlines provides. Small table and chairs - TV on to the Cartoon channel and somewhat of a secure area that made it easy for me to keep the kids in one place without too much trouble. Thanks Southwest!!!

We landed in Omaha and waiting there was Granda, Papa , Aunt Carrie and Josh. We were all Very excited to see them! Emma was a little more excited to see Papa Knute...but we won't hold that against her!

We spent the night in Stanton and then headed to Des Moines the next day to get family pictures taken and then went to Allen Lundgren's wedding on New Year's Eve. It was a beautiful wedding and I'm so glad we got to celebrate with them - Congrats Allen and Libby!

Josh and Aunt Carrie


The kids coloring at the reception

We were joined by these 2 crazy girls - Nicole and Erin!

Me and my Sisters!

Josh and Chase with his "Cheese" face!

I'm not sure what face this...but I had to include it Erin!!!

Aunt Carrie and Emma practicing thier New Year's moment! Emma did a lot of practicing!

And this guy just couldn't make it - asleep before 11!

Not this guy - Tyler partied it up until after midnight!

Emma and Aunt Carrie doing a little dancing (I wish I could dance in my jammies!)

Happy New Year!!!

The next day we had Christmas at Aunt Al and Uncle Drew's house. The kids were EXHAUSTED but determined to get through the piles of gifts!!!

Tyler got a new Chair!

Emma was tuckered and took a 3+ hour nap in her new Dora sleeping bag.

After some naps - we had to break out Chase's new toy - this thing is GREAT!

The boys had to sport some football attire - Go ISU!

Phones for you...

Nevermind - it's for me!

Time to go back home - there's our plane!

Thank you Grandma Nesie for waiting with us for our trip home!

Looke at these big kids! They're amazing and were Very good on our trip. I couldn't have asked for it to go much better!

Loves her window seat!

So that's it - Christmas is officially over! We had a good run but I'm glad that we're getting back to normal now. Well - back to as normal as it can be at our house. Zach's still working hard and lots of hours. Here's hoping that 2011 brings Zach home a little more and lot's of Love to everyone!

We miss you ALL!

Buddy Paige - You're a Big Boy!

I'm Shocked every day with how big Chase is getting! He is doing new things everyday and is turning into such a little man. Tonight he ate his first whole apple (meaning I didn't cut it up, peel it or even hold it)...and he actually ate almost the whole thing without any help!

Funny Side Story: The other day Chase was playing with something he shouldn't be and Emma said "No, No Buddy Paige - you can't have that." I said "Emma, his name is Chase Aiden and Your name is Emma Paige." Aparently it doesn't matter because now even I'm calling him Buddy Paige!

Christmas #2

Christmas #2 began last Thursday when Grandma Donna, Papa Randy and Aunt Grace came to visit. We ate, played games, watched movies, colored and just hung out! We even attempted Christmas Eve service at our church (Who ever thought that was a good idea at 11 PM?). Santa made his big drop and the kids woke up to another household full of gifts on Christmas morning. We opened gifts, ate breakfast - and opened up more gifts. Zach made an Amazing Christmas dinner with Prime Rib, yummy smashed potatoes with spinach and some cheese I can't spell and asparagus! My mouth is watering just thinking about it again!

CHEESE!Who could resist this sweet boy!
She looks so big in this photo!

Coloring with Aunt Grace

Big Gifts!

He couldn't wait to ride so he just climbed in the box!

That's Better!

It was a great Christmas and we had a Great time with Grandma, Papa and Aunt Grace! We can't wait to see you again soon!!!

Christmas #1

Some say there are the 12 days of Christmas - but we have 3 weeks! But this Christmas was very special because for the first time we stayed in Louisville rather than heading back to KC and Iowa. we missed our family traditions - but it has been fun making some new traditions in our home as well.

We started the Holiday Season with a visit from Grandma Debi the weekend before Christmas. Rudolf dropped off some early stocking gifts and Grandma Debi spoiled the kids as usual!

Chase did a great job opening gifts! And no - the remote was not for him - but we are SO excited because some little people seemed to misplace ours 2 weeks earlier!

"Seriously mom - another picture!"

I said spoiled didn't I!



The kids even got Grandma Debi to play "Ready, Set, Go!" which means you sit on the floor and they both run at you full speed and expect you to catch them without killing yourself!

That was one - there's 2 more to go! Stay Tuned!

Thanks for everything Grandma Debi - we had a great time!

Christmas Cookies & the First Sledding of 2010

A few weeks ago we made our Christmas Sugar Cookies - both kids had a great time frosting {eating} the cookies!

We finally got enough snow to sled (notice that it's definately not Iowa snow) so Emma went out with the neighbors for a little fun! This Very little amount of snow came with a day of no school - so Zach got to spend the day at home with them! I think they had fun just having him home by themselves while I had to go to work for a change!

Maybe we'll see some Real snow in Iowa this weekend - but not too much to delay flights please!!!

Night Out for Mommy

A few weeks ago Zach treated me with a night out while he was working - that's how everyone goes on date night right??? So anyway, I needed a date so who better than my best friend's husband, Dan - and oh - we took Renee too! So we headed to the new arena to see Dane Cook. It was a great night and Zach even got to sit with us for the show and enjoy a little time with his wonderful wife. So anyway - enjoy some pics - it was a great show! I highly recommend seeing him. I'd tell you my favorite joke - but it's way too dirty for this blog!

Just happy to see each other - even if it is at his work!

Emma in her Dora jams with her "backpack" on before I left for the night!