The First Snow

The first weekend in December we got the only real measurable snow that we have gotten all winter. We got 6-7 inches on a Saturday. It hampered our plans of going on a date to Omaha while we had a babysitter, but we had an enjoyable in-town date at the Mexican restaurant. After our date, we got the boys bundled up and headed out for the boys to play while we shoveled the driveway.

 Jonah worked hard at shoveling. Training them young...

 Silas was a bit unsure about the snow. This was his first year to really experience it. He was very timid about walking on it. Then, when he finally decided he would try it out, he tripped and faceplanted into the snow. He didn't think that was so cool!

After awhile, Jonah gave up on shoveling and decided to play. He made snow angels, jumped in the snow piles, and ate snow. He was having a ball! Thankfully, the temperature was around 30 so we were able to be outside for about an hour and a half. And, Jonah was still bummed he had to go inside.

We haven't had much of any snow since that day at the beginning of December. It doesn't look like there is any in the forecast anytime soon. In contrast to this day in December, three days this week we spent some time in the afternoon playing in the backyard when the temperature was in the 50s and 60s. I love snow, but I also loved having these warm days. We all need some fresh air during the winter!

Our Christmas Card Photo

A New Thanksgiving Tradition

We spent Thanksgiving at home in Wahoo. We haven't spent a Thanksgiving with our family in Minnesota since the year before Jonah was born. And, it is likely that Thanksgivings with our extended family will be very few. So, this year we started a new Thanksgiving tradition for our family - a Thanksgiving tablecloth. I got a neutral colored tablecloth and a fabric pen. We each took turns writing what we were thankful for this year on the tablecloth. I look forward to 5, 10, or even 20 years from now when we will be able to pull out the tablecloth and look back on what we have been thankful for in the years past.

 I wrote Psalm 106:1 in the center of the tablecloth

 Jonah thinking about what he is thankful for

 If I remember right, I think he said God, food, and TV...in that order

 Helping Silas think of something to be thankful for. He didn't give an answer. I spoke for him and wrote Mommy & Daddy and food.

A Few Days in Mountain Lake

In the middle of November, the boys and I took a few days and traveled to Minnesota to see Grandma and Grandpa. Mike stayed home so he could have some time to get caught up on church work and house projects. We had a great time in Minnesota! Jonah got a haircut, we hung out with Grandma and Grandpa, and we went to Mankato for the day with Grandma and got to play at the River Hills Mall and visit our friends the Baty's. Also, my mom and I took in some of the Christmas happenings in Mountain Lake - a holiday bazaar and a tour of homes. We were planning to come back home on that Saturday, but the weather got icky. So, we stayed an extra night and went to church with Grandma and Grandpa in the morning before heading back to Wahoo. Since we were in Mountain Lake at the right time, the boys got to visit Santa in the city park. It was VERY cold that night (windchill was 5 or 6 degrees!) and I had no winter clothing with for the boys as we weren't expecting to have such weather. They got soooo cold waiting in line, but I think they had fun anyway!

Jonah Turned 3

On November 7, we celebrated 3 years of life with our Jonah. It was a special day focused around him. His birthday was so fun this year as he was able to anticipate it, give suggestions for foods, and even input on his cake.

 Jonah chose smoothies and muffins for breakfast

 Jonah's first ever game of Candyland. He is a master Candyland player by now.

 Jonah requested pizza for supper.

And, he insisted on having a Dairy Queen cake. He first got to see a DQ cake when we had been there with some friends the week prior to his birthday. I guess it looked tasty to him because when I mentioned a cake he immediately asked for a DQ cake. 

It was such a blessing to celebrate Jonah's birthday with him. He is growing so quickly and his little mind amazes us. He is taking in everything we say and do, which is both humbling and convicting. We thank God daily for giving Jonah to us!

Our Firefighters

Still in October...
The boys both dressed up as firefighters for Halloween. Jonah and Mike went trick-or-treating just up and down the street we live on. Silas stayed home with me to hand out candy.

 Trying to sneak candy from our bucket of candy to hand out

 Silas had no intentions on getting his picture taken as a fireman. This was the best we got.

Fireman Jonah ready to go. He had black pants to wear with his costume. I really am not sure why he didn't wear them. Guess that's why I shouldn't wait so long to blog, huh?!

Calvary Church's Trunk or Treat

Still in October....
Our church hosted a Trunk or Treat party on the night before Halloween. It was the first time that most of our church had even heard of such an event. But, that didn't stop them from coming up with some pretty creative ideas! We had a WONDERFUL evening of games, food, and trunk-or-treating.

Me decorating our birthday party themed trunk

Jonah and his friend Tayler

Mike and the boys with our finished trunk

Sy did a GREAT job of sitting by me while I handed out candy - of course, an M&M was needed every now and then.

Jonah spent most of the evening in the bounce house. Thankfully, we had some great youth who kept an eye on the little ones in the bounce to make sure they didn't get trampled.

Silas' friend Javier stopped by. Isn't Javier's costume SO cute? We didn't get any pictures with both of them looking at the camera...Sy kept looking at Lion Javier and Javier kept looking around at all the people!