Christmas 2010

Christmas 2010 was joyful, full of lots of surprises,
special moments, cousins,

great grandmas,

being home,

relaxing,

playing,

goofing around,

Christmas sweaters,
and lots of love.

Christmas Card Outtakes

Half of the fun of taking a family Christmas card photo... is trying lots of poses...
with flash or no flash... with an ansy dog brought inside just for the photo... to bring smiles to your family and friends' faces. Merry Christmas everyone!

Grandma Emily

My grandma passed away in early October at the age of 96. She would have turned 97 on New Year's Day. Her husband, Max, my grandpa, had passed away in 1997. With both of them gone now, our family gathered at their home after our Thanksgiving meal and we were each able to pick out a few of their things to take as our own. A butter churner from the farm now sits on our dining room table, adorned with Christmas ornaments.
A plate from Germany where my grandpa grew up hangs on our dining room wall.

A cake plate of my grandma's...

A favorite of many of the grandchildren were our grandparent's famous red handled silverware. So many memories of meals eaten at their home with those silverware. I placed them in a vase on our kitchen windowsill.

The goose that welcomed us to their home as it hung in the kitchen. "Velkomen" in German.

And a plate that held many a Christmas goodie, baked by my grandma herself. Though they are no longer here, I will cherish them always and be thankful for the family they built. I love you Grandpa and Grandma.

Dedication

We dedicated Kale back to the Lord this morning. We were able to have members from both of our families stand with us and celebrate with us. A friend took some pictures at church and I'll share some of those as we get them.Our sweet Kale with his cake.
Deedra's family together. Justin's parents with Kale.

New things for Kale

Kale has been experiencing new things left and right. He's growing up so quickly! He's tried cereal, had a ride in the baby jogger (Cedar got to go too...), and recently started rolling from tummy to back. He's so much fun!

Our Little Giraffe

Kale kept nice and cuddly warm tonight in his giraffe costume for Halloween. We thought the costume was fitting what with him being so long and all (and the costume was a garage sale find so it was the right price!) Last weekend we celebrated some family birthdays with D's family and Grandpa carved Kale his very own pumpkin.

Neck Strength

We've been working on Kale's neck strength. He's found himself in his bumbo much more lately. This weekend he enjoyed lunch with Dad (of course sporting his John Deere attire!).

One for the Team

Today was Kale's 4 month doctor's appointment which meant...MORE SHOTS. Man, those are not fun for Kale or Mom. I decided since he was getting poked, I would too. We stopped at a flu clinic on our way home and Mom got poked...Here we are displaying our "battle wounds." I think we both need a nap this afternoon!

Kale is now 27.5 inches long and weighs 15.3 lbs. He's a growin' boy!

The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown

A tradition at my former workplace, was my co-worker Joan would host our student employees at her home during the fall for a warm meal followed by viewing "The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown" and a game of spoons. Although I'm not longer working, all of the student employees were returners so I was invited to join in on the fun once again this fall. It warmed my heart and spirit to see all of them again.

Been Farmin' Lately?

We traveled to Justin's parents' farm in MN to help with harvest. Kale had his first tractor ride with dad. When the sun got in his eyes, he wasn't so sure about things. Eventually, he got over it... A highlight for D was to ride with Justin's brother while he lifted sugar beets. Justin's brother, Nate, with a sugar beet. While home, we got to see lots of family. Below is cousin Jordan keeping Kale content. Cousin Tate is just 4 weeks younger than Kale. On Sunday was Tate's dedication. Afterward, we enjoyed a meal at Justin's sister's home. It was a great opportunity for a family photo. Oh the growing family! Christmas is sure to be crazy! Sister-in-law's pose for a photo. The 8 grandchildren.