Family Photo Shoot

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, I wanted a nice family picture for Christmas. But, we had to wait until my sister was here. Well, we had family photo shoot--and it went as well as I expected. We were frustrated at times, but then had a silly pose and things went OK from there. Hopefully we have a good one to update the picture on the wall.

Enjoy!!

Milking at the farm

Another treat we had was going to the farm during milking time. It was interesting to see how they do things. Gabriel was just engrossed in watching the cows. Now, we have seen cows before, but I guess he thought it was neat to watch them being milked. We even had to yank him out of the way when one was about to pee on him. Thank goodness we did though...we didn't need to bring that home!!

He was able to try to feed a newborn calf, but he preferred to let the little bit older ones suck his gloves. (Not quite ready for the fingers yet.) The best part of the trip was getting cheese curds!!! Can you believe it?!?!?!?? We got cheese curds again and we LOVE them!!! The kids got chocolate milk also, so that was nice also.

Unfortunately, Anna fell asleep both nights before we went out there, so we will have to go again so she can see the cows.

Snowmobiles and Ice Fishing

Thanks to the generosity of one family at church, we were able to go snowmobiling. Along with the trip on the snowmobile, John was able to do a little ice fishing. Everyone enjoyed the snowmobiles--especially Gabe and Anna. Although, Gabe didn't like it when Doug was going fast and hit a pile of snow and they went airborne a bit. Apparently, it hurt his bottom when they landed. Anna only wanted to ride with Ricky, (one of the friends from church--she also likes to sit with him while I am singing in the choir) so Doug and I were last choice again!!

After the kids got a ride, they wanted to go inside and watch CARS. Gabe took a catnap, but Anna watched the movie. While we were doing that, the "big kids" took off on the snowmobiles-Ricky, John, Doug, Leah, Dave and Wendy. They were off to find the fish house on the lake and let John have some fun with ice fishing. I am glad I didn't go on that turn, as I am not sure I would have liked riding on the lake at 25 MPH--even though the ice was about a foot thick, I am not sure I would have liked it. John did manage to catch a walleye so that was good.

I figured out that I am a scaredy cat, but I did have fun. I didn't go as fast as the rest of the bunch when it was my turn. I did manage to "buck" my husband off the back so I got to ride alone. hahah After this "playing" Doug is really wanting a snowmobile in a few years. I said that was fine, but the kids have to be older. Apparently you can find a decent used one for $800 or so---we need to save for that anyway!!

Sledding!!

We were able to do some sledding while my sister was here. It was nice that we got fresh snow on Christmas Day. We were told that the best place to go sledding was the golf course just outside of town. So, that's where we headed. We ended up going there 3 days in a row. The last day, Monday, it was cold and windy. We didn't stay very long that day. Not to mention that everyone was getting tired from all the fun we were having.

Both my kids loved the "big hill." The one day, there were a lot of people out and you had to watch before you went down. Well, Anna loved the saucer sled that Wendy brought and giggled each time going down. In addition to giggling, she would yell, "Everybody, out of my way!!" This of course as she was spinning in circles. Gabriel did a good job getting himself started to go down the hill. He didn't like the fact that he had to bring it back up the hill. It was a long way down--which was fun--but, the walk back up was a killer. I did get used to it and even pulled Gabe up once. Leah got stuck either pulling Anna or carrying her sled at times. One time I went down with Gabe on the big sled. We hit a bump and were both off the sled and sliding on our sides. I had to hold Gabe in with my legs. It was so funny we were laughing our way down the hill. Anna decided that she liked to eat the snow. This prompted Leah and John to try it also. Anna had such a good time with the saucer sled, that she managed to talk Aunt Wendy into leaving them here. The store doesn't have them anymore.

Before we were about to leave on Monday, the kids wanted to go down one last time. Well, Anna hit a bump (the same bump that Doug and I hit and finished the hill on our backs instead of our bottoms...talk about sore back for this old lady) and flipped over and landed face first in the snow. She started crying, so Doug went down to get her to carry her up so John didn't have to. In the meantime, Gabe got himself going for his last turn and ended up hitting Doug's elbow. This sent him airborne and tumbling down the hill. So, another child was crying. Gabe got the worst of it--but, he was ready to go back down after he stopped bleeding and crying. He was a trooper!! As you can see from his face. And, we had Church that night, so everyone asked what happened.

Another visit from IL -- The Maag's

After Christmas, Wendy and the kids came to visit. We got to celebrate Gabe's bday, Christmas, and Anna's bday. The highlight from Gabe's bday was a baseball helmet and glove (which Anna tried to claim.) Anna really enjoyed the new dance, "princess" outfit.

We were also able to go sledding, snowmobiling and John got to go ice fishing. We also got to go to a member's farm and watch them milk. Leah, John and Gabe got to feed a calf. (The pictures from all this stuff will be listed separately, so you have already seen them, or you are waiting on pins and needles until I get them posted in the next few days!) We had lots of fun and the time went by so fast. But, we will see them again possibly in March, but for sure in April.

Gabriel and Anna were so happy to see them, that they forgot about Doug and I for a few days. I couldn't do anything for Anna -- helping her to bed, changing clothes, getting a bath, etc --she only wanted Aunt Wendy. (Of course now that Wendy is gone, I am back on the map!) They both wanted Leah and John to play with them also. They thought it was really fun to try to wake up the teenager (Leah) early in the morning. The best way to do that was to go in and jump on her. I think she may not have liked that all that much, but it did get her up and moving. Most mornings at least!!

While they were here, Leah played a piano piece in church. She also brought my flute back and we played a duet. I managed to do pretty good considering I haven't really played in about 10 years. It took a little time for me to remember the fingerings and how to read some of the notes. Leah was patient with me and helped me along. Although, she did give me the hard part on the longer song, but I managed! We had fun playing and the members just loved it. I am still getting compliments, so she will have to play next time she comes to visit also. As for me, I hope to start playing a little more to keep on top of it in case she brings another piece of music next time. John brought his trumpet, but managed not to play it for me. Hmmm....

Merry Christmas!!

At our new church, we have service on Christmas Eve, but not Christmas Day. So, we were able to sleep in and take our time with presents. We had such a good time opening presents from each other. And, I think we all stayed in our PJ's until noon or so. Wow, that never happens!! It took about 2 hrs for us to open presents. The kids loved all the gifts and a favorite were the Pez dispensers we got from my Dad. We had to stop and eat the candy from them. =) Gabe also got a magnfying glass with a light on it. So, he had to inspect so things before we could move on.

At one point, I asked Anna, "Are you ready for another present?" She said, "No, I'm fine." I guess that means next year we don't have to find such good deals on stuff.


As we were opening presents, it started to snow. We ended up getting about 4-5 inches, so we had a White Christmas. Unfortunately, I didn't take time to watch the movie though.



Doug was very excited about a very special present. And it wasn't even from me!! A couple from church were in Vegas over Thanksgiving and William Shatner was having a book signing. They were able to get the book and have him sign it "To Pastor Doug." It was so nice and Doug is really excited about reading it!!

Gabriel's Christmas Program at Preschool

The last day of Preschool before Christmas break, they had a little program for the parents and family. Gabe was an angel -- due to his name--and he did such a great job. They sang songs and acted out the Christmas story. They even got to use instruments! I think that was the best for most of the kids. Afterwards, the parents got a small gift from the kids and they we had cupcakes. It was a nice time to see the kids and hear what they have been learning about Christmas.