Christmas Morning
We had a great Christmas with the typical travels and characters but lots of love, hugs, great food & generous gifts. We got to the Kratzke, Kleinhans & Suwalski extended family celebrations where we saw many family members, opened fun gifts and ate amazing amounts of food. In addition we celebrated with our parents, siblings (in person & via chat), and nephews. We are so grateful for the time we spend together. We often reflect that our gatherings and get togethers are pretty much the same each year and we know what to expect….but if we weren’t there we would miss them. I guess that is why traditions become special…not because they are intentionally planned but they just develop and become part of us.
The boys had a nice Christmas. It took George a few minutes to notice gifts under the tree and then he was astonished. We wrote to ask Santa to come early as we would be on the road over December 25th…..George inspected the cookie crumbs, partly consumed milk and gnawed carrot and wondered why they weren’t all gone. Some days I think he will take DNA samples or something…he is so curious. Who would have known we were so right in naming him our curious George.
Family Christmas - Boys Club
Stuart was pretty excited and understood the gift opening…but didn’t really want to open more than one gift. Bagel was excited for the paper and kept taking & hiding under the couch. Overall, it was wonderful to be in our home for our first Christmas.
We decided to invite some friends over for New Years Eve and had a nice time…I think there were 7 kids under the age of 5 in the house. Sure is nice to have a place to host comfortably! I think it is one of the first years in a long time I made it to midnight…along with George. We watched the movie Despicable Me…Matt took a snooze but George stayed strong til midnight.
Stuart is just a chatty machine on feet. He walks all over, chats like we should understand him & loves to carry things around the house. He says grandma, papa, bagel & george. When he wants something he says help or just screams really loud. The later is quite irritating but unfortunately I respond and thus it continues. I’ll work on that. Stuart will often pick up Bagel toys & take them to him. Stuart has taken a liking to our recycling bin taking out the empty yogurt cups and carrying them around. He has been eating a ton lately – more than George. For breakfast he will have a full yogurt cup, cut fruit & sometimes a pb & jelly toast. I keep thinking he will grow….but it hasn’t come yet. However, we have made strides in the sleeping department. We can lay him down & he pouts and then just goes to sleep. I know other parents have mastered this much earlier, but we are happy to be in this place of easy night time without severe struggles for sleep.
Stu's Strategic Gift!
Matt & I are well. We had some time off together over the holidays and enjoyed coffee, breakfasts & getting the house put back together from traveling. Matt is awesome at taking care of the driveway….he loves his snow thrower. I caught up with printing my pictures from the past year….now to get them in the album! Both Matt & I are in interim positions that end on June 30th. So, we will apply & hopefully secure them! I’ll submit my application and then get ready for Mexico! Our next family adventure takes us to the Barcelo Maya in Mexico for Eric & Patty’s wedding. We are excited and getting out shorts, sandals & sun hats to pack.
It will be an exciting year for sure…my lil sister Heidi got engaged over Christmas to long time boyfriend James. Sounds like their wedding will be on July 3 and the Matt’s brother John is getting married to Lena on July 8th. It will be a big week! Beyond that we each have cousins getting married, my parent’s 40th anniversary, Mom’s 60th bd, Grandparents 60th anniversary, …LOTS to celebrate.
Secrets with Santa
Cookie Decorating
Stu enjoys sweets!
George - man with technology!
Grandma & Grandpa Kleinhans w/boys
Bagel w/his Christmas Ball