Family Time - Take Two

The second weekend in December we headed to Stanton. Kailey always loves a good van ride!


First we stopped to see Grandma J. Jodi and Cody met us there, and we enjoyed catching up with her.

Kailey and Grandpa Steve played in the snow for a loooong time! Kailey loved it. Here Kailey is getting a sled ride to the farm. Later, they sledded down the road several times, with Grandpa laying on his tummy on the sled and Kailey laying on his back. It was hilarious!!

And then a snow fort!

Santa Lucia is an awesome Christmas tradition in our hometown. It is a Swedish Festival of Lights and marks the beginning of Christmas in Stanton.

Family Time - Take One

I have been a terrible blogger again this month. It's not for lack of topics, that's for sure!

We had Brent, Holly, and Sophia here the first weekend of the month. Craig's parents also came down and Diane and Philipe came over, so it was nearly the whole gang here.

The guys fixed three vehicles - way to go! Had Larry not been here, who knows what would have happened.

Holly, Sophia, Kailey, and I stayed warm and toasty inside.

Of course we watched the Big 12 Championship - Go Huskers!! It was a rough end of game to say the least, but we're proud of our Big Red.

More Thanksgiving

We headed to SW Iowa for Thanksgiving. Thursday we were with my mom's side of the family at a local senior center. It was nice enough for the older kids to play outside, but what's there to do for little kids?

Never a dull moment with these two!

More cousins got into it later!

I mentioned in the last post that Kailey likes to use the camera - this is yet another example! One funny story with Grandpa Bruning - when Kailey was supposed to pick up the toys, she was not happy about it. So Daddy helped her. Kailey came around the corner and tugged on Grandpa Brunings feet and said "Come on, Boy! Let's pick up the toys."

More photos by Kailey


Fun with Grandma Bruning

On Sunday, my mom came for a visit. She brought an early Christmas present for Kailey - a book of "The Night Before Christmas" with her voice recorded reading the story. Tonight Kailey wanted to listen to it twice before bed, so it is a winner!

Thanksgiving in Ida Grove

We headed to Ida Grove for Thanksgiving and really enjoyed our time with family. Craig's aunt, uncle, and cousins came over for lunch. These three girls have never been together, and it was quite cute to see them interact. Next year will be very lively!

This looks awkward, but it's probably because I kept telling her to touch softly and be gentle!

Kailey can always make Grandpa Riessen smile :)

This girl might just be a photographer


She took this one too!

Aunt Diane got a rare moment with two little nieces on her lap!

Aunt Amy played outside with Kailey quite a bit, but here they relaxed with a book for a bit

THANKS everyone - we had a great time!

Aunt Jodi

My dear sister came to stay with us over the Veteran's Day holiday. She watched Kailey while I worked and they had a blast! Thanks Jodi! We love you!

Celebrating!

Craig and I celebrated 6 years of marriage on November 1st! Wow that went fast. We like to go to the Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, so we did that last Saturday night.

Getting married in November ensures that your anniversary will be either warm, crisp, or freezing cold. I can't believe it, but this is the third year in a row we have been warm! We spent some time Saturday hiking around Waubonsie State Park in Iowa.

The Lodge

This is on the grounds of Arbor Day Farm where the lodge is located. This self-portrait with leaves is a three year tradition!

Our view during the picture

We are blessed that Kailey has so many wonderful grandparents. Grandma and Grandpa Paulsen spent two nights here and Kailey had a blast with them. They were also kind enough to get this yummy big cookie!

Thank you Grandma and Grandpa!

Happy Halloween