Holiday Photos

The official holiday photos are in. The boys did a good job with pictures. Alex is making a few of his usual faces, but they are still cute.

My favorite of the bunch.

Brady at 3 1/2 and Alex at 18 months

Brady is such a ham when it comes to pictures. He was really silly to start when we were there last night, but then did settle down. He was all smiles for his photos.

Gotta love the Santa hats!

Alex was in need of props to help keep him still. Ornaments were just the thing!

Alex's 18 Month Pictures

The photos are in! Last night we headed to Target to get photos taken. Hard to believe that Alex is 18 months already. We took blocks along because that is by far his favorite thing to play with right now. He was tough to keep in one place, but we did get some good ones.

Snowed in!

We woke up this morning in a real life snow globe. Yep, it's blizzard time here in Wisconsin. Alex was fascinated to look outside. He kept toughing the glass shouting "SNOW! COLD!" all morning long.

Brady could not wait to get out and play. He was also very certain that he wanted to help daddy shovel. Here he is all bundled up and ready to head out.
Shoveling with daddy. (One of many times Andy has been out clearing away all the snow.)
Alex and I watched from inside. He talked to daddy and Brady the whole time they were out on the deck. Giggles exploded from Alex every time Brady plopped down in the snow or threw snow at daddy.

Five minutes in...Brady decides playing is way more fun than shoveling. Making his first snow angel of the season.

My hard workers.

After helping shovel off the deck, Andy took Brady around the side of the house for a little sledding time.

It's a winter wonderland!

I LOVE this picture!

Andy buried Brady in the snow just before they came in. Brady thought it was hilarious.

Mommy was waiting with hot cocoa when her rosy cheeked boy came inside.

Following hot chocolate, Brady was my little baker today and we began Christmas cookies too. As of this evening we have had 14 inches here in Eau Claire just today and they are predicting a total of 18+ by the time it's done. Now that is a lot of snow! At least we are cozy and warm inside here at home.

A Few Christmas Pictures

One night this past week we decided it was about time that we work to get our Christmas card pictures taken. Yes, this is work. Both boys looking a smiling at the same time is a tough one. These were a few of my favorites that we got.

This picture I love. There are moments when Brady and Alex play so well together and have so much fun. I treasure them. It was so cute. We were in the middle of pictures and Brady was trying to help keep Alex happy. Peek-a-boo got lots of giggles from his little brother.

Different jammies, loved this one too...except Brady's finger in his ear. Grr...

A Night Out

Andy and I treated ourselves to a night out in the cities last weekend. The boys were home with a sitter and we headed over for our annual trip to the Blenders Christmas concert. It was a great concert as always and fun to get out for a break.

"Trimming" the tree

Brady has been begging to help decorate our Christmas trees. We got one for downstairs this year in addition to the one upstairs in the living room. Last night, Andy and I got brave and decided to let the boys help us decorate. I wasn't able to take too many pictures during all the fun, but here are a couple.

Brady kept saying over and over, "We're trimming the tree!" Alex kept saying, "pretty!" It was a fun night, chaotic, but fun. One of these nights when I'm not too tired, Andy and I will get the upstairs tree decorated too. I think we will do that one in peace and quiet AFTER bedtime!

Thanksgiving at Preschool

Brady's preschool put on a Thanksgiving program and feast for parents right before Thanksgiving. Brady was so excited. Here is his class performing a few songs for the parents.

Daddy joined Brady for his special day at school.
Brady was so excited for his feast! Turkey sandwiches, pickles, chips, carrots, and cookies!

Here is my thankful little boy. He wrote at school that he was thankful for his cars. Big surprise there. When we talked about it at home mommy, daddy, and Alex made the list too.

Celebrating Birthdays

Where did November go? The month flew by and I didn't post a thing. We had two special birthdays we celebrated in November - both of my parents. Their birthdays are five days apart so Brady and I did lots of baking. Here is Brady with Grandma on her birthday.

Little did I know that I pulled a trick candle out of the cupboard for grandma's cupcake. Brady thought it was hilarious and laughed harder than I have seen in laugh in a long time. It was pretty funny.
Alex loved the red velvet cupcakes!

Five days later...and the turkey this year!...it was my dad's turn. Here is Brady with Grandpa on his special day.