Jingle Bell Run for Arthritis

The doctor I work for and one of our little patients were chosen as the honorees for the Arthritis fundraiser this year. It was a 5kwalk/run and the kids could do a reindeer dash. It was so stinking cold and there was sleet so we opted for the dash only. They all got medals including Pete so we were all happy and content. I did not have to be asked twice to return inside! Our very own favorite Ms. Theisen was there and the kids loved getting their picture taken with her! She is wonderful, we are very blessed to have her!

 Santa was also available for pictures. Brie walked right up to him and told him exactly what she wanted. PJ too had no problem giving Santa a very long winded story about his desires. Maggie had to almost be commanded to go up to Santa but in the end was very glad she did. (I missed the photo of the two of them having an exchange that ended in true genuine laughter, I still do not know what the laughter was about but it was cute!)

   Makayla too needed coaxing but went over to Santa. She was concerned about being too big to sit on his lap.

Much to our surprise Brie was selected as the best costume winner of the day. (this little girl does not like bows, cute dresses or shoes because she hates it when people comment on how she looks. Often refuses to let me put bows and things in her hair, so to have to go up on stage because she was the cutest was WAY hard for her. However, she put on her brave face and walked up on stage and accepted her reward politely!) All in all it was a good day and there were a lot of people there I knew and all the money raised went to a great cause!

St. Nicholas

 St. Nick packed a bag of goodies this year. The kids are always so thrilled to have St. Nick arrive! This year there was a chocolate advent calendar for each of them, other goodies and to there great surprise....

 our elfie, Prince Eric brought a girl elf with him!!! They were all going crazy with happiness!

 After reading the story and thinking about, shedding a few tears and some time to sleep on it they came up with "Christmas Kristy". so now Elfie and Kristy traveled together nightly to report the days findings to Santa!

They also got the Star Wars lego calendar, which makes the papa elf very happy! All in all St. Nick was a great success!

and so now we have to be double good at our house because we have 4 eyes watching!! some days I think our kids do not even know how awesome their parents are!

Karla birthday

 Birthdays are very important when you have a house full of kids! They make sure no birthdays go unnoticed! Pete did a great job with the gifts this year. First Hawkeye football tickets and the he got me Photoshop, woot woot!!

 of course my most precious gifts are these 4 tigers! they are spunky and naughty at times but they are our blessings and I love each one of them!! Thankful everyday to be there mommy!

I was not in the mood for cake so we have cast iron pan chocolate chip cookie sundaes! They are large enough the four of us ate this one and had leftovers! oh so yummy!!

beginning to look like Christmas

 decorating for the holiday was a bit easier this year with all the helpers. It is amazing how much they grow in a year. I am pretty sure Pete will not be putting Brie on top of his head next year. We did a lot of directing but the kids really did the majority of the decorating, it was pretty nice!

 A few random close ups of the kiddos.....One set at Thanksgiving and one on 12-6. PJ is 6, Makayla is 11, Maggie is 8, and Brie is 4.

Hawkeyes

 Pete surprised me with an early birthday present of Hawkeye tickets!! It was a frigid day but his dad dropped us at the gate 20 minutes prior to kick off and picked us up when the game was done. It was cold but oh so entertaining to be at! the game was a good one to see in person. I am a lucky girl, 2 games in one season, score me!! I am sad we did not come out with the "W" but a good time none the less!! next Hawkeyes!!

PJ and Ice

While at Granny's and Pop's it is always fun to go ice skating at the local mall... that is until PJ decides to slice his thumb as he fell with his skates.... One look and we knew it needed stitches! only 8 minutes into ice skating! off to the ER we go, 7 stitches later and a "giant" thumb we were back and he was off to play! He cried some at first but once he got his emotions under control he did very well. He held perfectly still for the suturing and made his momma proud!

Pete's family Thanksgiving

 We spent Thanksgiving with Pete's family this year. As the kids get older these gatherings are less often and we treasure them so much!! It has become tradition to have a fruit turkey for those creative peeps!! it turned out very cute this year!

Granny and Pop are always so proud of each of their grandchildren. It was fun to grab a photo of them together. This picture has changed so much over the years!

 There were a lot of meals with everyone eating almost at the same time each day! The littles here with a parent circling to ensure food was being consumed. :~)
Then we had the "middles" who got to seat by themselves, not surrounded by the younger folks nor the adult parent type people. Meals were always a fun time this year, much different than even a year ago!

There was a lot of play time over the 5 days that all these cousins had together. Many games were played and fun was had by all.

 The adults were caught up in a few games as well. There was even some card playing this time. It was such a nice relaxing time as everyone just enjoyed each others company.

Pete's Uncle Bob, cousin Katie and her family drove in for the holiday as well. It is always so fun to have them join us. The kids always have so much fun together!!