Putting Up the Tree

Our tree went up Thanksgiving weekend. We had a stay-in-our-jammies kind of day and had fun decorating! Johanna got in on the action for a bit but was excited (and amazed) when she woke up from her nap to a completely decorated tree! Now time to get some presents wrapped for underneath...

Happy Birthday, Papa!

We were at a loss for what to get for Colin's dad for his birthday this year. He's been given every grill accessory known to man. He's been given enough books to read for years. He isn't into electronics or gizmos. So...what do you get for a man who has everything? Pictures! I took the kids to VanRaalte Farms and took pictures of them holding a "P" or "A." Then I had them printed at 2 1/2" x 3 1/2" and put them in a frame that held 4 pictures. It obviously spelled out Papa. The kids loved doing it and I think that Grandpa Papa liked it as well! Happy Birthday, Papa!

Halloween 2012

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These are only a month (not even!) late. Whoo-hoo! Halloween was a fun night this year. Johanna was the cutest Lady Bug ever. She had a blast trick-or-treating and refused to take off the sunglasses or put her coat on. Seriously though...isn't she the cutest?Abigail wanted to be a snow princess this year. I was thrilled with that because it only involved buying a cape (which I got a great deal on by using a plum district deal)! She wore her new Christmas shoes which of course made me nervous but they stayed perfect. :)
Henry wanted to be Mario. This involved an ebay costume but it was worth it because he was so stinkin' cute! He's a perfect Mario! He wasn't into wearing the mustache though.

Apple Pictures...in late November :)

It's my blog and if I want to post apple picking pictures in late November then I will. :) We went to Crane's on September 12th with Haans, Anita, Bebe and Sylvie. I wasn't going to post these pictures because they are so old, but when I came across them the other day I decided they belong on the blog too. So...fresh from two months ago...apple/peach picking pictures...

Johanna

(Post Family Farm last week with Grandma Rita, Aunt Rebecca, Josh and Luke)

Johanna is just over 2 1/2 and growing up so fast! She's independent, but also our biggest snuggler. Each morning after we bring the kids to school we have a little time before I have to go to work. Both of us love spending some of that time snuggling on the couch watching a show or reading books. She spends her days with Grandma Rita or at Jean's house and really likes both. The best is when I ask her on Fridays "Who's house are you going to tomorrow?" and she gets a HUGE smile and says "Staying at Mommy's house!" It's an adjustment for me having a child in daycare each day and it's a little tough at times, but I know that she really loves it and is doing great.

Johanna's developmental skills are interesting to say the least. The girl doesn't know her colors. We've tried SO much and she just doesn't know them. We are honestly beginning to wonder about color blindness. However, she colors well beyond her years. She chooses the smallest things on a page and colors them, in the lines. It's crazy really. And she's our biggest athlete too. She can throw a ball like she's in Little League and can drop kick a soccer ball. That's all when she's not on her bike or scooter of course.

Johanna is such a love and watching her grow up is such a fun ride!