Fun in the snow

Last Monday morning Daniel was delighted to awaken to a thick covering of snow. We have been out to play in it several times. If it was up to Daniel, we would be outside more often than not.

Making snow angels with Daddy

Above is the snowman Daniel and I made today. The snow was finally wet enough to pack. Daniel named the snowman "Snowy."

Our poor cat. First of all we are all allergic to him so he can't come indoors. And second of all, most of his affection comes from a two year old who picks him up like this.

First Bubble Bath

Since Daniel has been prone to eczema since birth, we have been hesitant to let him take bubble baths. The extra soapiness and scent could irritate his skin. However, last week I found an unscented, extra gentle version of Mr. Bubble. Hurray! Here are some pics of his first bubble bath ever. Good times!

The fro

The beard

The storm

Hi Ho Silver

Christmas Blessings

Brian, Daniel, and I got to enjoy four Christmas celebrations this year! Each one was fun-filled and special. Here are some of our Christmas photos. I took so many...it was hard to choose just a few to post.

Our tree! I love my new butterfly decorations.

Above is Daniel with his new barn and accessories from my parents. He has named all the farm animals...the funniest being the horse named Gander. I have no idea where he got that!

Mom and Dad showing off their gifts!

See the rooster on Brian's mug and see the one in Daniel's hand? Brian has over 300 fire king mugs, but in his opinion, one can never have enough!

Daniel modeling his new cowboy hat and Woody.

This cute couple is newly engaged. How exciting!

This is what happens when your older cousins get a hold of you. Daniel loved it...and them!

The two reindeer above were made many years ago by Brian's grandpa. Brian painted them and gifted them to his mom and sister.

Daniel always has to play with (aka harass) Dennis, the cockatiel at Grandma Missi's house.

Helping Grandpa Roger unwrap.

Sara is the only one who rivals Daniel for the "Cutest cowboy hat wearer" award.

Brian wasn't the only one who got a drill for Christmas. Daniel received a whole assortment of tools too!

Even a saw like Uncle Kevin!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone!

Christmas Time

It is almost Christmas! Hurray! I love this time of year, but oh my, it is so busy. We are trying to get Christmas cards in the mail, cookies baked, and packages wrapped. In the midst of these preparations, we desperately desire to keep our hearts focused on Jesus. He is the reason for this beautiful season!

Daniel has been so interested in our nativity this year. When I put up my very dear and somewhat expensive nativity, he wanted to play with it so badly. I began looking frantically for a "play" nativity for him, and my mom came to the rescue. She loaned us my grandmother's old nativity, and Daniel has loved it. He has learned the names of each figure, and likes to move them around and act out the story.

Daniel is also super interested in Santa Claus. Ever since I started reading him "The Night Before Christmas," he has been asking questions about Santa and his reindeer. My feelings are mixed about Santa. Do I promote the myth or just tell him it is something fun to pretend about? I don't know! We did take him to the mall to see Santa this year. Almost every child in line before us cried when they were placed on Santa's lap. Daniel looked a little concerned, so I explained that Santa was very nice and that there was no reason to be scared. When it was Daniel's turn, he walked right up to Santa by himself and crawled up beside him in the sleigh. Daniel was a little shy, but did manage to tell Santa what he wants for Christmas--a big tractor and planter. On the way out, Daniel asked, "Where are the reindeer?" I explained that reindeer aren't allowed in the mall!

We wish all of you a very, merry Christmas!

At the farm

One morning this week, Daniel started begging to go to the farm and see Poppy (my dad). Well, I called Dad and it just so happened that he had some cattle that needed feeding, so we decided to tag along. Daniel began getting dressed and insisted upon wearing his mud boots (like Poppy) and his hard hat (which is not like Poppy, but very manly nonetheless). I told him he had to wear a jacket, which he only agreed to after I assured him that Poppy also would be wearing a jacket. Here he is in Poppy's truck all suited up for his morning at the farm.

Here we are delivering hay to the cattle. Daniel is eating a dum dum (and clutching a screwdriver). One of his favorite things about riding in Poppy's truck is that there are usually dum dums to be found.

And here is a group of cattle chowing down...

Here is farm dog, Annie, who is enjoying freedom and excitement that she never had living in town! She almost looks like she is smiling, doesn't she?
Farmer Poppy and Farmer Daniel posing for the camera.

And a trip to the farm wouldn't be complete without stopping in at the house to see Grammy. Daniel and Grammy are showing off their winking skills. Too funny!

Happy Halloween!

Our family had a great time preparing for Halloween! Brian and Daniel carved a pumpkin together for the first time.




Daniel and I made pumpkin and leaf shaped sugar cookies. Yum!

This is the first Halloween that Daniel has picked out his own costume. Lately, he has been drawn to anything that involves firefighting. His favorite book is called "Big Frank's Fire Truck." I have read that book to him so many times I could just about do it by memory! Daniel had been longing for a big firetruck. God must have seen the desire of this little boy's heart, because an enormous toy firetruck was literally left at our doorstep. I had tutored a high school student, and in appreciation, his mom brought over a firetruck that her younger son had outgrown. Daniel was in heaven! Considering all of this, Daniel naturally chose to be a firefighter for Halloween. He made an excellent one!

This Halloween, we attended the Fun Night at Grandpa Roger's church. Daniel was in the costume contest, and though he did not win, he certainly got our vote for most adorable. We also attended the Halloween party at our local library. The kids read Halloween books and then went trick or treating at the businesses around town. Below is Daniel with his good friend Caleb. As you can see, Caleb was a scarecrow and kept repeating, "If I only had a brain." Hilarious!

On Halloween night, we went trick or treating and then had family over to our house for a yummy supper of finger food. Lots of fun!