December Happenings

Our church had their first annual children's Christmas program this year. Notice where Annika and Lauren are - right next to/on top of Daddy (the only parent up there). . .

Annika's Frankenstein impression. As the kids were walking in, they were supposed to go immediately to the front. Annika, however, headed straight for me!

A visit to Daddy's office. He's changed offices so many times in the last year that he hasn't bothered decorating. . .The highlight for the girls was ice cream from the vending machines downstairs.

The girls really enjoyed interacting with the nativity this year. Grandpa and Grandma Pollack gave them a Fisher Price set a year ago and it was a big hit. I had to put Baby Jesus on top of the fridge until Christmas b/c they fought over him too much (of course it only took a couple of days before Mary was being fought over). I noticed one day that the "adult" nativity set looked a bit different than I had remembered it. . .

The day after Annika's birthday the girls were able to have a sled ride from Grandpa. Woo-hoo! Growing up in Michigan, it was a tradition that my Dad would give me a sled ride on my birthday (the day before Annika's) if we had snow on the ground.

Annika's 4th birthday

On November 30 we celebrated Annika's 4th birthday. Grandpa and Grandma, the McBrides, and Ashley, Deana, and Rachel joined us for the party. Once again these pictures are in reverse order. . . my apologies. Annika and Olivia are enjoying the cake and ice cream. Annika is definitely a big fan of both (Note the empty plate that has been scraped clean!).

Last year Annika was afraid of her candles. Way to go, Annika!

Mandy put her creative juices to work and gave both girls homemade skirts made from Daddy's dress shirts. The girls loved them. The birthday hat Annika has on is another of her creations. Thanks, Mandy!

Just in case you didn't hear, I am FOUR years old. This is an annual picture tradition with Ashley.

Making my birthday cake with Grandma. Licking the beaters is the best!

Finding the perfect tree. . .

This year's Christmas tree farm experience was a little anti-climatic. One of the first trees we saw was "the one." We still made it an official trip, of course, and searched for another half hour. This picture was actually taken a week later. . .Annika and Lauren had fun putting the ornaments on.

A well-deserved snack break.

Don't try this at home.

Hmmm. What do you think? Is this the perfect tree? So close to the path??? Is it possible? Notice who we have pulling the wagon - good work, Annika!

We came, we saw, we conquered.

November Happenings

Thanksgiving Day football! Annika didn't quite understand the concept of tackling, but we're working on it.

Poor horsey with a rider above and below. I'd be looking down too. . .

Grandma Pollacks star piano pupil!

Annika's preschool sent home a paper suggesting that we place a popcorn kernel in a bowl every night in November to represent something for which we are thankful. On Thanksgiving Day we popped the popcorn. Lauren's favorite line was, "I'm thankful for. . . God!"

2 cribs! There's no denying the reality now!

The Rozebooms come to St. Louis!

Paul, Annemarie, Sue, and Liesl came to visit in early November. Sue and I have been friends since 7th grade!

The Museum of Transportation - Big Trains!

It took quite a bit of convincing, but Annika finally had the courage to pull the train whistle.

Dress-up time in the kids area.

Big sister Annika forcing Lauren's neck in the direction of the bird.

Sue and Paul brought some homemade playdoh along to play with on a cold, rainy day.

Lauren, Annika, and Liesl had a lot of fun hanging out together.

Mr. Paul - the storyteller.

Just chillin' to Mary Poppins.

Notice who is doing the majority of the hugging here. Annika definitely likes her personal space.

Just hangin' out.

Sue came this weekend to run in the Race to Cure Lymphoma in St. Charles. She had never run a race before. A year ago she was battling Hodkins Lymphoma and I ran the race in her honor. It was very cold, but she did great. Notice Karl in the background - look at that lean into the corner! He ran the 10K so he had one more lap to go.

After the race. . .

Birthdays, Birthdays, Birthdays!

Between Oct. 19 and Oct. 24 there are 8 birthdays of people I know and love. Karl and Lauren's are the 23rd and 24th. Needless to say, there was lots of partying to be done! This picture doesn't really fit the birthday theme, but I wanted to include it. Before I left for a meeting at church Karl said he was taking the kids to Forest Park for a picnic supper. My comment was, "Are you sure? Isn't it going to be cold and dark?" When I arrived home they were huddled on the porch, enjoying a wonderful picnic supper.

Lauren celebrating her birthday with Miss Rachel, Deana, and Ashley.

The McBrides hosted a birthday cook-out/camp-out (after much debate, indoors due to cold) for the girls to celebrate Olivia's birthday (the 23rd).

The 3 amigas.

One of these kids did not last very long in the tent. . .Lauren was next to me in bed in about 15 minutes.

On Lauren's birthday we took a trip to the zoo. A year ago she was scared to ride the animals on the carousel.

No, it's not Halloween. It's "be a zookeeper" in one of the kids areas at the zoo.

Can you tell someone just woke up and was suddenly put in her chair for her birthday celebration? Happy 2nd Birthday, Lauren!

Daddy's birthday pie complete with 2 special girls.

Weekend in Farmington

We had a fun weekend in Farmington with the McBrides. One of the highlights was a day trip to Elephant Rocks State Park.

At the summit!

The kids had so much fun climbing up the giant rocks.

Annika and her friend "cow" enjoying the pretty view. (Olivia, just between you and me, your momma dresses you funny.)

Fall Festivities

Princess Annika with her Halloween stash.

Trick or treating. . .for hot dogs?!

Annual trip to the pumkin farm. Can you tell the sun is in their eyes?

Yummy Fuji apples!

Making music with buddy Olivia at Shaw Nature Reserve.