SNOW!

We are getting so close to winter break, I can see the light...

We've been busy baking at our place and at Grandma and Grandpa Larsen's in preparation for the coming festivities (Thank you, TWO snow days!). Here Kaj and Leif were hanging out in the front window, one more literally than the other. Even though it's imperfect, I love how this photo captured Leif's adorable profile. He has the sweetest cheeks! And I wish I could say I intentionally mismatched his socks, but they were simply the first two cozy ones I saw in his drawer. Digging for a matched pair is not a high priority before school during the week!

Making Kringler with the resident expert in these parts...

No amount of crazy dancing and face-making could get the younger member to crack a smile. Apparently layers of puffy garments lead to a less-than-pleased baby.

No big hills required, just a little momentum.

Thanksgiving/Holidazzle/Christmas Tree Blitz!

Sorry I've been slow to post lately. We've had a couple of good weekend trips to the Twin Cities in recent weeks, which thankfully has involved seeing wonderful family and friends. We had planned to go up this weekend for Christmas Festival as well, but it's a good thing we didn't, because then we wouldn't have had the time to decorate our house, inside and out, and I must say it's looking ready for the season!

On Friday we went on a short drive out of town to a tree farm and actually cut down our own Christmas tree. This was a first for me and the boys. :) We bundled the kids up and did our best to find the ideal tree before a) the sun set, b) Leif got too cold, and c) Kaj decided he was ready to leave. The tree looks beautiful in the front window, so I am pleased!

Over the Thanksgiving weekend we spent quality time with my parents and Uncle Doug, and got together with the Rein/Dehnel household, which was long overdue. Lane and Kaj were adorable playmates. We look forward to more fun times ahead...

Leif being his cute self

Hangin'with Uncle Doug on Thanksgiving

Kaj helping himself to the "chocolate fountain" at cousin Kris and Tom's Thanksgiving bash - Lauren waited so patiently!

no teeth yet!

Kaj on Grandpa Hawley's shoulders holding his "Holidazzle lights"

Do you think we have the same parents? Geez...

Decorating our first REAL tree as a family

Baking Christmas cookies with Grandma Larsen

Leif likes to keep tabs on the back yard. Now that we have lights around our deck railing, he crawls to the window all the time.

Happy Advent, everyone!

Nine months already?

Our sweet baby Leif was born nine months ago. Is that even possible?

Here's a quick tour of his first six months...

In the hospital, one day old

Leif's Coming Home Day

One month old

Two months old with Khun Nikom and Khun Nipa

Three months, hanging with daddy

Four months, snuggling with big brother Kaj

Five months - Hi Aunt Annie!

Six months

Leaves, leaves, leaves!

Don't ask me what I am going, but at least you can see my new haircut! I was able to donate enough hair to Locks for Love for TWO wigs. That was satisfying!
We try to tell him it goes the other way, but when you're three your own ideas are what really count.


The following photos are in reverse order, so go to the bottom and scroll upward. Ah, brotherly affection!

Someone needs a bath!

Looking back...Loy Kratong

Today the Thais celebrate one of the coolest holidays ever - Loy Kratong! (See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loy_Krathong if you're interested). I stumbled across these photos today of Kaj from two years ago and had to share. Here Kaj was about 14 months and celebrating Loy Kratong with his little buddies at Toddler Time. Kaj loves Kinderfarm, but I will always think of Toddler Time with Caryn as his first school-like experience!

the new fence

We're pleased to report our fence is in! Here you can see our favorite three-year-old nutcracker encouraging the canine to "go potty, Mingus.

Halloween!

Jack the Dog at Kinderfarm dressed as a hot dog with mustard

Kaj singing "the squirrel song" at Kinderfarm

Leif as a "Hunny" Pot - he wore this about 2.35 minutes before we determined going as a nearly nine month old might be a more manageable option

Our two-headed dragon