Winter Fun

One of cousin Julia's favorite activities while in Dubuque was to go sledding. We got some good snow right before Christmas, so sledding was great. On Christmas Day, Elias went for his first ride.

Going down the hill with Dad.

Ben wiped out but managed to keep Elias on top!

I think that Elias' favorite sledding partner is Dad so far.

Christmas with the Van Dines

This year we spent Christmas in Dubuque with my whole family. It was a big change from the last time we spent Christmas all together...Addie and Elias and another one on the way. Having three little ones enjoying the festivities really makes a difference to the way I am used too, it is not as peaceful...but it sure is fun!

One of the few pictures of the three all looking at the camera. Julia was a trooper to sit for so long while we worked with Addie and Elias.

Christmas jammies...my favorite. (I tried to start this tradition with Ben and I a few years ago, but I think it will just be for the kids now - they are so much cuter!)

Pure excitement! Loving his puppy from Aunt Kara. We love that it is not real!

Tunnel from Grandma and Grandpa. Elias crawled right in!

Oh Canada

The week before Christmas we had the chance to go to Canada to visit Ammachi, Appacha, the cousins...and other family as well! Elias had a great time, getting spoiled with a birthday party, visiting family and playing with Kerala and Calvin.

Celebrating Kerala's 5th and Elias' 1st birthdays. Kerala was kind and blew out the candles for Elias.

Enjoying some birthday cake (the first of many cakes!)

Elias playing with Ben's cousin Latha. She was way too nice to let him check out her glasses.

Trying to get a good shot of three crazy kids...it was a challenge!

A few picture at Home

Lacey and Kelsey (2 Emmaus girls) helping decorate the Christmas tree. They came over one evening and decorated the house with me. I loved it and Ben did too (that way he didn't have to help!) They are hired for next year already.

The Christmas tree. Notice the lack of ornaments on the bottom section - we thought it would be best not to tempt Elias too much!

Elias enjoying a Christmas treat. He loves anything he can put in his mouth.

Addie Day #2

An update on times with Addie....
Saturday - Addie was with Grandma and Grandpa but Elias and I went over to play. We were all going to go to Wisconsin to watch a basketball game, but stayed home due to a big snow and ice storm...so we went shopping instead!

Sunday - We went to church and both kids stayed in for a bit of the first service. As Addie got loud, Grandma decided to take her out. Seeing her leave, Elias got upset and so we had to leave too! These kids can't get enough of eachother. Sunday night was a concert at Emmaus, so Addie came over to play and a friend from church came to babysit. Both went to sleep while we were gone but Elias decided to get up when we got home and join the Christmas party we were having with a few students...he stayed up until midnight!

Monday - Another day at home. Our friend Joy came over for a bit to watch the kids in the morning, then we took Joy out for lunch (Grandma came too). On the way to lunch, Addie decided to hold Elias' hand. Elias didn't mind for a bit, but then decided it might be more fun to bend Addie's fingers back. Fortunately Grandma was there to rescue Addie. Elias is definitly a boy! The rest of the afternoon was spent watching one of Uncle Wayne's favorite Christmas movies, playing and tiring me out! These kids sure are active.

Note - I did try and get some pictures, but by the time I took them the kids were already on the move. (I have quite a few pictures of the back of their heads!) We will try and get some more up this week.