Dells Weekend!

We had AN AWESOME time at the Wilderness thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Bille.  There was only one catch.... Grandpa Bille couldn't make it!  It started snowing Friday morning... and didn't stop until late in the afternoon on Saturday.  We were SO disappointed Grandpa couldn't be there, but we still managed to to have a TON of FUN!  Ava mastered the water slides this year, and Ryan LOVED the wave pool.  (We do have quite the story of mom sending Ryan down one of the medium sized water slides and possibly traumatizing him for life.... oops! AND of Andrea getting stuck in the wave pool!!!)

Christmas #3 and #4!

Although Great Grandma and Great Grandpa couldn't be with us, we celebrated knowing they were joining us in spirit!  It was still wonderful to crowd into the living room (and over flow into the hallways and kitchen) and take part in the craziness! 

 And... a WONDERFUL celebration on Christmas Day night at Grandma and Grandpa Sheridan's!  Ava played Santa and did a great job delivering gifts!

Thanks Uncle Joe!

Happy Golden Birthday Uncle Lucas!

27 on the 27th!

Gingerbread House Building!

Mom got a great deal on this Gingerbread House Kit. Mom and Ava worked on it right away this morning (in between Lego building!)  Ryan helped too... with the decorating! Only $3.50 at Home Depot.  Yes... that is why it is bright orange... but I think it adds to its charm!

Sledding and Snow Angels!

Christmas with Grandma Kok!

Great Grandma Kok couldn't make it to the Big Kok Christmas celebration, (she is recovering from pneumonia) so we came to her!  Ava even sang her a Christmas song.... Ryan was playing shy!

Merry CHRISTmas!

We had a WONDERFUL Christmas morning celebrated at home for the first time EVER!  (Before the move, we were always traveling to be with others on Christmas.)  Santa came and gave Ava and Ryan a new pair of pajamas and girl Lego's (for Ava-the only thing she asked for) and a Thomas set for Ryan.  Mom and Dad also got a few gifts for the kids too.  Some of the high lights are a remote controlled Thomas the Tank Engine and a remote controlled My Little Pony Car!  The kids were so excited about each item. The Christmas spirit is VERY much alive and strong in our house!  WE BELIEVE!

Christmas Eve-Our House!

Our First Christmas Eve in our new house! And boy are we EXCITED!  We sure have the Christmas Spirit this year. Ava and Ryan are at such fun ages... and truly "get it"!  It is so fun to be their mom!

All dressed up for Christmas Eve Mass.

 The start of a new tradition. On Christmas Eve, we each get to open 1 gift. Ava and Ryan each picked out a gift for each other and they both opened those tonight. Ava got Ryan a stuffed Owl he named Squirt and Ryan picked out a Flower Clock for Ava's Room. (It projects the time on the ceiling!) Ava got to go "shopping" at school for gifts for us (we send in $1 per person and then she picks out a special gift for all of us) and both Kyle and I opened our gifts from Ava tonight.  She got me a pair of socks and Kyle a Christmas tie! She was so thoughtful and really came up with things we will actually use!   I wish I would have taken a picture of her reaction to us opening the gifts. She was SO proud. I think she is starting to get the idea that giving is sometimes more fun then receiving!

 Cookies for Santa and Magic Reindeer Dust for the reindeer. 

Looks like Santa came!!!!



Christmas Celebration-Bille Side

We were so excited to open gifts last night at Grandma and Grandpa Bille's house! We were spoiled again!  And our BIG present will come later this week when Grandma and Grandpa Bille take us all to Wisconsin Dells for the weekend. 

Ryan got Hot Wheels, Mickey Mouse Puzzle, A Dream Lite, CAT Tractors and Diggers, an Ornament, and New SHOES (fast ones!)

Ava received a Barbie Doll, a puzzle, A Dream Lite, an Ornament, A new game for her Leapster, and a Hello Kitty CD Player/Karaoke Machine!

We sure are BLESSED!