Christmas X 3

We were able to celebrate Christmas a few times this year.  2011 was exciting because this is the first year Shay was able to start to understand what Christmas was all about.  She was so excited to see everyone and of course, open presents.  Christmas Eve we headed over to Amma's after going to church.  Everyone was there, and the girls had a great time playing with their cousins.  Alyssa had special interest in Baby Gus.  Christmas Day we headed to my aunt Marylou's where the whole Sturm family got together for great conversation and delicious food.  The day after Christmas we headed to Papa Bill's and Grandma Ginger's house to have fun with the Carroll family. Whew!  We got a lot of celebrating done in just a few days!

Millie (2), Olive (4), Shay (3), Alyssa (1)

Alyssa spent as much time as possible around Gus

What a good looking crew!

Alyssa figured practicing her bridge was a great thing to do anywhere

Celebrating at our house before Santa comes

Sam and Sophie 

Papa Mark and Loren- can you tell there brothers?

Me with the Hosts- Kathy and Marylou

Sturm Girl Cousins

View out of Papa Bill's Window

How did this happen? Or "What the?"

Not too much fun playing in the curtains now

Didn't spill too much paint while helping

May be possibly all the dress up clothes at once, including a wrestling mask, surgery hat, necklace, purse, brown pants and who knows what else

Entertaining each other during Jesse's wedding rehearsal

Not the first time falling asleep at dinner

Home with Dad

 Crazy Hair.. or kids

Ready or not... here we come 2012!

Christmas Crafts

Both Shay and Alyssa have been busy at their perspective daycare's making many things.  Alyssa has been busy making us a present that we will get today from Tracie's house. Shay has brought home cookies in a jar, pictures of snowmen and last week a gingerbread house.  She is loving all the stuff she gets to do!

Shay showing off her good work

She did everything but the frosting herself

We may have a budding artist on our hands

Alyssa getting a sippie of milk instead of the biting into the 

Gingerbread house, she doesn't think its a fair trade

Baby God and the Hooker: Nativity Scene According to Shay

We thought we were doing a good job this year explaining to Shay what Christmas is about, as well as who makes up the manger scene.  Apparently we did not do a very good job.  She went over to grandma's house and asked if she could play with "Baby God and the Hooker" (the Shepard with the staff). I think we have some more explaining to do.

Duluth Trip

We headed up to Duluth to see the Burns family and the Bentleyville lights this past weekend, which is becoming an annual traditions.  We all had so much fun, but Shay is the one who may have enjoyed it the most- it is her main topic of conversation the last couple of days.  While we were up north, we had great conversations (some even non-kid oriented :), played a lot, saw the lights, decorated cookies, fought over toys, ate well, went on a "hike, skated on boots, and had tons of fun.  Thanks Elicia, Shawn, Breck and Cullen for another awesome weekend!

 Cookie decorating fun

 Alyssa thought eating the cookies was the best

 One of our family style, delicious meals

 She loves visiting Duluth!

 The Whole Gang!

 Not a fan of the snowsuit at first

 Best picture of the weekend

She's Growing Up

Lately, Brett and I have noticed that a lot of "cute" things Shay did as a baby and toddler are no more.  Especially when we listen to her conversations.  "A-bone" which was "oatmeal" and the saying the monkey sound instead of saying "monkey" used to be common words in our house.  Although it is great to see her grow, it is a bit sad to realize we don't have our really little girl anymore.  Shay now has thoughts, feelings and opinions on almost everything, and doesn't feel a need to hold back on letting you know where she is coming from :)   Replaced with the cute words, are big girl conversations, the ability to stick with an activity for more than 5 minutes, stating the words "I love you" and knowing what it means, and a host of other very cool things.  It is a blessing to watch her learn and grow, and hopefully we can tag along for most of the ride.

Goofing around with mom, messy face and all

Its Cold Out There!

We have not completely settled into our new house, but we are definitely getting closer.  Shay and Alyssa have been eager to help when they can.  Shay has helped with painting (she painted the closet in the basement playroom), helped dad set up our new bed frame as well as helped hang up pictures.  Alyssa is noticing new things around the house and loves to take the ornaments off then on the tree.  We haven't been outside much at night since its been so cold, but once in a while we venture out to take a walk with Bailey.  Both girls seem to love getting all dressed up and getting their picture taken- so here it is.