New Hamburg Santa Claus Parade

Scott and Logan headed to New Hamburg on Sunday night to take in the parade. As much as I really want to get to a night time parade, Jacob hasn't been feeling the greatest lately so he and I stayed home to stay warm and get to bed on time!

They had dinner at Scott's mom and dad's house with Todd, Helena and Joel and then they all walked closer to downtown to find a spot.

Since Scott took these pictures, I don't have any commentary to go along with them. :)









Hopefully next year we'll all be able to go!

Daddy's Little Helper

Last night when I was making supper, Logan wanted to go outside to shovel the driveway for Scott when he got home. I knew that he wanted to be out there when Scott got home so I put him off as long as possible (knowing he wouldn't last outside too long) before suiting him up and sending him outside.

I didn't think he would actually shovel and accomplish anything, but he did! Mind you the snow was just covering the ground, but he made real progress. Unfortunately, Scott took longer than usual to get home due to the weather so Logan headed inside before he arrived but he was pretty happy to tell Daddy about how he helped him out side.

He came inside at one point for different mittens. He told me that the ones he was wearing didn't work for shovelling snow.

He spent most of the time looking down the street, watching for Scott's car.

This morning it was a bit warmer so he, Jacob and I headed out to shovel and enjoy the snow. I forgot my camera inside though and didn't want to take my boots off to come inside and get it...next time. I'm sure there will be more snow!

Kid's Christmas Party - Navy Club

Today was the annual Christmas Party for kids at the Navy Club. They put on a great party every year. Entertainment by children's entertainer, Eric Traplin, started the morning. The kids love him.

Logan (no idea why he's sticking out his belly) listening to the music.

Dancing with Grandma.

Everytime I tried to take a picture from the front he posed, so I took lots from the back!

Joel; he was totally into the music!

Jacob took a while to warm up so he spent a lot of time in Scott's arms.

Joel & Logan

It looks like they are dancing together here.

Logan got to play along with a tambourine.

A great shot (taken by Scott) of Logan trying to eat the bubbles.

The bubbles are always a big hit with all the kids.

Jacob too!

The three guys waiting for Santa to arrive!

Jacob with Santa...or trying to get away.

Joel didn't have much love for Santa today.

Happy to have his gift and be away from Santa.

Jacob and his present.

Logan and Santa. Logan wouldn't look at me but he made sure to tell Santa that he wanted a drum set for Christmas!

Jacob back at the table opening his present.

And Logan with his.

What a fun morning!

And the Christmas activities begin!

Yesterday we attended the Coldwell Banker Trees for Toys event. After buying our house through a Coldwell Banker agent a few years ago we have been invited to this annual event in which we can receive a real tree or wreath in exchange for a donation of a toy. We did get a tree one year but have since chosen to get a wreath since we enjoy the tradition of going out and cutting down our own tree.

We headed out yesterday morning to partake in the festivities. I primed Logan a bit before we went letting him know what we were doing, explained about donating a gift and told him we would be seeing Santa Claus; he was pretty excited.

First stop...the fire truck!

Logan waiting his turn.

Little Jacob and the big steering wheel.

Quite possibly the highlight of Logan's day!

An action shot.

Watching to see the fire truck's ladder rise up.

Then we headed inside...

Logan got a fire hat and sticker.

A relatively successful (but overexposed...) visit with Santa!

Logan got his face painted.

He chose a snowman.

We had a snack, dropped off our gift and visited with our agent and friend Scott. We then headed back outside to pick up our wreath. First we stopped in to learn a a bit about fire safety in our home. We watched a short video and then headed into a "bedroom" where the kids learned to feel the door before going out of it to see if it was hot (the door actually was!) and then we climbed out the window since going out the door would not have been safe.

It might have gone over Logan's head a bit, but what a fabulous teaching tool!

Logan going out the window.

Daddy helping him out and the fireman on the inside.

Down the ladder he goes!

We grabbed our wreath (I forgot to take pictures of it...) and then visited the firetruck again before heading home.

I think the instructor of my camera course would like the composition of this picture. :)

It was a great event and we are appreciative to be invited every year!

Christmas Tree 2010

We were going to wait until next weekend to get our tree but we're pretty busy! Plus I realized that today was the first Sunday of Advent, so it seemed fitting. I was so happy when we woke up to some snow on the ground yesterday and some falling through the morning. Getting a Christmas tree with even a little bit of snow on the makes it seem SO much more festive!

We headed out to Benjamin Tree Farm not too far from our house - the same place we've been getting our tree for several years now. Luckily the wind had died down and it was quite a nice afternoon!

Not impressed in his snowsuit.

Or on the "sled" with Logan.

It doesn't really look like anyone is having any fun!

Finding the perfect tree.

Jacob experiencing snow for the first time!

Logan is looking slightly concerned here...maybe about Scott's abilities to cut down the tree?

The pictures that follow are a failed attempt at a picture of the two of them together...

Lumberjack Scott

It's down! Logan is so excited!

Logan teaching Jacob all about snow.

Mmmm, a snowball.

Brainfreeze!

Bringing the tree back to the van.

Warming up with some cookies and juice.

Ahhh! So cute!

So we brought it home and put it up yesterday and then we put the lights on during the boys' nap this afternoon and we all decorated it together when they woke up.

Scott putting up the lights.

Our Christmas balls from Bronners. My grandma and grandpa Dolson gave me mine when I was 2 or 3. Scott also got his in his childhood. When my mom was in the States earlier this year, she picked up balls for the boys as well. I'm so happy we all have them. They look great!

I made Logan some hot chocolate for the first time, he loved it!

Jacob was pretty cranky this afternoon, but he was there!

Logan wanted to be the one to put the star on the top...he could almost reach.

He was so excited to watch it go up.

Jacob checking out one of his ornaments.

Hanging it on the tree with daddy's help.

Logan hanging an ornament. Logan was totally into decorating the tree, he loved it!

Helping daddy find the next one to hang up.

Not only was he cranky but lazy too. He couldn't even pick up his cup.

The finished product...

With lights.

Without.

The tree looks great and we had a lot of fun decorating it!