Christmas Eve at the Thomsen's

We spent our Christmas Eve afternoon at the Thomsen's (once we made our way through the snow to get there - wow!).  We had a delicious dinner, complete with ham, fondue, and potatoes.  We had a lovely reading of the nativity and opened presents.  We even got to Skype with Ryan, Eliza, Matthew, and Peter.  I didn't get many pictures, but this one of Jack wearing his new PJ bottoms as a hat?  Totally worth it.

Barber Party

By now, everyone knows how much we love the Barber Christmas Party.  We were missing some family this year (I'm looking at you Cassie and Jonathan!), but tried to have a good time anyway.  Of course, we had the nativity - look at those great wisemen!

And opened presents.  But the best part was spending time with family.  

And might I add this?  We are completely boy-heavy in this family.  Just look at this:

A great night for sure.  Thanks Pa and Nana for hosting!

Brothers and TV

These two love watching TV - usually right next to each other.  This year, Rudolph was the big hit!

Zoo Lights

What can I say?  The Zoo Lights are amazing.  Especially when the Johanson's come along with us!

Winter Sing

One of our favorite things each Christmas is the Winter Sing at Cole and Jack's school.  They do a great job teaching the kids songs and putting on a good show.  Jack got to join in this year, although his performance mostly consisted of wearing a Santa hat and shaking some jingle bells.

The Pre-School B class did a great job, and Isak and Cole looked awesome in their PJs.

 Thanks to such wonderful teachers for having the patience to put this show on!

Graham Cracker Houses

It's an annual tradition we all get excited for - Thomsen Graham Cracker House Night.  We had a ton of fun, as usual, and the kids were very creative.  I think prizes and categories are in order for next year!

Breakfast with Santa

Early in December, we were all so excited to get to have breakfast with Santa at the Grand America.  Pa and Nana generously invited us, and we couldn't wait to go.  That week, Jack had come down with a stomach bug, but seemed to be doing well that morning, so we set out.  The hotel was absolutely gorgeous, and the breakfast room was awesome.

Cole was very excited to pick out his favorites - which included chocolate chip pancakes, mac and cheese, and cookies.  The food was incredible!

Unfortunately, Jack didn't find it so incredible.  After about two bites into a pancake, he threw up.  It was a proud moment for us - our child puking into the fine linens at the Grand America.

We finally got to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus.  They were adorable.  

It was such a fun morning, and thank you to Pa and Nana for taking us!

Back to Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was wonderful.  We had two delicious Thanksgiving dinners - one at Aunt Leslie's, and one at Pa and Nana's.  At Aunt Leslie's, Cole and Jack enjoyed sitting at the kids table...and apparently stabbing rolls.  Bryce and I enjoyed lots of cousins around to take Jack on never-ending loops around the house.

At Pa and Nana's, we spent some quality time with Aunt Carol and Great Grandpa Allen.  My mom even had a craft for the boys - making turkeys.   

The best part of Thanksgiving was that Jack started walking!  Bryce and I were getting a little nervous - the doctor gave us until 19 months for Jack to walk before we had to investigate physical therapy.  We only had a week to go.  Luckily, Jack deciding walking was awesome and started cruising around the house.  We were so excited for him.  

Overall, a great weekend and lots to be thankful for!