It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...

Well as usual it has been a busy few weeks for us. We were in Dixon for Thanksgiving so Molly had her first trip to the Christmas tree farm. Fortunately Carly was there to show her the ropes.


Carly was a big fan of Santa Claus


Molly looking pretty cute in her sock monkey hat.

Over the Thanksgiving weekend we had Ellie's birthday party and EVERBODY was there.
Gram got some special snuggle time with Molly.


We tried (with little success) to get a picture of all of the grandkids


Cassidy could barely stand all of the excitement!


These crazy glasses were a huge hit with all the little kids.


I think you can see the appeal


A little family photo.


Back in Minnesota we braved the cold and went out to the steel pole forest of the Menards tree lot and picked out a beautiful tree. Not quite as much fun as cutting down your own....but it will do. Carly was very helpful with putting on the lights,


picking out the ornaments,

and putting them on the tree.


She even had some free time to entertain Molly.


Our first big snow was not accompanied with sub zero temperatures so we took the opportunity to enjoy some outside time.


Complete with tractor pulled sled rides

and snow angels.


All that cold outside time and it was time for a nice warm bath. Molly has been upgraded to the big girl tub which she and Carly both enjoy.


This past weekend we had a little blizzard here. Since we were essentially trapped in the house we took the opportunity to get a lot of baking done. Here we are all suited up and ready to start.




Would you believe she didn't realize until the last one how good rolos are?


Molly even got to help out!


Although she loved putting things in the mixer and stirring with a spatula, Carly's favorite part was mixing with our hands.


Carly's first time making shortbread.....Grandma Kitson sure would be proud.

While we stayed inside and kept warm, Jason dug us out.

On Monday night Christine hosted her annual daycare Christmas party. Santa came and read the night before Christmas and gave all the kids gifts.


Molly thought it was great


but Carly was having no direct contact with Santa's lap


Molly finds that chewing is the most efficient way to open packages.


Happy Holidays! Can't wait to see lots of you next week.

What we're thankful for

First and foremost we are thankful to have two beautiful little girls. Then we move onto more selfish things like being thankful that out of the blue, Carly has decided to make nice with the potty chair! Remember that... we put it together like a year ago.... just in the last two weeks or so she decided it was time to put on her big girl panties (aka Tinkerbells) and collect her M&Ms one by one. (though she'll ask for two EVERY time!?)


Bwaaaaaa!

Bwaaaaaa again.

Molly's funny!

As you may remember last time, Molly has started on her foods other than milk. She's also working at sitting up in the chair.

Sometimes she's really enthused about it.

Not long ago Uncle Brian, Aunt Megan and Cassidy came to visit. Uncle Brian had ulterior motives for making the trip, but the girls didn't mind. Saturday was the first blast of winter, and the Gerkens were on hand for the first snowstorm of the season. Carly and Cassidy just played inside.

Molly is dying to know what's going on on the table!

Carly showing off her new "ink." Don't mess with the Butterfly Girl.

To which Molly just says... whatever, my lady bug can beat up your butterfly.

A while back Carly got a Play-Doh burger factory thingy for a present. Welllllll.... we finally got around to actually letting her play with it. She made this beautiful birthday cake. Shortly after, she pounded this into a solid lump and Jason spent the next hour trying to salvage the colors for the next time. If they can make them different colors.... why can't they make them not stick to each other?

Never ones to stifle creativity (and as a potty reward from daycare) Carly has also been getting into watercolors. So watch your Christmas stockings... you all may have Carly originals!

Molly has taken to feeding herself... she's really becoming such an independent little princess.

Since winter is here, Carly stays inside at daycare... which means she can wear dresses.... which she is quite fond of. Here's one of her new favorites... a lady bug dress.

Ok, That's all we have... Check back again soon... we'll likely have at least one more update before Christmas.... and it will be here quickly!!

Fall Fun: Oh Crap......EVER

Well it's been a little while since we've updated and we've really been enjoying the nice fall weather in MN. We've got some great fall pictures for you, but what about that title you ask? Well our little angel has really embraced these two responses. As parents we're really proud at how appropriately she uses "oh crap" when she loses her ball, drops a toy or forgets something. Fear not we are telling her it's not nice to say and we're trying to break her of it, but at least she uses it appropriately. EVER on the other hand is shouted when she wants to convey that she will never do whatever it is you want her do. For example, Carly let's pick up our toys. Respone: "No EVER" Fortunately after an EVER or two and perhaps a threat of time alone in bed, she gives an "ok great" and starts to sing her clean up clean up song. You gotta love 2 year olds!

OK on to the pictures. Molly is doing an excellent job with tummy time.



Carly LOVED the leaves this year




Molly is a peanut and we are working on fattening her up a bit. Here she is enjoying her first taste of cereal.


Carly learning how to clean a pumpkin


Demonstrating her knew skill


And realizing that it is messy and probably is best left to daddy to finish


She decided she was much better suited to permanent marker and knives


Had to take a break to try on the costume and make sure it fit


The finished product....turns out she does a pretty good job with that knife.


Dancing like a "tinker bell princess" at Christine's Halloween party


Just too cute not to include


Sister love. The moment after this picture was taken she dropped Molly like an old toy (literally) and ran to find her friends.


The whole gang at daycare.


All ready to go trick-or-treating


"I have no idea what's going on, but I sure look cute"


Carly checking out her friend Payton's skunk costume.


Surveying all of her loot.


Carly get's chocolate and suckers and Molly gets peas


That's all for now. Hope to see you some of you very soon!