New Years Eve

This year we were able to continue our tradition of going to the Papke's for NYE.  Last year Madelyn was sick so we stayed home but thankfully we were all healthy this year and were able to celebrate with great friends!

Katie does an amazing job with all the food and activities for the kids.  Balloon drop, bubbly juice, confetti toss.....such fun!

I've been celebrating NYE with Katie since before we were both married.  Fun to look back and remember when it was just the two of us, then we added husbands and now kids.  A perfect way to the end year and start the next year......with life long friends.  Love our families!

Big News from Madelyn and Jack

As if the excitement of Christmas wasn't enough, both kids had their own big news over the holidays.

Madelyn lost her first tooth on Christmas Day!  She had fallen at school a couple of times so her bottom front teeth were loose but she lost it while we were in Iowa......and swallowed it.  I wasn't sure if it would bother her but so far, so good.  Thankfully it's on the bottom so it's not overly noticeable as we aren't sure when her permanent tooth will be coming in!  Even though she didn't have her tooth, the tooth fairy still made her way to Iowa and left a little present for Madelyn.

 
Jack's big news is he is potty trained!!!  I honestly can't believe it.  We have been asking him over the last year and he was never interested.  They tried taking him at school - he didn't care.  I thought when he moved to preschool that would peak his interest - no.  I guess it's true when they say kids will be ready on their own time.

When we were at the Bishop Christmas Jack asked Ryan to take him potty.  He has done this before but whenever we get to the bathroom he says "actually, I don't want to go" and then just leaves.  But this night was different -- he sat and went potty!  OMG, could this be the real deal?!?!?

Sunday we took him every hour, if not more.  He went every time we took him and only had 2 accidents all day.  So we decided to send him to school in undies on Monday.

Monday didn't go so well as he had 5+ accidents at school.  I decided we needed to keep trying and if it didn't go well we could re-evaluate after the long New Years weekend.  Much to our surprise, Jack didn't have any accidents on Tuesday and has only had 1-2 accidents since.  It's been amazing.  I had no idea that being done with diapers would be so freeing.  He is so proud and we couldn't be more proud!  Overnight our little Jack grew up and now he's going to be 3 in only a couple weeks.  Where did my babies go?!?!?!?

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas

Christmas started when we got presents in the mail from Uncle Eric and Auntie Heather.  The kids were in heaven.  Candy, chocolate, toys, Chicago Bears gear, Aerial dress.....doesn't get much better than that!

Next up was Christmas Eve.  This year we went to the Froehle's.  Their church is beautiful and reminds me of Trinity Church in Owatonna, only about 3 times bigger.  The music was amazing!  After church we went back to the Froehle's and spent time together as Carla and Luke prepared dinner.  Papa showed off his artistic side and did face painting for all the kids.  He did a fabulous job and the kids loved it!  Dinner was so yummy and then we were off to open presents.  Our kids were so tired by the end of the night they were asking to go to bed.....that only happens when they are exhausted!  Such a special night with our family.  It's an afternoon and evening every year that I cherish as it's all about family and the special bond we have.

These 4 had a blast this year!  Growing up and loving cousin time!

This picture makes me smile as I love my family so much!

 Papa's Tiger Masterpiece

 Playing with Bishop and we are always doing crazy things!

 And my beautiful niece Nora!

Love this picture with my sister & mom.

We don't get many of these anymore so this is extra special!

 Uncle Luke & Auntie are so good to Madelyn.......

......and Jack!

Even though his face doesn't show it, he loves his garbage truck!

 Basically Sisters!

We just love Nana & Papa!

Christmas Morning the kids were up bright and early to see if Santa stopped.  Lucky kids, Santa made it to our house! :)  Madelyn got an Aerial doll and a kitchen for her dolls.  Jack got a tractor, loader, dump truck all in one!  The kids played with their toys for a little bit and then we were off to Iowa to celebrate with the Bormann's.

The fun continued in Iowa with Grandpa, Grandma and all the aunts and uncles!  The kids just love it there as there is so much room to run around and they get attention from the minute we walk in until we are driving out of the driveway.  More delicious food, family time and of course presents!  Grandpa made Madelyn an art desk and Jack a machine shed.  We are going to have to add on to our house to accommodate all of Grandpa's homemade creations.....and I will gladly do that as his work is amazing!

Turned out pretty much perfect this year, thanks to the selfie stick!

Next year we should have another entire family picture at Uncle Eric & Auntie Heather's wedding!

Adorable smiles....Grandma and Madelyn!  And Grandpa with Ms. Giggles

Uncle Chris, Madelyn & Ms. Michelle

Madelyn loves her doll outfit and puppy!

Michelle and Madelyn both got "helpers" from Grandpa!

Jack's practicing for his senior picture poses

Madelyn's new desk......

.....and Jack's new machine shed!

 Grandma got a new setting in one of rings and it was specially designed by Auntie Heather.  

It is gorgeous and very special!!!

 The machine shed also works as a coloring/drawing board

 Always smiling and having fun with Uncle Marc!

On Saturday morning we were back on the road, heading to the cities, to the Froehle's for our last Christmas celebration of the season.....the Bishop Family Christmas.  It is very special to still have my Grandpa Ray active and able to attend all the celebrations.  The kids talk about GG Ray and GG Darlene as they are always getting them special toys and giving them lots of love.  A busy and fun 3 days of celebrating!!

 The Greats with the Greats

I'm not sure who has more fun!!

 The Whole Crew.....who were able to make it!

Special Times with Nana & Papa

It was a week of surprises from the grandparents......Grandpa and Grandma surprised the kids at school and then Nana and Papa surprised the kids at church on Sunday.  Madelyn was singing in church so it was special to have Nana & Papa there to watch her.

After church we went to the Macy's display in downtown Minneapolis.  I'm glad we went early on Sunday as we didn't have to wait long.  I remember going to the display with my mom & sister years ago before we had kids and it was always a fun afternoon. This time it was fun to see the excitement through the kids' eyes.  One of the highlights was seeing Mrs. Claus!  Madelyn wants to be Mrs. Claus when she grows up :)  The next couple weeks are going to be pretty exciting as the celebration of Christmas begins/continues!

Holiday Parties

The kids both had their holiday parties at school this week.  Jack's class celebrated on Tuesday and Madelyn's party was on Thursday.

It was so cute to see Jack, all grown up and singing the songs with this class.  He did so well (at least we thought he did!).  He knew the words and actions to the 3 songs they sang.  After the songs, we got to do activities with the kids, decorate sugar cookies and spend time together.  It's always fun to see them in their school environment and interacting with kids.  Jack seemed much more grown up even from the month before at his tea party.  He loves preschool!

Jack was so excited to see us walk in!

Madelyn's holiday program was on Thursday.  Grandpa Kenny & Grandma Emily surprised the kids for the program.  It was so fun!  I picked up Jack from his class and the expression on his face was priceless when he saw Grandpa & Grandma!  Madelyn was equally as excited but she was sitting up from with her class and she couldn't wait to give hugs!  The smiles on the kids' face says it all.  Thank you Grandpa & Grandma for making the trek to see the kids - special times that none of us will forget :)

Her smile melts my heart!

Showing Grandma one of her school activities