Family Picts

Leftsa

 For around 10 years, Josh and I were lucky enough to part-take in a Norweigan tradition of leftsa on Christmas Eve with clam chowder soup (or chicken noodle -thx Merilyn!).  Josh married a great lady and she makes it!  Fear not, J gets in on it.  This year they had 2 helpers - Grandma Kathy and Eli Miller.  Here is a picture of many hours of work.

 Eli stood on Grandma's stool and played with magnets.  He carried on conversation in his own language, and although he couldn't touch anything, felt very much a part of the whole process.  So much so that when he needed a new diaper (code brown), he refused to go to the changing room - he got changed in the middle of the kitchen!  Anyway, to end the process there were dishes to be done.  This is Eli helping - making sure too that he gets his toothbrush nice and clean!

 Did you need something?  Don't mind me...I am working hard here...

The new drinking fountain?  His aunt and uncle couldn't resist using the 

sprayer on him because he loved the water so much!

Christmas Eve 2010

 Christmas Eve at Grandma's house...after church...wanting to eat dinner...

 A picture with my 'little' brother...

 After dinner, the dance party which commenced with Christmas carols 

and baby E needing to be in on the action...cell phone and all.

Twistin' the night away with Uncle J!

 Dancin' freestyle!

The anticipation of Santa - cookies, milk, and pictures for his wall at home (scotch tape included) 

- a little  bit of excitement if you can't tell...

Must be Santa...

I like to call this "No fear."  For the first time in 2 years, both kids sat on Santa's lap without screaming at the top of their lungs.  Hannah isn't feeling so great, and Eli has a new trick where he sees a camera and says "Cheese" - thus the gigantor smile!

Grandma and Papa joined us this year - good thing - waiting for 45 min gets a bit long!

 Breakfast after church on Sunday...hammin' it up - as always- 

keeps him from getting in trouble - the cute part that is...

 Pancakes and syrup - still apparently in her mouth - a favorite breakfast food!

The aftermath...church, breakfast and Santa...Santa threw him over the edge of exhaustion...

Window looker...

Nurse Practitioner in the House!

Raggedy Ann was very sick this day.  She needed Hannah the Nurse Practitioner to help her out.  I think that Cookie Monster told her that her "heart beat is very healthy and strong!"

Not sure what the deal was with the headband except that we see the ENT more often than our PCP.  You may also notice the pink blanket tied around her waist...

Listening intently...

Cookie Taster!

Tryin' out the snickerdoodles...he may be doing a little snickering too 

- thinking about his cinnamon project.

 Yum!  So proud to be sitting in daddy and Hannah's chair!

Bein' a little naughty in the big chair!