Holiday Party

We hosted the first annual Wrinkles/Lardo Christmas party this past weekend.   25 adults and 10 kids, 4 and under stormed our house with Christmas cheer.  We are so thankful that a little ice and snow storm didn't keep them away.  Also thankful that my under cooked turkey didn't kill anyone.  Note to self in my next kitchen I might need 2 ovens. 

The Wrinkles family always had Santa come on Christmas Eve and my family always had a carol sing.  We married the two family traditions and did both.  Nick was upset we didn't have a piano and live music for the sing along.  Next year we might have to convince Jann to come with a keyboard!

I was so busy (drinking wine), I didn't take any photos.  However Sarah sent me these not to be missed goodies from the photo booth and Santa visit.

Good friends make for an even Merrier Christmas.

Christmas Count Down!

We are spending the holiday on Long Lake with Nick's parents and extended family.

Some little people I know are excited!

Little Gracie Bear Cub

Gracie's cute factor overwhelms me lately.  She is seriously the cutest, little giggle bear.  Her full head of hair makes her look like a little doll.  

See doll below.

Sometimes. . .

Sometimes you put a photo on the blog simply because you never want to forget it.  I know he won't be this snuggly forever.

Alison & Jason

Nick's sister Alison and her husband Jason visited Grand Haven in November. It meant a lot to is that they made the effort to come and see our hometown.  We really rolled out the red carpet- taking them to a preschool family carnival fundraiser on the first night of their visit.  Because nothing says we appreciate you flying hundreds of miles to see us like a slice of luke warm Dominoes Pizza free with admission. . .and bounce house.

The visit picked up steam Saturday with a hike through PJ Hoffmaster State Park, a babysitter and a trip to Founders Brewery in Grand Rapids.  

They are both amazing with Fisher and Gracie.  Alison shares her fashion sense with fun gifts, while Jason has enough patience and energy to handle a fleet of preschoolers.  We loved, loved having them visit.  Next time I promise hot pizza and no fundraisers.

Christmas Card 2013

Not my best effort ever (see 2009 and 2011 Christmas cards) but not the worst either (that would be 2012's non existent card).

This is the first year I succumbed to social pressure and sent out a photo printed on card stock.  I still much prefer an actual photograph, but clearly I'm in the minority judging from the cards that arrive in my mailbox.  

This is definitely the more economical way to go. . .until you accidentally order a square card sent in a square envelope. Amateur mistake.

Looking forward to 2014's card already.  It will be better I promise.  Think real photograph and not square.

To be little

Fisher loves tents, forts and small spaces in general.  Last week I found him reading books in our blanket cabinet.  It has since become one of his favorite hide away spots.  Its fun to see his imagination and creativity grow.  I've even convinced him coloring and crafts are cool.  It only took 2 years.

First Santa

We kicked off our seasonal Santa visits with a trip to Somerset mall in Troy courtesy of Gammy Jann.   Here are my thoughts on this Santa visit:

1.). My kids are under dressed.  When visiting Santa at a fancy mall kids should look prepared to meet president Obama at a state dinner at the very least.  Nothing short of taffeta tartan will do.

2.). When you drag your 2 kids 2 and under to 3 different states in 3 weeks sometimes a blue and white Chanukah outfit is all mom can muster.  Hey I thought the blue pants off set all that red nicely.

3.). This Santa was a serious professional.  

4.)  Fisher is sorry he is not sorry he can't smile at a man with a beard taller than him.

5.) Gracie looks like a boy.  Glad I packed a holiday bow.  Note she is wearing the same white RL cardi Fisher wore on his first visit with the man from the North Pole when he was 2 months old.  It's not like I dug this outfit together 15 minutes before we were supposed to leave, it was planned all along. .  . I promise. ( see point 2 )

6.). Gracie has never worn a bow in public, I secretly think she looks ridiculous in them.  

7.)   Gracie might actually be a doll

8.)  thanks Jann for a fun and festive day

Go Blue!

Despite what's turning out to be a horrendous football season, we had a great time with some of my college roommates who came to town to watch the Michigan/Minnesota game.  Well we had a great time until Fisher puked neon blue vomit all over the party.  Take note football season is also cold and flu season and "the only thing weaker than a toddler hand shake is their immune system".

Thankfully this is a forgiving crowd, which may also explain why we still proudly wear our maize and blue football gear.

Bob & Lee

Nick's grandparents Bob and Lee drove down from Petoskey to see Grace Louise.  She mostly slept through their short visit.  They drove 8 hours round trip to see a baby sleep in a swing.  This is why we love them.

Fisher Turns 2!

Fisher turned 2 and we celebrated all week long.

WEDNESDAY

we hosted the playgroup Halloween party- 12 moms 16 kids!  I was happy our new house handled the crowd nicely.  

THURSDAY HALLOWEEN

Down pour.  Serious rain.  Sarah and I tried to brave trick or treating with the kids downtown but it was too wet.  We retreated to her house for chili and birthday cupcakes.

Are we having fun yet?

FRIDAY

Papa Fisher & Wewe came to town, we grilled steaks and opened some presents.  I thought I took pictures but apparently not.

SATURDAY

The Schaals, Wrinkles, Lardo and Fisher families celebrated a harvest feast at our house complete with not fit for the USA, Argentine import birthday candle and the weekly Saturday Spring Lake Saturday sailing regatta.  Good times had by all.

I can't wait to see what year 3 brings for our little man!

0,1,2

Happy Hallobirthday Fisher!  We love you.

Melissa Visits!

We spent last week living up Michigan fall with aunt Melissa visiting from the East Coast.

We spent time at the pumpkin patch (our fifth of the season) and got lost in a corn maze. .  .

We Skyped with aunt Erica in Mexico, made delicious recipes and spent lots of time trying to make sure neither of these two were in tears .  .  . 

Melissa dropped Fisher off at preschool, previewed his Halloween costume and took time to carve a pumpkin with the little man.

Here's a link to a video of Fisher pumpkin carving.  Listen closely to hear him say "carve pumpkin" in Fisher talk.  He talks a lot now.  Have I mentioned that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNRbgdIHoGE

It was such a treat to have her here all to ourselves (although we did miss Sean!). I am always sad when we part ways with any of our siblings.  Fisher loves being with them and so do we.  Come again soon!