Christmas at the Newman's

Well, Christmas was interesting this year, to say the least. We spent the evening of the 23rd packing up, making food, and getting all ready for the 4 day trip to Stanton. It snowed all night, and Christmas Eve morning Tyler slept in and we got up to go scoop the drive and pack the cars to head back. Half way through the drive, Andrew doubled over in pain - and out went a disc in his back! I somehow got him inside, found a chiropractor that was open on Christmas Eve, practically threw Tyler to the neighbors (Thank you Baysingers!!!), and neighbor Kevin helped me load him into the car. After a long visit there, a visit to the walk-in to get drug perscriptions, I got him back home by 2 PM. By 4 I was back with Tyler, movies, drugs, and a lovely McDonalds supper! Needless to say our trip was cancelled and we spent the next three days holed up watching tv, movies, and trying to come up with creative, 'festive' meals since we hadn't planned on being home. It was nice to be in our own home (but not soo nice sleeping on a loveseat recliner), and Tyler did like the attention. But it was very hard on us as it was the very first time ever we hadn't spent Christmas with our families in Stanton.

Tyler got a cell phone in his stocking!

He also got a Cookie Monster book. At least Andrew was able to lay on the couch part of the time and be with us.

Santa brought Tyler a farm, complete with animals and sounds. He enjoyed a new toy over the long weekend.

He enjoyed 'talking' on Dad's cell phone more than his new one.

Merry Christmas!!

Santa Visit

We spent a weekend in Stanton in early December and Santa visited Tyler and cousin Johnathan at Grandma & Grandpa Newman's house. Tyler wasn't so sure of the big guy and held on tight to Mom. The boys then had a blast the rest of the night showing off the power tools that Santa gave them.

In addition to Santa, I just had some cute pictures of Tyler and his food habits.....

We mastered the corn dog with no problem....

We know exactly where Mom & Dad keep the cereal and crackers...

And popcorn is one of our favorites!

Start of December...

December started out rough for our house. Andrew got a pretty bad case of the flu and was on the couch (and I mean didn't move) for about 3 days straight. Unfortunately, this was our one and only shopping weekend before Christmas, so I headed to the mall for a few hours with Tyler by myself, and then decorated the house. Tyler was a great little boy and did his best to 'help' daddy feel better.

The boys watching tv and chillin...
Apparently the show was funny!

If Dad needs crackers, then so do I!

I can help Mom with dishes....

Thanksgiving, Football, and Basketball

This year we were blessed that everyone made the trip to Des Moines for Thanksgiving. Thursday Andrew's immediate family came to enjoy a day of great food, some football, and lots of looking at the shopping ads! I then got to experience Black Friday shopping with a one-year-old (it lasted one store and I went home to stay warm!), then we went to get our Christmas tree. Saturday we went to the ISU basketball game in Des Moines, which was a nail biter but a win none the less. Sunday, the Peterson clan made their way to Des Moines for another great feast and some fun game playing. We really enjoyed having all of our family here for the holidays.

Here's a picture of the wonderful spread we ate and the 'big people' table.
And here is the 'cool people' table (this is where I sat, of course!). And for all of you wondering, no, I did not let my nephew drink alcoholic wine.

Tyler's big thing right now is "Touchdown"...when he sees football on table, he automatically goes into the stance! We believe he gets this from watching the older daycare boys play playstation or something.

However - we also do the same thing at ISU Basketball games! We're trying to convert it to "Three Pointer!" instead of touchdown.

"Look what I did Mom!" This is what I caught Tyler doing Sunday morning before the family showed up.

"I can help cook, Mom!"