Our Christmas

This year, Tyler was old enough for us to start thinking about our own Christmas traditions. This year, we asked Santa to come to our house early before we headed out of town. Santa brought us a stocking full of fun things, and then a big-wheel motorcycle! We then opened some gifts as a family when we got back home after the holidays, including an awesome home-made wreath that Tyler made us at daycare. We also have included some videos below of his new bike & some tricks he has picked up. :)

Newman Christmas

Merry Christmas #2 & 3...the Newman's. We spent all of Christmas Eve with the Newman side. During the day we had an awesome breakfast, opened presents, and just hung out playing games and eating appitizers throughout the afternoon. Tyler got the hang of the 'kids pass out the presents' fast and did his part. He then had to 'help' everyone open their presents! He was excited to get his own - camo snow pants from Uncle Kyle, ISU sweatsuit from the Perkins, and bath toys and a Radio Flyer wagon from Grandma Julie & Grandpa John. We then headed to Grandma Newman's for supper and some more presents before Church. This was Tyler's first Christmas Eve church, believe it or not, and he did great. He entertained the family sitting around us, and even commented rather loudly when the lights went down that 'Uh-oh, it's dark!"

Hallquist Christmas

Christmas #1....we celebrated Christmas with the Hallquist side during our Thanksgiving trip to Louisville, KY. Even Santa made his way there early! We had the traditional coffee ring, opened stocking gifts, and sat around the tree to open more. The kids made out with all kinds of goodies...Tyler got a tractor, race track, and pillow pets! Thank you to the Hensley's for hosting us and letting us make a mess!

Thanksgiving & Birthday in KY

Thanksgiving this year took us to Louisville, KY to visit the Hensley's. We took off mid-day Wednesday and arrived just in time on Thanksgiving day to eat the good food but not have to help cook! Zach & Val, meal was delicious! After the wonderful Thanksgiving meal we also celebrated a belated birthday for Tyler. Many thanks for the awesome presents - a flip remote-control car and awesome Cardinals blanket! Friday we went to the KFC Yum! Center where Zach works to see a basketball game - Tyler had a ball.

Go ISU Cyclones!

So, anyone who knows either Andrew or Tyler knows that ISU Cyclone basketball is a favorite. We went to a few games over the school break and got some close-up seats - which got Tyler on the big screen a few times! He likes Cy - as long as he doesn't get too close to Cy. And of course, he likes basketball.....

Tyler is 2!!

Looking back, I can't believe that this little boy is already 2 years old......

These were when he was just born - 5 weeks early, 6 pounds.....

This was his 1st birthday...that smile is contagious!

On his actual birthday, Mom & Dad got him a new 'potty' book with Elmo!

We then took him swimming - he shivered the entire time but seemed to have a blast! Of course, shooting baskets was his favorite!

We then had an authentic pirate birthday party - his favorite cartoon is Jake and the Neverland Pirates on Disney. He got a Jake video from the Perkins (a sincere Thanks from the parents who let him watch it almost the ENTIRE trip to Louisville, KY & back!) and a laptop from Grandma Julie & Grandpa John. Mom & Dad got him a pirate toy chest filled with gold coins & jewerly, and a kitchen. We then had ice cream & pirate cake! Overall, I think he had a fun celebration! Thank you to all the family that came to visit and celebrate with us!

Halloween

This year we got to go trick-or-treating two times, and boy was Tyler excited. First we went to Stanton for their "Trick or Treat on the Trail." It's really neat - lots of businesses and local families sit at tables on the local walking trail and hand out candy or different kinds of treats. You don't have to walk very far or go up and down driveways. Both Grandma Julie and Grandma Denise were handing out stuff, so we got to say hi and show them our costume (& for those with good memories - yes, we cheated and wore it again - it's just so cute!!). After about the 3rd table he totally had it figured out you get stuff at the tables.

We then went around our neighborhood with neighbor girl Ashton. They had a lot of fun, and Tyler was quick to figure out that keeping his hands warm was no option because that meant he couldn't grip the candy! He enjoyed the last stop, with was Neighbor Kevin (see picture below). Once home we let him hand out candy, and honestly I think he thought that was more fun than getting candy! He especially liked the high school kids collecting canned goods. Happy Halloween!