Ski Patrol

While the kids were busy playing with Baby Alexis and Nani and Grandpa, Nick and me went skiing Saturday afternoon with a few friends. It was my first time ever skiing, so I wasn't quite sure how long I would last. Fortunately, my teacher was great (and he's certain it was his teaching and not my natural abilities!) and I lasted all day into the night swishing down the hills. After a big wipeout that left me wet and cold, I called it a (successful) day.

One thing for certain while learning to ski - a sense of humor! 

Little kids, like the one behind me here, came whizzing past each time! 

My ski instructor.

Weekend in Photos

Baby Alexis came for a surprise visit Saturday afternoon. Teddy seemed to welcome her with open arms.

Violet, the babysitter.

Three-in-one bath.

Our blondies.

A Case of the Sillies

Must have been something they ate or drank! Oh, and ignore Violet's no pants - she typically refuses them (and most clothes for that matter) after she wakes from her nap.

Tennis

Every Saturday afternoon, Max has been taking tennis lessons with Coach Lenny at what will be his new school next year. He laughs alot with the other kids and runs around ragged for 45 minutes. And I bet the assistance coaches aren't bad to play with either (see below)! 

Ice Age

I originally saw this on Pinterest and a couple blogs I follow and finally got around to setting it up for the kids. After breakfast, we gathered our "water" animals and took the plunge.

Amazing how a tub of ice and water can be so fun.

Even Teddy enjoyed playing with the wet animals.

Finally after Max fought with Violet on how a lion doesn't swim and complained, "She's not playing by the rules", the fun ended shortly afterward.

Discovery World

After Max's Sunday School, we took a last minute trip to Milwaukee's Discovery World over the weekend. Nick has taken the kids there a few times, so they (especially Max) were quick to point out all the fun things to Teddy and me. 

Max even gained a couple new students on his "tour."

Ready to touch some fish.

Max, the sailor man.

Violet's crazy hair.

The kids (and me) enjoyed watching Daddy on a bed of nails.

"Are you ever going to get me out of this thing?"

Six Months

Teddy turned six months old at the end of December and it's crazy to think he's only been here for that short of time. Both Max and Violet light up when they see him first thing in the morning and love to make him giggle with a good game of peek-a-boo. He's sitting up now and grabs at any object within his reach. He especially loves to stand on your lap and gives one of the cutest smirks I've ever seen. He's not yet on all fours, but maintains a solid baby push up for a long time. He's eating a little cereal, fruits and vegetables, but still seems more interested in nursing or a bottle. His sleep is still inconsistent with a couple naps per day and decent stretches at night - but definitely not where I'd like it be! At his 6 month check up, he weighed 16 lbs, 15 oz (50th %) and 28" long (95th %). It's been a wonderful 6 months with my little guy and we can't wait to see how he grows over the next six.

Wrestling starts early.

Dominick the Donkey

Max (and Violet) break dancing to the holiday classic, Dominick the Donkey.

If you've never heard the song, it's a must listen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ok5rOO2v2dU

Our Holidays

Our holidays started off a little early this year. Santa Claus visited us a couple days before Christmas (Wisconsin is one of his first stops) and brought lots of fun gifts for us. We had the whole weekend to play with our new toys and enjoyed laying around the house. Christmas Eve we headed down to Chicago to Aunt Linda's house to celebrate with the Draper family. Good food, good company, and we got to meet baby Alexis for the first time! We loaded up (and practically spilled out of the back with toys) and headed to Nani and Grandpa's house for the night. Another early morning rise on Christmas Day and we continued the celebration with Aunts, Uncles and lots of cousins. Somehow, we managed to stuff everything in the car and headed back home for a few days. The Saturday after Christmas, we jumped back in the car to meet the Obers in Lafayette, IN for our third Christmas celebration at an indoor water park hotel. The next day we came home and tried our best to unpack the suitcases we had been living out of for a couple of weeks. New Years Eve came and fortunately all we had to travel was next door for a party with friends. Once Teddy was asleep, I used that as my excuse to over serve myself the rest of the night. Luckily, Nick stepped in the next morning and let me sleep half the day away. It was a whirlwind of holiday fun, but we all had a great time and wouldn't have changed a thing. Happy New Year, friends and family!

A fun Saturday night putting together toys for the kids. 

Initially, I was in charge of putting together Violet's doll house. That was until I opened the box and saw 500 pieces! Thankfully, Nick quickly stepped in. 

Max awoke at 6am to let us know Santa had come! He wasn't too pleased when he had to wait on his sister and brother to wake up. 

As you can see, Violet has an obsession with Rapunzel. She now has a Rapunzel doll in every size (including one bigger than her thanks to our neighbor, Macy)!

"It's too early for this s&*t!"

Boys and their matching shirts.

Nick showing off his balloon making skills with his new kit. Clown makeup not included!

As I suspected, Max took to the doll house and...

Violet took to the bike!

The ping pong set Max picked out for Daddy. I see a future Forrest Gump!

Christmas Eve with the Drapers. Our newest family member, Alexis Evelyn Draper. She arrived December 22 after a long 2 days of labor. She weighed 8 lbs, 6 oz and is even more beautiful in person!

August and Auntie Natalie

The two boys laying around. At this time next year, these two will be trouble!

Violet and Auntie Kelly

Alexis was awake long enough to see the gift opening craziness.

Christmas Day. My boys in their church clothes.

Max received a microphone from Santa, but it's been a very popular toy with everyone else!

Jumping for joy! 

The family gets bigger each year.

Their superhero capes from Nani in action. 

Their missions have included getting us water, finding a toy for Teddy and cleaning up spills. Best gift ever!

We even had time to make a gingerbread house in between Christmases.

Ober Family Christmas

Too much fun for Teddy. 

And too much fun for Jackson.