Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow (after we get to Wisconsin)...

Our Christmas tree (before Sinjin worked his magic on it...)

Sinjin and Oliver (worn out from terrorizing our home).

My first pie!

It's Christmas Eve and I have the day off. Unfortunately, Brian does not; however, he'll be home before 3pm and then our holiday officially begins. We will be opening presents here with Hannah before heading out to Brian's dad's home, where we'll have dinner and dessert with Jim, Carol, Sarah and Chris.

Speaking of dessert, I made my first pie ever - and I have to say, I'm pretty excited...that it didn't turn into a pile of mush. I actually took a picture of it, because the odds of it turning out well the next time I attempt it may not be so great. (It may look good - but how it tastes might be a whole other story. Time will tell...)

It's been really busy around here lately. Hannah had her Christmas recital last weekend and it was fantastic! I have to say, the churches out here are very different than the ones I went to back home. Our church in Wisconsin was over 100 years old and very solemn and...solemn. The churches out here have more high-tech gadgets than you can imagine! Big movie screens, Wii for the kid's areas... And they even had a tour bus outside that unloaded a 'recording artist' and her backup singers for the recital! All in all, it was fantastic. And Hannah...well, she did phenominal!! She's been running around here singing Feliz Navidad for weeks - and it paid off! As Andrea said, "She is the perfect picture of Christmas!" She had on a little plaid red and green dress and her Grandma Mimi had her hair all curled and cute. SOOO CUTE! (Pictures to come...) We had a great time there (after convincing Brian to stay for the whole thing). :)

Tomorrow morning we will get up very, very early to go watch Hannah open her gifts from Santa, and then we will head to Wisconson for my parents. I honestly can't wait... I love Christmas with my family. It's my favorite holiday! We will stay in Wisconsin for a few days. In fact, Brian's mom and Jim will be meeting/visiting with my parents and us on Saturday (on their way to Missouri). It will be great to all be together.

Happy Holidays!!!

Love,

Brian, Jen, Hannah, Oliver & Sinjin

The Star Award!

**Doting father alert** Hannah had the honor of receiving the "Star Award" from her teacher yesterday. She was chosen among two other students from her class for outstanding behavior! We are very proud of her!


Hannah with her teacher and the other 2 recipients from her class.

Thanksgiving...up north.

We hit the road for the 10 hour trek to mom and Jim's in Escanaba, Michigan for Thanksgiving and an early Christmas! We stopped at Jen's parents in Wisconsin for a few hours of sleep. When I say a few, I mean 2 or 3, we arrived at 11pm and left by 3:45am.


Here is a pic of the sunrise along Green Bay(not the city) in the Upper Peninsula. The pic does not do it justice...

Recuperating...

There's always snow in the U.P. Jim traded in the old 4-wheeler and got a new one...sweet ride!

Threw the kids in the wagon(nephews Aidan & Noah, Hannah), took them for a ride...

Even mom got in the spirit and took a ride in the wagon with Hannah, way to go mom!

Jen doing her best Vanna impersonation with Shaun's snowman...

Hannah and the grandparents making a gumdrop Christmas tree...


Time to open presents!!



and now time to leave...



We stopped in on the Borri family on our way home and spent another day with them. We even stopped in Milwaukee to see Curtis and Kelly. Here I am with some of the ladies...the grandma's, mom and sis are all mine!

Jen's dad watching TV with Sawyer. What was he watching you ask? An auction. A BULL auction.

We really had a great time. It was wonderful to visit both families in one trip! Mom and Jim always has everything perfect for our visits(especially Jen's first visit)...great food and lots of fun. Thank you very much!