one month old!

Anders turned 1 month old yesterday, and his big brother and sister still can't get enough of him.

merry christmas!

Christmas Eve started with a festive brunch in Lake Geneva.

Uncle Kevin, Bridget and Whitney checked out some decorations.

Can you spot Whitney in the candy cane display?

Next was Christmas Eve evening at Nana and Papa's house.  Lots of presents, food, and merriment ensued.

Max was so excited about his Elmo boots that he insisted on sleeping in them.

Whitney and "Bea"

Christmas morning

Christmas day at Aunt Colleen and Uncle Jim's house

Max in his boots (again!)

2+ weeks old!

off to see santa!

When we received word that Santa would be visiting a neighborhood store, we bundled up to go visit the big man himself and bring him our letters (aka wish lists).  Max ran straight into Santa's lap to give him a hug, while Whitney was a little more hesitant and Anders blissfully slept.  Since the store wasn't very crowded, the kids virtually had a one-on-one play date with Santa for about 45 minutes... not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

armed with their letters for santa...

Max wouldn't even stop to take off his coat before saying hi to santa

Whitney decided she'd be more comfortable pulling up her own chair to sit on

Anders wasn't overly impressed

the highlight for the kids was having Santa all to themselves for playtime

big thanks!

The kids (and mom and dad) thoroughly enjoyed an extended visit from Grandma and Grandpa Carlson.  Their visit couldn't have come at a better time seeing that we needed all the help we could get.  We already miss you and can't wait for you to visit again soon!  

st. nicholas

The kids must have been pretty good recently by the looks of the loot that St. Nick delivered!  Indeed the socks were filled to the rim when the kids woke up on December 6th.  Anders' sock was actually longer than him!

brotherly resemblance?

Anders at 2 days old

Max at 2 days old

homecoming day!