A Freed Christmas

We were able to spend a lot of time with the Freeds over Christmas this year as well. They came over to our house on Christmas eve after the service at church for food and game playing. Then on Christmas day (after we opened presents at our house) we went over to their house for a nice Christmas dinner along with lots of fun playing outside. It snowed most of the day but was in the 30s so it was perfect to be outside (maybe a little wet). There was a snow man built, Aunt Robin built a slide for Riley out of the snow (which Riley LOVED) and of course a snow ball fight.

Everyone on Christmas eve, minus Amada and Rick who were in California this year.

Riley ready to go down her snow slide.
Riley enjoying the snow (I think).
Giving Aunt Robin kisses through the door.

Christmas Morning

We had the intention of starting a new family tradition of having Swedish pancakes for breakfast on Christmas morning but alas we didn't plan ahead to have all the ingredients needed (and we'd had it just a few days before) so we will start that next year. The morning did start with present opening and then regular pancakes for breakfast. I was so fun to watch Riley open presents. At one point she noticed that I was putting the paper she'd torn off into a bag so from then off after each piece of paper was torn off she would have to throw it away before moving onto the next piece. It's so funny how she works sometimes. (I'm hoping the wanting to help "clean" will continue.) She didn't get much this year but has really been enjoying the Mr. Potato Head that was in her stocking.

A Wenell Christmas

For the Wenell Christmas this year we all go together in Des Moines the weekend before Christmas (which turned out to be great since everyone in IA was snowed in over Christmas weekend). On Friday night we took 3 car loads and drove through a huge lights display. We even got 3-D glasses for it, which added to the fun. Then the next morning we woke up and Wilder, Amy and I prepared Swedish pancakes for everyone. Next was the present opening, which was a good thing because the kids couldn't have waited any longer. After some fun playing with new toys (and a nap for Riley) we all headed outside to play in the snow. It was a little cold but still lots of fun. The kids especially enjoyed sledding down a big hill. That night we all went out for pizza and lots of fun arcade games. I'm pretty sure this was the highlight for everyone (at least all the kids and Wilder). They loved playing the games and turning their tickets in at the end for some fun prizes. Riley especially had fun on a mini carousel and a little car that went around a track. Any time we'd leave those two ride to take a break she was not happy. Sunday we enjoyed some more family time together and a play at Brian and Angie's church. It's fun when we can all get together even though it doesn't happen very often.

Wilder and Kaitlin in their "cool" 3D glasses.

Riley ready to open presents.

Riley got a baby for Christmas, she was giving it kisses.

Fun in the snow.

Riding the carousel.

Grandpa, Grandma and all the kids.

Extra! Extra!

Riley has some big new to share with everyone.

Fall Fun

Here's some images of what Riley has been doing this fall:

She went to her first Mounds View football game.

Played football with Daddy.

Played in the leaf piles.


Helped rake.

Out with Daddy.

At the St. Paul tree lighting.

Happy Birthday!

Riley turned 1 on the 3rd. It seems impossible that a year ago she wasn't here and it was just Wilder and I. It's hard to remember a life without her. It's so amazing all the things she's done and learn and the ways she's grown this year. To think back about how she's could to nothing for herself and now she can (mostly) feed herself, she helps us to get her dressed, she's walking (and sometimes running), now if she was only potty trained.

Apple Orchard

On Sunday we went to the apple orchard with Mimi and Papa (Wilder's parents). We had fun looking at and petting the animals at the petting zoo and also picking apples.

Making Banana Bread

The Big 6-0!

This last Friday was my mom's (April) 60th birthday. Dad contacted all of us "kids" a while ago with an idea to surprise her for it. He took Mom to Okoboji on Friday night and surprised her by staying there the night. The rest of the family met in Okoboji at a marina where Dad had rented a big pontoon for all of us to ride around the lake on. We went and picked up Mom and Dad where they were staying. Mom looked so surprised. It was a lot of fun to see her reaction. She loves being around water so she loved the surprise. We rode around and then at lunch back at the resort Mom and Dad had stayed at and then went swimming for the afternoon. Then that night we had a Wenell family (with extended family) birthday party to celebrate four birthdays. It was a really fun weekend a great to surprise Mom in that way.

He's in the Pool!

No, Wilder didn't go swimming but we recently found out that he is in the USA National team pool for team handball. This means that when the national team plays games he has the opportunity to be selected to play with them. We're so excited for him (and proud). He's put a lot of time and energy into improving and it has finally paid off. The team was thinking about going to Poland at the end of October but that trip has been cancelled. We're hoping he'll get an opportunity sometime soon to travel with the team somewhere overseas.

Team Handball For A Day

Minnesota Team Handball hosted a scrimmage this weekend with a team from Air Force (here with their football team) and two teams from Winnipeg here to play each other. It was fun to get to watch the games and to watch Wilder playing/coaching. They played pretty well in the last game of the day. The guys are really starting to figure out the sport.

A future photographer?

The Minnesota Team

A Fun Weekend Away

Wilder was in Chicago this weekend to try out for the national team handball team so Riley and I headed south to Des Moines to visit my family. We had a really great time as you can see below.

Riley and Amy enjoying the farmer's market.
Trying to fall asleep on Amy's shoulders.

Finally asleep at the farmer's market.
Hanging out with Grandma.
Riley chased after Bella all weekend and roared at her.
Playing with Cousin Madi.
Riley's first four wheeler ride.
Golfing at Amy's free course on Monday morning (Riley stayed at Brian's!)

Happy Birthday Old Man

It was Wilder's birthday on Monday. We didn't have a big celebration, partially because Wilder had a meeting at church that night but we went out for dinner the next night. Wilder chose Famous Dave's (great choice). We had fun talking and relaxing and watching Riley eat barbecue food and try to get to the baby at the next table over. I'm excited to see what is in store for Wilder in the coming year. I know that God has big plans for him so I'm sure it will be another exciting year.

Riley eating her corn.









Wilder post meal.

Riley Jean she's the Dancing Queen

Fun in the Sun

My (April) parents were in town this weekend mostly to go to market to get stuff for the store in Albert City but also to go to a Lorrie Line concert in Osseo. I took a couple days off to spend some time with them and Riley. On Tuesday we went with Dave and the boys to a "splash pad" in St. Louis Park. It was pretty much an area that had water spraying out of various objects. The boys had a lot of fun and Riley enjoyed splashing around a little too.
Riley also had her 9 month check up this week. (I know, she's already 10 1/2 months. We're a little late with this one.) The good new of the check up was that there weren't any shots to have but the bad news was that they had to do a routine lab test so they had to draw some blood. She did really great with this. Of course there was a lot of crying but the lab tech said that she was the best he's had do to because she didn't curl her finger. She's our tough little girl. She weighed 17 lbs 2 oz, which is in the 25th percentile, and is 29 1/4 inches long, which is in the 97th percentile.
As you can see from below she is also eating lots of food. She is pretty much eating whatever we eat which is nice because we don't have to prepare a whole different meal for her now.
Time is flying... I can't believe how big she is. Just around the corner is her first birthday and I'm sure she will be walking soon. The wild ride continues...