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.