Mom's Favorites

me and my owl

Jennifer Devlin made this adorable owl.  Thanks to Kelley who made the awesome blanket.  So excited to have my friends' creations in my favorite photos!!

I'm 3 months old!

Our 365 Portraits came to the house to take Will's 3 months photos.  Lisa was our photographer and she did an awesome job.  She actually caught some smiles (which is tough).  Thanks to Kelley for the handmade blanket and thanks to the Field Family from Langdon for the adorable outfit.  It looked great with his blue eyes! 

Santa

Will and I joined my family to meet Santa in MN.  Later I will try to scan in the photo of Will and Jakob on Santa's lap.  Doug wasn't feeling that great and Lou didn't want to go.  Maybe we can find another time in KC to take one of Will and Lou together.

Thanksgiving in Minneapolis

Suzanne and Will

Amy Jake and Pete

Jason and Alyssa

Adelle and Will

Doug and the boys playing pool.

Jessica and Amy

Will's first Thanksgiving

Great Uncle Harold and Will

All of the kiddos

Matt and Jacob

Louis playing with Ali

Entrance of the Macy's Christmas Display

Eating at Alyssa's favorite restaurant...Ichibans!

Mark, Will and Ali

Early Christmas gifts from the Oelfke's and Suzanne

Jake and Will

Early Christmas from the Oelfke's

Kiddos at play

Kate at play

This year Doug, Louis and Will joined me in Minneapolis for Thanksgiving.  It is a long family tradition that we all get together at Thanksgiving at my Aunt and Uncle's house.  The Nygaards fly in from Seattle, the Burrows drive over from Chicago, Suzanne flew in from Korea, the Schraders drive down from Langdon and we drove up from Kansas City. This year they hosted 29 people (including 2 newborns).  We were so excited to spend the week with everyone.  I didn't get all of the pictures that I should have.  I guess we were too busy having fun.

The boys had pool and football to entertain themselves.  The kids had a houseful of games and toys.  I was super excited to finally play the game, Bang.   I think the sherriff and deputies came out on top most of the time.  There was always someone playing some game; foosball, pool, pinball, backgammon, Bang, Sorry and Bannanagrams were just a few. 

The men went out for their guy morning on Friday.  The Schraders went to one of our favorite restaurants in downtown Minneapolis, Ichibans.  I just can't get enough of the chicken liver.  I was excited when Louis didn't like it. 

The girl cousins had a fun lunch on Saturday followed by a walk through Bachmann's Idea House.  Thanks to the grandmas for entertaining all of the kids.  I missed getting pictures of some of the family and friends. Aunt Renee deserves a huge thank you.  Hopefully we will see you all again soon. 

Gator

Gator was accidentally left behind this morning.  Louis made Doug promise to call me to tell me that he was in the living room.  Because if there is a fire, I need to remember to grab Will, Gator and Little Gator to save them from the inferno.  Gator isn't smoking...he is using Louis' chapstick.

Happy Birthday Michelle!

Will made an appearance at Michelle's Birthday party last weekend.  He finally got to meet her and the rest of the gang.  It was a great night to be outside with friends and wonderful music!  I got another chance to hold Kim and Neil's littlest man Ryker.

I have fingers!

Will has now discovered that he has fingers and they can grab things.  Here he is playing with the cute owl that Grandma and Papa bought for him in May.  I think it was his first toy.  Right now it looks bigger than he is.  Don't be fooled.  He fits perfectly in the 3-6 month clothing now.  If he has another growth spurt we may have to enter the 6-9 month.

Visiting Alden and Amelia

We had a great time staying with Solvei, Alden and Amelia.  I love their reindeer pjs.  I wish they came in extra extra tall for me.  Will met his first doggie.  I should have taken a picture of him with Java.  Solvei, Herb, and Carole all helped with Will.  I got a wonderful long nap.  Yay!

Doesn't Alden have the look of a 15 year old in the top photo?!  I can totally see his future self.

The Preiners

Will and I visited the Preiners in MN.  Sara got some pictures of all of us.  Here are a few that I took with my camera.  Michael and Joshua are a similar age difference as Louis and Will.  I can't wait to get all of the boys together at the same time.  Of course I may need ear plugs someday.

So You Think You Can Dance

I love So You Think You Can Dance.  My sister and I saw the very first live show ever in Seattle 8 seasons ago.  The closest city they go to these days in Minneapolis.  What a wonderful excuse to go visit and spend a fun girl's night out with Solvei!