Cayden Says....

"Happy New Year!!!!"

She fits in well!

Today Cayden and I got to hang out with Kailey- his new Auntie and my new sister. She is in town visiting her mom for a few more days and we were happy when she agreed to spend the day with us. We went shopping and searched all over and were finally able to find the perfect sweatshirt! She clearly hasn't been here an entire Midwest winter...

The final Christmas Gathering...

We finished our Christmas season at Grandma Lloydean's with the Olson side of the family. Lynn flew in from New York (?), Sarah made it- finally, and Becs didn't have to work either. We played Screw your neighbor- a very family friendly game; and Uncle Larry won the pot! He and Cayden get along great! The best part was that Papa showed up in his new Christmas sweater... and so did Mike!

it doesn't end there...

We came home from the Manion morning and opened our Christmas presents from Santa! Cayden got a Rocking Horse, the Polar Coaster, a telephone, alligator, and boring clothes. Shortly after the newlyweds, Kris and Leslie Weiby showed up to visit for a little while.

... and then the Manion Christmas!

After Christmas Eve morning with Papa we went to 4:00 Mass followed by a light snack celebrating Christmas with the Burm family. Finishing up our Christmas Eve with the ENTIRE Manion family at Grandma Manions. Christmas MORNING we opened presents with Grandma and Grandpa and all the Manion Aunties and Uncles, Conor, Annabel, and Johnny.

Merry Christmas with Papa!

After recovering from the Un Christmas we moved right in to Christmas Eve. This started with a brunch joined by Papa, Theresa, Melissa, and Kailee. We had ate egg bake, monkey bread and fruit... and of course- got presents... More Merry Christmas to us!!!

The 12 Days of Christmas?

We had our "First Annual Un-Christmas" at Nama's house on December 20th. It was unlike any Christmas we've had but definitely will be done again next year!!! We strung popcorn and cranberries and hung them on the.... Sephalara plant. We made bread and ate homemade pizza for dinner. Cayden got some bath toys from Auntie Andi and both Aunties and Uncles sent us an Ergo! Cayden got a new pair of baby legs that are not helping the crawling situation but he likes them and Nama is buying him his first bike... or hotwheel... or trike! Summer can't be here soon enough!

Tis the season...

... To be NAKED!!!

Cayden's NEW RIDE!

Such a big boy now! Although he's still backward facing it was time to get him out of the "infant" seat (he's far from an infant you know!) and into the big boy chair. We took a trip to the fire station to make sure everything was good and tight. He met his new friend Suzi who also gave us a tour. I sat (yeah, mommy- not Cayden) I got to sit in the fire truck and we learned lots about what they do and how they react to all fires so quickly. Thanks Suzi!

Tis' the Season... to get a tree!!!

We got Cayden's first Christmas tree tonight! It's weird shaped and has funny branches sticking out but it is perfect for our family. Here's some of the "getting the tree..." Cayden got to put the first ball on and new exactly what to do!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We spent Thanksgiving at Barb Manion's house this year with then entire Manion clan. Ages 3 weeks to Grandma Manion and Vernette it was a good time to be had by all! Gobble Gobble!

Seattle

While Daddy went to Nate's wedding in Illinois we went to Auntie's in Seattle. We got to be the last ones to hang out with Auntie Andi, Syndey and Saul before Uncle Matt came home from his LAST patrol! We went to gymnastics, pre school, swimming and most importantly RED ROBBIN! The kids got along great with "Tayden" (the cutest thing EVER!) and Cayden adjusted well to everything... well almost. The car rides with Syd and Saul staring at him and playing wasn't well accepted- but with a little bribery we managed. Enjoy!

Happy Halloween!!!

I figured with all the hype of Mod Turtle there was no second guessing (thanks to auntie) what the costume this year should be... You guessed it- Cayden was MOD Turtle! Trick or Treat!!

1st Pumpkin Carving!

We carved our first pumpkin as a family on Tuesday before Halloween. Daddy did the hard part, mommy did the gooey part, and I supervised!

6 Months Already?!

Like the title says... Time Flies!!!

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze

We went to the pumpkin patch and corn maze in Ashland, WI. The weather was perfect. We picked out our very first family pumpkin... Cayden even picked one of his own!