Christmas

For Christmas this year, both Matt's family and my family gathered at a house that we rented in Northeastern Indiana. We had a wonderful time being all together, playing games, playing Rock Band, sledding, and we even did a toboggan run!

There was a mountain of presents on Christmas morning and about half of them were for Satchel. I think she was a little overwhelmed by it all.

Uncle Mark, Grandpa Doug, Grammie, and Auntie Meredith.

Grandma Ann, Grandpa Mike, and Grandpa Ted

Auntie Michelle and Uncle Jeff

Opening gifts.

Sometimes the bows are the best part!

New Curious George pajamas and book.

Opening the advent calendar with Auntie Michelle.

Uncle Mark got her a magnetic drawing pad which she loves.

She loves that drawing pad!

We got her a scooter which took her a little while to get used to. She spent a lot of time walking beside it and pushing before she decided to get on. Notice her level of concentration.

Uncle Mark also gave the scooter a try.

Uncle Jeff got a football for Christmas, but Satchel thought that it should be for her, too.

Grandma and Grandpa got Satchel a train set (Lucas would be proud!) but Grandpa and Uncle Mark got the most enjoyment out of it on Christmas morning. Notice Uncle Mark, the engineer, discussing very seriously the track layout.

Satchel did finally get interested, too.

But even with all these wonderful gifts, nothing could be better than good old monkey.

Sledding!

Playing outside in the snow.

And what would the holiday be without a little Rock Band?

All in all, a great time had by everyone. We're already making our plans for next year's gathering. Hope that all of you had a wonderful holiday, too!

Annual House Tree-gettin' Trip

Early in December, we took our annual house trip to get our Christmas tree.

Satchel was not thrilled about getting bundled up in her new snow suit.

We had a lovely snowy day for the trip.

At first Satchel was not sure that she liked the snow, but she eventually decided that it was fun to walk in.

Looking at the rabbits.

Tractor ride.

Impromptu snow man. He kind of looked like Conan Obrien.

Toast Face Killah

We call this face "Toast Face Killah".

Don't pretend you're not scared.

OK, not so scary, I guess.

New Kitchen, New Look

Satchel got a kitchen set from Jonah Weber who kindly decided that he could part with it as long as it was going to a good home. She loves it and does a little "cooking" just about every day. Her favorite food to prepare is french fries which she then stashes everywhere around the house, especially under the couch. You'll see from the picture below that she has also become obsessed with wearing any clothes that Matt and I leave on the floor, including our underwear if we're not careful. Here she's wearing one of Matt's undershirts around her neck.

Since Satchel so enjoys dressing up in our clothes, we decided to get her some dress up clothes of her very own. She like them, but still prefers our discarded clothes if she can get a hold of them.

Flirting for the camera.

Showing off her skirt.

Grandpas Mike and Ted visited last month and we very much enjoyed getting to have them with us for a few days.

We went to the Walnut Room at Macy's to have lunch by the big Christmas Tree and there were fairy princesses milling around granting wishes!

Satchel getting her fairy dust.

The big tree was beautiful!

You can tell from Satchel's face that she was enjoying herself just a little bit.

On the El riding home.

Salad Spinners!

Some of the best toys that we have as far as Satchel is concerned are our salad spinners (yes we have two, small and large). They are fun not just for spinning as fast as you can, but......

You can use them as a stool.

Or a hat! (Satchel seems unimpressed by my photo taking).

I think that she looks a lot like her Auntie Michelle in this picture.