Christmas Fun!

On Sunday we took the boys to Bentleyville.  We enjoyed some shopping at the mall first, where Leif and Mikko got to see Santa.  After a long discussion about the pronounciation of Leif's name (and Leif Erickson park) Santa assured the boys he would be dropping of their gifts on Christmas and then he gave them candy canes.  That made a big impression on Mikko, who was still talking about those tammy tames at bedtime.  Leif was thrilled to get his picture taken with Frosty and Santa's Reindeer.

Daddy and the boys.  It is so difficult to get everyone to look at Mommy, but in fairness to them, there was a lot to see there!  WOW!

Leif and Mikko ready to explore the rest of Bentleyville!

And we truly live in a small world.  We ran into our neighbors and we moms had the boys pose for a picture.  Aren't they all cute????

Mikko and I hit Duluth for our H1N1 shots in November. Luckily we hit a beautiful day and got to enjoy some time in Canal Park, along with an apricot wheat free lunch at the Brewhouse. Actually, we did bring home a growler or two for daddy and to share with the neighbors.

 

Leif has really enjoyed building with his blocks.  Mostly he builds StarWars characters and then he knocks them down.  He finds it most frustrating, though, when little brother imitates him and knocks down perfectly good statues. 

Leif and Mikko finally got to enjoy some outside time at grandpa and grandma's in Ely.  They went sliding and exploring and four-wheeler riding.  Leif even got to play StarWars as he pretended his icicle was a light saber.  Have I mentioned his love of StarWars????

Leif and Mikko with Santa.  I took the picture with my phone and of course my Christmas wish would be that they both look my way.  Oh well, at least Mikko is not afraid of Santa.  He will tell you that Santa says "Ho! Ho! Ho!"  He also likes the 'noman (aka Snowman).  Leif is happy to see happy, but also happy to be staying later at Giftstock with daddy.

'Tis the Season

We have been quite busy with the daily adventures of two growing and busy boys.  But, I promise to soon post pictures of our adorable little guys.

They are both quite excited about Christmas.  Leif ~ for obvious reasons ~ Santa's much anticipated visit, presents wrapped and under the tree and the chocolate advent calendar.  (I have also been trying to impart upon him the main reason for the season, and I am quite proud that he told his grandma that we also celebrate God at Christmas - I guess he does listen to me.).  We are also trying to remind him that there are other children who may not get as much if anything this holiday season.  We discussed this as we prepared to head to Giftstock.  I explained why we were bringing a new toy ~ but he reasoned that even if moms and dads couldn't get much for their children surely their grandmas and grandpas would come through.  Is this spoken like the first grandchild all the way around?

Mikko, too, is excited and was happy to see the tree up and presents underneath.  He is, of course, excited for whatever reason his brother is excited.  We have a bad case of monkey see ~ monkey do in our house.  For the most part it is pretty entertaining, but a little overwhelming if Mikko is copying a case of the naughties.  I am not sure what we will do when Santa isn't watching anymore!

Mikko also loves the chocolate advent calendar and is always ready for "Tandy" first thing in the morning.  After dinner, of course, it is "I Peem" or ice cream as the rest of us call it.  Though he is small, he knows what he wants and we are enjoying hearing him demand - or ask - for what he needs.

Pictures to follow soon!  Along with the story of when and why the tooth fairy came to visit (let's just say she didn't come to see Leif!).