Christmas 2011

Christmas was wonderful this year even with the lack of snow! We celebrated Christmas Eve and most of Christmas Day with the Hoen side of the family, we had a fun Christmas morning opening gifts from Santa, and on New Years Eve celebrated with the Mousel side of the family. Isabel loved opening gifts...most times more excited about getting the wrapping off than worrying about what was inside. Here's a quick pictorial look at our Christmas.

December 24, 2011

Showing Ethan the ropes for his first Christmas

Opening gifts from Santa

December 31, 2011

Isabel also celebrated Christmas at Barbie's with a visit from Santa and gifts from Santa, Barbie, and a friend from daycare. We have yet to scan those in, but will soon. Until then, though, here are a couple photos of Isabel the morning before...very excited for her party!

We hope your Holiday season was full of family, memories, joy, and merry cheer! Wishing all of you a 2012 filled with many blessings!

A Month of Christmas

It seems like we have been celebrating Christmas for a month now, but it is unbelievable that it is all over already and 2011 is just around the corner. Here is a photo journey of Isabel's first Christmas. (Click each collage for a bigger view)

It all started with the Annual Bennie Christmas Party on December 4th

Followed by the Roder Christmas in Iowa the weekend of Dec 18

Which wasn't to be outdone be the Hoen Family Christmas on Christmas Eve

(Family picture lovingly stolen from Kerri)

Isabel was up early Christmas morning to see what Santa brought

Followed by a short break for a photo shoot by our neighbor Linda Sue

And then the spoiling continued with the Mousel Family on Christmas afternoon

It has been a crazy month and we are all taking this week to recover, but from our family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Grand Slammin' Time!

Instead of actual gifts for Josie, Elias, Maddie, and Ava, we decided to take them during Christmas break to Grand Slam for their Christmas present. Butter and I wrapped up a t-shirt for each of them with an invitation to join us for an afternoon of fun. If you are unaware, Grand Slam is a indoor play area with fun activities like Laser Tag, Krazy Karts, Play Area, Mini-Golf, Arcade Games, and Batting Cages.

Each one had their favorite activity:

Josie's favorite was "Ice Ball" which I didn't figure out until after we left was actually what most of us would refer to as Skee Ball. I, too, enjoyed playing that as there were very few activities for someone who is six months pregnant to participate in; however, I realized once again how awful I am at recreational games.

Elias' favorite was Laser Tag. Out of all four, he was the only one that wanted to play. I think the line might have deterred the other three. I think Butter would have wanted to join him, but we didn't buy anything for ourselves except the tokens for the arcade. Elias didn't seem to mind as he played twice and each time came out on the victorious team. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him play or get any pictures as it is in a dark, black lit room.

Maddie said her favorite was the batting cages. I have to say after playing for two summers with her mom, they have the exact same stance...I won't say anything about batting average, though!

Ava's favorite was definitely the Krazy Karts. We did not even need to ask her on that one...I am pretty sure she went on them no less than 12 times! Absolutely no one can be surprised by this, as she actually was able to drive her own CAR! It did not take her long to figure out how to operate it, and then she was on cloud 9. Each time she would fly out of her car when they would stop and get right back in line.

And we can't forget Butter! His favorite was the batting cages...shock and surprise. I think he rivaled Ava as to how many times he did his favorite activity. No, not really, but he did spend at least three rounds in the cages. He needs a few more sessions if he thinks he is going to lead the team in triples again this year!

Each one obviously had their favorites, but were very open to trying almost everything. And happy to report, there was no crying or pouting! All in all they seemed to really enjoy themselves and had a great time (including Butter and me)!

By the way, Kerri and Suz, Elias and Maddie think they are going to have their birthday parties there...have fun!

24 Weeks on the 24th!

Merry Christmas!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

I can't help it, but I have always loved Christmas time. Unlike many other people, I don't mind the snow and cold, and I actually get upset if we don't have snow at this time of year. The Christmas lights that light up by 4:00 because it is dark already just makes me smile...even if the lights are strung up all haphazard and five different colors and styles. It all seems to come together to create a comfy, cozy feeling filled with family and friends. There is always the hustle and bustle of the season, but somehow the time is spent with special moments reminding me why we celebrate this time of year.

Below are some of the highlights that have spread the holiday spirit as 2009 comes to a close.

Christmas Tea

On December 12, the women of the Hoen family along with some family friends attended a Christmas Tea. My mom hosted the table below and one of the requirements at the table was wearing a hat. If you don't recognize the fancy ladies below the table: Kortney, Kerri, Mom, Kassi, Kati, and Suz.

Girls Christmas Get Together

On the evening of December 12, I attended our annual Girls Christmas get together. Theresa has graciously hosted the holiday shindig each year (with the exception of last year). The night was spent chatting, eating, and having a very random gift exchange. I am so grateful for time spent with friends as it doesn't happen as often as we would all like. In case we have matured too much: (back row) Beth, Jodi, Mandy, Theresa and Kati; (front row) Georgia, Sara, and Kate

Holiday Decor

I never decorate my house for seasons or holidays other than Christmas (maybe that will change as our family grows) so here are a few pictures of the few decorations that brighten up the Mousel household during Christmas time.

Roder Family Christmas

This past weekend Butter and I headed down to Iowa for the Roder family Christmas. The day was full of fun, food, and lots of family. The grandkids had many gifts to open and even great-grandbaby Mufasa had a gift to open from Great Grandpa and Grandma Roder...an adorable ducky hooded towel. The adults, on the other hand, were treated to an afternoon of good ole game show fun. Family Fued, the Match Game and Deal or No Deal kept the adults occupied and a fun way to exchange some gift cards (thanks, Fritz, for organizing the fun!). Also, Grandma and Grandpa Roder got a "barn quilt" from their children, and Grandma Roder is quite excitable, but I do not think I have seen her as ecstatic as when she saw her barnquilt!

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

When we returned from Iowa, Butter and I had a couple hours to rest up before we headed out again. On Sunday night, we were off to Mystic Lake for dinner and a show with my family. We started at the Buffet, and since we had about 20 people, we were treated to the VIP room...yeah, we're a big deal. Then we were off to the Cirque Dreams Holidaze show as part of our Christmas gift from my mom and dad. The show was very entertaining and I think we may have a little gymnast on the way...Mufasa was flipping throughout most of the show. At the end of the show, the kids were able to quick jump on stage for picture on the drums...oh, and Kortney got to meet the violinst, who she has had a crush on since the last Cirque show at Mystic. I think she is still blushing!

We hope the spirit of Christmas has found you and yours this season.

Merry Christmas!