Jingle Bell Time is a Swell Time

We have already gotten to enjoy some of our favorite holiday traditions this December.  The kids and I put up the Christmas tree to surprise Daddy when he got home from church.  We attended Luke's choir concert and Eva's first Junior Kindergarten performance. Luke sang "The Twelve Days of Christmas", "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause", and "Jingle Bell Rock."  Eva sang "I am a little snowflake", "5 little penguins playing in the snow", "We wish you a Merry Christmas," and a few others.  The kids were so proud after their concerts. 
 

Eva and Luke have loved playing in the snow and they have to come and say "Hi" to Hudson with squeals and pats on the window.

 

Eva and Luke made Christmas cookies at my work and made some for Hudson.  They also made the gingerbread houses that they can't wait to eat. 

Each day they are eager to flip the block to count down to Christmas.  Here is says 15 days until Christmas.

Here is Eva after her show by a tree her class decorated.

This picture is after Eva's Christmas performance at church.

 

 

Luke's cub scout den practiced their hand at orthopedics.  Here Luke is casting Anay.  Luke said he broke his arm jumping from the top of a sky scraper when his parachute wouldn't open.  We were glad that he only "broke" his wrist.

 

 

 

One is Fun, Happy Birthday Hudson

Last year he gave us the joy of holding a new born, having a baby for the holidays, and cuddling while the snow was falling.  We fully enjoyed swaddling a him, watching him nap, and watching him grow.  November 29th we celebrated his first year.  He has brought so much love to our home.  He brings out the best in Luke and Eva.  He is growing up in such a rich environment.  We cherish every day.  We opened presents in the morning, hosted a playdate with Dave's cousins and sister, and had pizza with Dave's parents for dinner.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We love your joy and all your smiles.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving 2013 was my first time to host.  I didn't think I was a good candidate to host because I have never cooked something with a bone in it before.  I can't open my dish washer or cabinets without everything being taken out by Hudson and I certainly can't keep the finger prints off of my appliances.  However, I love family so I wanted to host to earn my womanhood.

We started the day with a turkey trot.
   

The Menu
Mulled Cider and Coffee
Sweet and Sour Brussel Sprouts
Healthy Green Bean Casserole with fresh mushroom and fresh breaded onion
Gram's stuffing
Mashed Potato
Freshly baked Corn Bread, Banana Bread, Rolls
Sweet Potato with Cinnamon Apple
Turkey and Gravy
Ham
Assorted Pies

 

 

 

We had a Connect Four Launchers tournament that was won by Bennett.  We also had a Double Shudder tournament  where lowest score was best and Tim, Gail, Cheryl, Ethan all got zero after a few trys.  Erica was 13 Luke was 9, Glenn and Georgia were both 5 and I was 18.  (Eva was 41.)  The kids are not in most of the pictures because they were outside sledding.

 

Hudson and Gail share a birthday. My dad is just two days later.  Cheryl and Richard had their birthday the week before.  Thus five candles in the pumpkin pie.

 

The twins opted for root beer floats in place of pie.

My mom came a day early to help and was a great encouragement.  She didn't even need the new $24 thermometer I bought for the Turkey.

 

 

Last Trip

We had my Grandfather's memorial service and our entire family spent the weekend doing all the things that we loved to do. Luke, Eva, and Hudson have never been to Sterling, IL where Grandad and Grandmie Behrens lived.  I have always wanted to show Luke how the train goes steadily across the river.  I have always wanted to show Eva the special attic and garden paths.   We were able to visit his old house even though it is not in the family anymore.  The home has been loving updated with a new kitchen and geothermal heating and cooling system.  It brought back great memories to be there.
 

I wanted the Behrens name to live on so that is why Hudson has it in his name.  Hudson J.B. Krause, or Hudson James Behrens Krause has a lot to live up to.  We know you (Hudson) have been blessed by your families heritage. 

 

 

 

We also went to our favorite frisbee golf course (not pictured) and Bennett was able to come in his wheel chair so we were all there.  We hiked the new river path and Bryce lead the 7 and under clan through the tight cliff path to ascend the bluff.  After that we did our last hike at White Pines Forest.

 

 

The hiking fairy made his first appearance to the next generation.  Thanks for the fun tradition Grandy.

 

 

 

We had such a special time re-living all of our favorite childhood memories.  They were made even more special by the next generation to share them with.  Here is to a great next generation built on the one before.