Here Kitty Kitty

It's a Turkey!

Sadly, I had to work Anders' first Thanksgiving so I missed his Minnesota celebration. Fortunately, we do a second Thanksgiving in Iowa and I got to be part of that. Since I was feeling a little guilty about missing we did a celebratory craft project in honor of his first Thanksgiving. I do not claim to be an artist and this was my first attempt at an art project with my kid so it came out looking a little like a Native American Headdress to some people:) I assure you it was meant to be a turkey and that I did not mean to offend (Native Americans anyway, I guess I am offending vegetarians but he looks so stinking cute I'm sharing anyway.)

In Memoriam

Zephyr stadium got a pretty impressive face lift this fall. We went back for the home coming game because they rededicated the new and improved press box to my dad. He spent many Friday nights in the old press box taking stats during his football coaching years.

We spent an afternoon in Mahtomedi with Oystein.

The Norwegians Part One

This fall Oystein, Aurora and Ellen came to visit us all the way from Norway. Oystein lived with us for a year over 20 years ago and we haven't seen him since. We were so excited we Way. Over. Planned! These Norwegians are distant relatives of ours. Oystein's Great Grandma Petra and my Great Great Grandma Maren were sisters making Oystein my third cousin once removed. Isn't genealogy fun? Ellen has been great about keeping the Norwegian and American parts of our family connected. It was fun to finally meet her.

The babies are wearing Norwegian crawling pants from Ellen.When I heard Oystein had a son and named him Anders I thought it was the cutest name I had ever heard. Some people name their children after special grandparents. We named ours after a four year old fourth cousin once removed.Aurora was a super fun, brave, adorable, energetic eight year old who was willing to try anything. I would compare our family now to our family when Oystein lived with us but I was about 13 at the time and I'm pretty sure I have destroyed all the evidence. Jeff was four at the time and has really random memories from that year.Getting psyched to go visit Norway (definitely on my Bucket List) with a little glimpse into Oystein's life.

Baker Boo

We spent MEA at Baker campground. Baker does a Halloween theme that weekend with trick or treating campsite to campsite. Campers go all out decorating their sites. We chickened out for camping but had fun during the day.

Halloween

Anders kicked off his first Halloween with a party at his school.

where he got his first treat. Sorry Buddy, it's not chocolate. You haven't even had fruit yet, chocolate would blow your mind.

Next he participated in a costume parade at Great Grandma Angie's. He decided to change things up and go as a sleepy puppy.For the big day we met up with Cousin Elise, the cupcake, and visited some of our favorite Lakeville houses.Finally we met up with cousin Everett, the monster, for dinner at Grandma Jane's.

Floor Time is Boring

Several members of our family (including Anders) think floor time is kind of boring. I'm not complaining, there is no place on earth I would rather be but I can only take so much Itsy Bitsy Spider. One member of our family thinks floor time is awesome and all about her.Here she is patiently waiting for Anders to throw the toy for her (she isn't the brightest dog.) It won't be long, Abby.