157

143

Pudgie's Quartet

Christmas Programs

The children had their Christmas programs at Church. The love performing for their Grandparents. Laken was very excited to wear her Christmas dress for the 1st time. She sang with her class in the choir (you have to be in Kindergarten to get an actual part). The boys love trying to prove Grandpa Dick wrong in his belief that Meiers' do not have musical talent. Preston sang in a boys quartet and Braeden played in viola trio.

ECFE Open House

Preston couldn't wait to accompany his sisters to their ECFE Holiday Open house. They had an awesome large motor room set up with a climber, pin the "red nose" on Rudolph, a tunnel and a Christmas tree bean bag toss.

Then, it was off to see Santa where Laken freaked out. I mean would not even be in the same room with him. So was completely terrified. Preston was wanting to see him extremely bad and was getting very upset with Laken. So, luckily there was a book fair set up in the hallway right outside the room with Santa, so I set Laken up looking at books and explained to her the other two really wanted to talk with Santa. I was prepared for Clara to start screaming, because that is what our babies always do when they sit on Santa's lap. I was very surprised to find that she enjoyed it and was all smiles. Preston enjoyed telling Santa he wanted Hotwheels cars for Christmas. He really wanted to ask him for Goalie Gear, but he was too "embarassed" to ask for that. He said he'd rather write him a letter asking for that. They both got books, so of course Laken was upset when she discovered that. Her consolation was choosing a book from the book fair, which we were going to do whether she saw Santa or not. Next was a visit to the decorate your own cookie area. And, finally Preston and Laken made a Christmas place mat. They all wanted one more time in the large motor room. This time the room was very crowded and I was worried about Clara getting trampled, so we didn't stay long. They all had a great night!

Our Day with Scott Gudmandson Badger Hockey Goalie

After the Feine Family Christmas we traveled to Madison for the Badger's vs Michigan State Hockey game. For those of you who may not have heard Braeden won a contest for his age group in which he submitted a design for the goalie, Scott Gudmandson's goalie helmet. Here is that link: http://www.uwbadgers.com/sports/m-hockey/spec-rel/102710aab.html

He received two free tickets and we found two more tickets on ebay. So, Brad and I and the boys both went! It only took us 2 hours 30 min to get to Madison. We were anticipating it to take us a little over 3. The football game had just let out and the Badgers had won a berth to the Rose Bowl so the streets were packed. We found a parking ramp near the rink and the boys were super excited to get inside. Once inside, we found spots that they were giving away posters and trading cards. The boys were stoked about their free goodies. Our letter from the Badgers stated to meet at the information booth. We found two Badgers people milling about and discover that they were the "information booth". They instructed us that after the game they would come and get us and bring us down to the locker room to meet Scott.

Brae and I found our seats about 5 rows up behind the goalie. Brad and Preston's were two rows up behind the Badger bench. The Badger's ended up winning 4-1 and Braeden and I made it on the jumbotron!

The Badger escorts found us at our seats. I had to text Brad and Preston to come over to our seats, too. Then, it was down to the locker rooms. The Badger people gave all the winners an 8x10 glossy of Scott. We were informed that Scott needed to attend the after game press conference and he wanted all of us to go to it, too! The press conference ended up just to be a handful of Madison press people. We thought we would may be have to start answering questions. It was still fun to experience. On the way back to the locker rooms Scott walked with our family. Of course he had to ask us, "Where are you guys from?" When we told him MN. He responded, "You're not Gopher fans, are you?" I was quick to respond that the boys were both born in Wisconsin, so WI is in their blood. Earlier Scott had went around and asked each winner their name and which helmet they designed. He also presented the Grand Prize winner his sweet replica helmet.

We toured the locker room. And were instructed, like every hockey locker room, not to step on the emblem in the middle (it's a hockey thing). Then, one of the players joked with Scott that he should give each one of the winners an old goalie stick of his. So, that is what he did. He took his time with all the kids and seemed genuinely excited and to be there with them. He posed for as many pictures and autographed as many things as everyone wanted. He even autographed a hat for pudge and posed for a picture with him. It was a thrilling experience and I think we may have a couple of Badger converts. But, with an experience like that who could blame them.

A Very Feine Christmas

The Saturday after Thanksgiving was Christmas with my Grandma Feine at the St. Charles Senior Center. All extended family, except those in California, were able to be there. I'm sure it meant a lot for Grandma to have almost everyone there being this is the first Christmas Season without Grandpa. We had a Mexican buffet and make your own sundaes which my family was completely enthusiast about.














Every year the hosts (this year Steve and Rochelle and Nancy and Lefty) have a kids craft. This year it was decorate your own cookies, which the kids loved! Laken sat there until every last cookie was decorated and there was no lack of frosting or sprinkles on her creations.

















And of course no Christmas celebration would be complete without presents! The kids were spoiled and very happy with their loot!

We need to get this Girl a Trampoline

005

First Snowfall

We celebrate the first snowfall a week ago last Saturday. The kids all scurried out of bed bright and early to play in it. The boys wanted to make sure they had fun in it before hockey and they were so sweet to help Laken build the first snow man of the year. Clara even got in on the act by being pulled in the baby sled.

001

Clara Lily at 10 mos

Clara Lillian is 10 months and is a stinkin' cute walker. She reminds Brad of that dancing baby on Allie McBeal. She has also had two double ear infections and currently is suffering from a cold and fever. Yucko! So, we have forgotten what sleep is like. And, check out her clothes. The poor girl drowns in most of them. She does pretty good in things that are sized 6-12. But, 6-9 is getting a little small and 12 months is still too big. We are trying to teach her to go down the stairs. She has been a little ray of sunshine for all of us.

Grovia Hevea Pacifier

Grovia sent us their Hevea pacifier to review. I love this pacifier. And, yes Clara is still a paci baby which I love! It is stinkin' cute as you can tell. It is 100% natural rubber. Which a love. You don't have to worry about want can of toxic materials or plastics you may be sticking in your babes mouth. It is anatomical correct, so baby can easily go from, breast or bottle to pacifier. We think the Hevea pacifier is awesome! Visit Heave at their website at www.heveababyusa.com or clink on Hevea to find their face book page.

Happy Halloween

Here is our gang all dressed up for Halloween. Brad as a doctor, Clara as Clara from the Nutcracker, Laken as Princess Tiana, Braeden as a Cowboy, and Preston as Commander Cody.









Our little monkey crawling in the cupboard.





Clara enjoying her first Halloween treat.






Clara even went trick or treating at a few of the houses close by. Then, Daddy brought her back to help Mommy pass out our Disney Card Game Goodies. These were such a hit with the kids. Kids were trading on the front step and were so excited to show their parents. Our kids expanded their trick or treating territory to some of the other streets in our subdivision and they had a blast! The were so thrilled to come home with juice boxes and full size candy bars among their loot.

Carving Pumpkins

"Carving Pumpkins, carving Pumpkins. Let's carve the eyes and nose. (a song from our Wee Sing for Halloween CD)"


Everyone hard at work.




Laken using her scooper.







Clara was all about touching the gooey insides.







Laken with her final product.








Clara Lillian's first Halloween Pumpkin:)










The whole gang with their masterpieces.

The Rink is Up

The Rink went up before Halloween. We are just waiting for the plastic and then the cold weather to start flooding. The boys are eager to get out there!

Cutest Ever Fluffy Butt

A trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Thrivent Financial sponsored a Pumpkin Patch outing the 1st Sunday in October. The weather was great! They had a yummy picnic lunch. Then, we went on a hay ride pulled by workhorses, rather than a tractor. They even had two bounce castles that Braeden, Preston and Laken spent the majority of time in. Then, each of the kids got to choose a pumpkin and we even got to take home a plethora of gourds and mini pumpkins.

Nicole and Terry's Wedding

The first Saturday in October, we attended my cousin, Nicole's wedding. The kids are loving these weddings gigs and behaved so wonderfully. They got many a complements as other cousins did not do as well. Clara enjoyed the yummy wedding cake.



My cousin Bryan and I. Bryan is Nicole's brother and was an usher. He and I are were born weeks apart and shared many a family birthday party together.


My Grandma, Mom and all the Sistas







My sweeties and I.








Clara and Nama bustin' a move. The kids, once again, had a blast dancing at the wedding. We even got to perform our signature family dance at some of my cousins request. The photographer even captured some pics of the kids out dancing. Speaking of the photographer, they had all their wedding pictures back one week later. Amazing!









So, how awesome are Terry's shoes! The wedding color was Red. Now I've since fun brides shoes, but never anything sweet like this coming from the Groom.

Clara Lillian is 9 months

Brad was able to take Miss Clara to her 9 month appointment. Lucky him, she didn't need any shots. They finally measured the little knob on the back of her head that she has had since birth. Dr. Clubb brought in another Dr. and they came to the conclusion that it is either a sebaceous cyst or a high lymph node. All which are benign. They documented the size so we can continue to monitor.

Her stats are: 28 3/4 length 84%
18 11 oz weight 45%
She is long and lean.

What we adore about Clara:
* She has threatened to walk all month, four being the most steps she's put together at a time.
* She can do the sign for milk
* She gets upset if Brad doesn't come and pick her up when he gets home from work.
* She loves real babies and baby dolls.
* She adores her huge easter chick.
* She loves her siblings.
* She likes to clap and jump.
* She likes to jump.
* She's still a pacifer and blankie girl.