A Family Tradition

My family has cut down its own Christmas tree for as long as I can remember. When Steve and I got married we continued the tradition. Every year we go to a place called Hampton Hills. It is very close to my parent's home in Randolph. We spend forever trying to find the perfect tree. This year my mom made her search much easier. She didn't want the perfect tree, instead she wanted a "Charlie Brown" tree. Zoë had a lot of fun helping Grandma find the right tree, but Ellie preferred to stay in the warm truck with Grandpa. After we found our trees we went back to my parents for Christmas Cookies (and a beer).

Turkey Day

Ellie coloring a turkey.

Ellie is a true Friedges. She enjoys shaking dice.


Zoë and KK always have a good time at Grandma Alice's and Grandpa Julius's house.




Jenni and Matt checking out the deals for Black Friday.

Grandma and Barb working hard in the kitchen.

Zoë enjoying her Thanksgiving feast.

Ellie enjoying her meal as well.

My favorite twins, Brooke and Carter. Brooke wins the prize for enjoying her meal the most. She sat and ate for probably an hour.

Tom, Natalie, and Kelly lounging after the meal.

We had a great Thanksgiving, or should I say a great three Thanksgivings. We started the day with the Hostrawsers (Steve's Mom's family) at Dave and Jen's. Then, we moved to Prior Lake to visit the Friedges side. Zoë and her cousin KK always have the best time together. After two big meals, a few hours watching football and going through the Newspaper ads we headed home.
On Saturday we traveled South to Iowa for Thanksgiving with the Waldschmidts. It was wonderful seeing everyone this weekend.

Welcome Mom!!!

My mom decided to enter the big exciting world of the internet. She got a sweet laptop yesterday. She says she needed one so that she could read the blogs. Way to go mom. We're always happy to have new readers!!

Now We're in Trouble

Ellie decided (Way too Early) that she is ready to be a big girl. Today at nap time, Zoë came running out to let us know that Ellie was standing on the end of her bed. We weren't sure what she meant, but rushed in to check in out. Yep, Ellie had both feet up on the railings. She was pretty proud of herself. We put her back in the crib and left. We watched her through the crack in the door, and in about 2 seconds she was back up on the railings. Steve got out the screw driver and took the side off. I swear Zoë did this way too early too. She was in a big girl bed at 21 months (also because of climbing). Ellie is only 19 months. I know so many people whose kids stayed in their cribs until 3 or later. How did I end up with the climbers. Life would be so much easier if she just stayed in the crib. Now, we'll be battling with bed time for a while. I wasn't planning on this at all. We may have to separate the girls again. I can't imagine all the fun they'd have with both of them able to run around.

Off to Arizona

On Saturday we got together with Steve's family at Dave and Jen's house to say good bye to Chuck and Karen. They left on Sunday morning for another warm and sunny winter in Arizona. We also celebrated Karen's birthday. Happy Birthday, Karen!!

Don't forget to vote today.
Zoë is one excited voter. She pulled the sign out of the yard and was marching up and down the side walk. Now, look at my little niece Lil. She takes her politics very seriously. Sorry, I should have gotten a pic of Ellie with her McCain sign. What do you think of Barack and Sarah? Check out those moves!!

More Halloween Fun!!

On Halloween Day the three grandaughters vistited Grandpa Bill at work. Thermo King had an awesome Halloween Party. Imagine hundreds of cubicles and trick-or-treating. The girls had a blast! We even met Sarah Palin.

Halloween was such a busy day. We also had the Lakeville Panther's football game in the evening. Sadly, their season came to an end after a great game against Lakeville South. Good job Uncle Mike! We look forward to next season.