Christmas Magic

Christmas magic fell upon the Swanson household.  Cullen made some reindeer food at school (1/2 cup oatmeal, 1 tsp. green glitter and 1 tsp. red glitter).  He told us that we had to sprinkle it both in the front and back of the house on Christmas Eve to make sure that the reindeer found their way.  Then, we set out carrots and water for Santa's reindeer and some cookies and milk for the jolly old man.  Cullen actually went to bed fairly easy that night - maybe it was the long Christmas mass that tired him out.  When we awoke in the morning, the first thing we did was check if the treats had been touched.  Sure enough - the carrots and cookies were no where in sight!  Now.... Onto the gifts!  Cullen and Simone received a toy kitchen from Santa - as well as a pile of other presents.  It's funny to note that Cullen spent the most time playing with the flashlight from his stocking - rather than the big ticket items (isn't that the way it goes?!).   Then, we journeyed up to MPLS to see Grandma Liz, Grandpa Mark, Brigette, Mason, Annie and Drew.  We can't wait for the magic to return next year.

Holiday Cheer

We took in La Crosse's Rotary Lights at Riverside Park.  Both Simone and Cullen were in awe.  It is such a joy seeing things through your childrens' eyes.  It's a whole new perspective! 

Our friends Nick and Brooke paid a visit home from Hawaii and introduced us to their son Whistler.  He's an adorable little guy and Simone was smitten!

Swanson Family Christmas

We celebrated an early Christmas with the Swanson clan on Sunday, 12.19.  Cullen and Jameson received superhero capes with their initials - a big hit!  Simone sat back and watched the chaos.  But really, the best present was just being together.

The Seventh Month Mark

Simone is now loving baby food, has yet to cut any teeth and is sleeping well through the night (6:30 pm - 6:30 am).  Everyone adores her - especially her brother!

Blizzard Babies.

La Crosse spent the weekend digging out of a foot of snow.  Thank God Bob showed up on Sunday morning with the end-loader to dig through the snow.  He saved Dirk a few hours of work!  We also paid a visit to Grandma Ione.  In fact, Cullen had so much fun at her house, he threw a fit when we had to leave.    All in all, it wasn't so bad!

Chicken Dancing.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.

We had a weekend full of Christmas festivities. On Saturday morning we attended breakfast with Santa. The jolly old man and his wife, Mrs. Claus, filled the room with fun and laughter. Cullen wasn't scared of Santa this year and told him that he wanted a toy kitchen. Afterward, Cullen and Mason rode the Southdale Xmas Xpress with Annie. We also received our first major snowfall. Cullen did what he could to help Dirk clear the patio, but really he just played in the white stuff! The weekend ended with Cullen and Simone's school Christmas program. Simone's class performed (aka looked cute) for a rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". Cullen's class danced the "Chicken Dance" and sang "Jingle Bells". Dirk and I are so proud of our Christmas stars!

MPLS fun.

We are thankful.

We had a great thanksgiving celebration at Wowee's house with the Moore clan. Cullen and Simone got to hang out with lots of cousins - young and old.

We are thankful for such a happy, healthy family; for a loyal dog; for a winning Badger football team and for no snow to shovel in November!

Half a year has come and gone.

Wow. Simone is now 6 months old. She got a clean bill of health from Dr. Gerhard and didn't cry too hard when the nurses gave her those terrible shots!

Simone's 6-month stats:
length: 24 inches (3rd percentile)
weight: 15 lbs (25th percentile)
head: 46 cm (> 98th percentile)

Just to compare, here are Cullen's 6-month stats:
length: 24 inches
weight: 16 lbs.
head: 45 cm