X-Mas 2013 Marathon

Like most years, we have a very busy Christmas day.  Christmas 2013 began with the girls running downstairs in the morning to see what Santa left.  First they checked out to goodies in the stockings.

Look, Santa left me some yogurt!

Sylvia was very happy with her Frozen dolls.  Just what she asked for!

We packed up the car and started the trek to Northfield.  We didn't get more than a mile down the road, and we turned back home.  Adam was driving Jamie's car and the roads were pretty slippery.  We decided to go back home and take the other car.  No big deal... just repack the entire trunk!

It did take a bit longer to get down to Northfield, and we passed several cars in the ditch, but we made it fine.

Presents and Dan and Kelley's new house

Cousin Shaelyn showing off her new blanket

After a quick bite to eat, we got the girls changed into their Christmas dresses and headed over to the farm for lunch and more presents.

Getting ready for the present exchange

All opened, but getting ready for the 5 minutes of swapping

Sylvia "throwing a fit" because something "wasn't fair"

Sylvia spent a couple days with Grandpa and Grandma chicken following Christmas day, so Violet came home with Jamie and Adam to try to get back into a "normal" routine.

The one big change this Christmas season was celebrating the Brodd Christmas in the same calendar year!  We all headed out to the cabin on Saturday the 28th.

Opening presents after lunch.

Still opening presents...

Grandma Cabin showing off her new scarf and mittens from Jamie

It isn't a Brodd (Lickfett) Christmas without making homemade ice cream.  This year both Sylvia and Violet helped out in the cranking.

Snack time!

Sylvia helping Grandma make the cookie salad

Sylvia got to lick the beaters off - Yummy!

Last, but certainly not least, we celebrated our last Christmas on New Year's Day at Mike and Charleen's place.  It was the start of the arctic chill, so we didn't have a chance to play outside, but the boys got their fix of hockey and football, while the younger kids stayed entertained.

The girls opening presents

Violet with one of her new dolls.  This one is super soft!

Ahhhh - so that was Christmas 2013.  Hard to believe that January is almost half way by us already.  The weather is finally above 0 degrees, so time for some outside playing again!  Hope to share some pictures soon.

Merry Christmas (Eve)

Merry Christmas everyone!  Today was a day filled full of old Christmas movies (A Christmas Story, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation, and Home Alone to name a few), a little bit of shopping, and some fun craft time.

Full on craftin'

The proud girls with their creations

I did it all be myself, I swear!

Following dinner with our famous homemade pizza, the girls took quick baths and then got to open one present.

One of Violet's handmade goodies

Sylvia's GoldieBlox

Both were then very happy to go to bed, knowing Santa is on his way.  Last check on NORAD, he was dropping off gifts in England.  He will be here soon!

Ho Ho Ho

Merry Christmas everyone!

Sylvia's Christmas Program

Last Thursday night was Sylvia's 1st school Christmas program.  The kids have been working for weeks to pull together this special night.

The gym was packed with parents and their camera / phones / video cameras / etc. 

It was tough to get a good picture of the group, but Jamie managed to get one of Sylvia

A little of the music we all enjoyed!

Merry Christmas!

Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. We don't have a kitty :)

Autumn Pumpkin Celbration

The annual tradition of the fall celbration is becoming the annual weekend of rainy, cold weather.  That being said, when a group of friends get together, we can manage to make the best out of anything.

It turns out a clean garage with a space heater serves as a great pumpkin carving location.  This year people got even more creative with their carvings.

Sydney's Guy

The Happy Pair

Jen and Theo w/ the pint sized "o-face"

Liz and her lady friend

Per normal tradition, following the pumpkin carving, and assuring all the children have arrived, we bring out the pinata.  With the fact that the kids are getting bigger (i.e. stronger) and the cheaply made Target pinata is weaker, we only made it through a couple kids until it broke apart.

Thank goodness we have the 3M stash of tapes!  Between clear packaging tape and decorative masking tape, we were able to fix up the pinata for several more whacks!

Following the "outdoor" fun, we headed downstairs for chili and hotdogs.  The kids (and adults) were all well behaved and we had a great time.

Following dinner, the kids headed back out to the garage for a movie on the big screen with homemade popcorn! 

Another year in the bank.  Maybe 2014 will offer better weather?

Happy Halloween!

Hope you all had a fun and safe night!


Our Princess (with kitty paw) and Monkey (with winter hat) sure had a good time tonight.  Can't wait until next year!

All Smiles

Violet Goofy Face

If all goes well, we will be able to ration out the candy for about three months...