Christmas 2012, Etc.

As usual, Christmas at the Taylor house was the regular free for all. And a fun one at that. We got to have our Uncle Will, Auntie Kelly, and Dori with us. We had the Christmas Eve Bash, Christmas Day wind-down, and Christmas at my Grandma and Grandpa T's. We took a trip to Dubuque to see some snow and go sledding (you'll see this event got it's own post, now you know why), and had a lovely New Year's Eve party with our wonderful neighbors. Happy 2013 to all!

Please note, we all know my mom is not as good as taking pictures as my Auntie Ellen, so there will be more Christmas pictures to come, I'm sure. 

 I suppose it's good Uncle Will works for Trek - hello Santa Will! We rode them all around the house immediately after this picture. Leo cried when we had to go to the Christmas Eve party. Nice.

Christmas morning, AKA - Falling into Christmas

"What are you talking about, Grandpa T?"

Our last Strautman Tree Farm Christmas tree - so proud of 

my Great Grandpa for having a Christmas tree farm for 50 years. 

Where we are going to go from now on, who knows?!

Happy New Year from the Pine Street clan!

 2013 has to be perfect after hanging out with this bunch.

Our First Sledding Outing - AKA "When Mom Yelled at Poppy"

Off to Dubuque we went to spend more time with Uncle Will and Auntie Kelly. We were so excited for our first sled. I mean, really? We live in Chicago and we had to travel to Dubuque for Snow? Pitiful. It definitely is a trip that will go down in the history books. I'll do a play by play for you below....

First, you'll see Mom and Auntie Kelly chatting away while we all think Poppy is going to get in the gigantic deer carcass sled with us.... 

Poppy was being Poppy, and pushed us down the big hill all by ourselves. Repeat, this was our first time sledding. Ever. Note the goofy smile on my Poppy's face and my mom's expression of our lives flashing before her eyes as she grabs the sled...

 Mom still trying to save us...

Poppy did run down to rescue us, but we were smiling and all ended well. 

For us. Poppy got yelled at. Big time. At least Dori was there waiting for us. 

At least we wanted to go again and this time, 

Uncle Will took us. Good Uncle Will.

 Mom and Me. And Dori of course.

Something Leo Likes Part 2

So, my brother has won out. My mom and dad signed us up for gymnastics. Think Leo is happy? 

July in December?

It's a little warm here in the Chicago area for our liking. Come on, people - we have a snow dog! That does not stop my dad from putting up more Christmas decorations. And Leo of course, tried to see how high he could climb without us noticing. Nice, try Leo.

The Talented Leo

There are quite a few posts about me saying how great my brother is. Well, he is. And he reached another milestone - he can blow through a whistle! It may seem like a small accomplishment, but pretty big for Leo as he learns how to work with his mouth. We're quite happy and not so bothered by the noise level in the house. Leo also says the alphabet, counts to 9, knows his colors and shapes! Wow! Now mind you - only Mom and Dad can understand most of what he says, but he's sure trying!

Leo practicing his expressive skills

Just a day in the life - enjoying Daniel Tiger and macaroni

Don't mind me, I'm just playing the iPad in my Thomas the Train tent. 

You know, typical toddler stuff.

Waffles and Poppy

My Poppy loves making us waffles when we come to Dubuque. He even makes me special ones without eggs. But I can have eggs now, so he taught me and Soph his waffle secrets. Leo? He still ate his mac & cheese.