Christmas Part 2

One year ago....

I was downloading Christmas pictures and saw Christmas pictures from last year. I dont see how much Luke changes on a daily basis, but I can not believe how much more grown up he looks compared to the last year.

Christmas Part 1

As most of you know, we closed on our house on Christmas Eve, and moved the Sunday after Christmas, so we have been rather busy. That did not stop us from celebrating Christmas not one, but three times. We went up to Minnesota the weekend before Christmas and celebrated Christmas with all of Keith's family. We always have a great time up there, and I got some great grab bags. Keith's aunt spends all year putting together grab bags for the ladies of holiday decorations for the house. We then play the white elephant game and have the opportunity to steal to get the ones we want. LOVE IT!!!

Keith's cousins and brother and sister

Luke with his Great Grandpa

Luke and second cousin Melissa


All of the great grandchildren (Luke is the only grandchild on Keith's side but has lots of second cousins to play with when visiting)

Luke looking at pictures of himself with Grandma

Happy Halloween from a special Dragon!

This was Luke's 1st trick or treating experience. Last year, we took him to a couple neighbors but just to show him in his costume. We had planned on doing that again this year since we didnt want to carry him around the whole night (and he is allergic to milk so he can't eat the chocolate) but Luke surprised us and started walking on Friday!!! Once he started, he really hasnt stopped yet. He is extremely proud of himself and showed it off the whole time we were trick or treating, which was only about 7-8 houses. He also enjoyed seeing all the kids in their costumes. When they came to the door, he would sometimes say"ohhhh" or get a big grin on his face. Here are some pictures of him in his dragon costume! Luke and Mommy
Luke and Daddy

Watching the kids from the porch trick or treating, probably waiting for us to stop taking pictures

Getting candy

Seeing what kind of candy he got!

Bible Heroes Party

On Saturday night, we took Luke to my parent's church to go to a Bible Heroes party. All the children were supposed to dress up like their favorite bible hero and then they all played games and had some food. We didnt plan to go till the last minute because we werent sure if Luke would be better, (he had an ear infection again last week) , which is the reason he is not in a costume. Each game represented a hero from the bible, and Luke's favorite game was trying to throw a football in the lion's mouth (Daniel and the Lions Den). Austin and Karsen liked the game where they had to find a treasure in a big bucket of shaving cream....MESSY! Anyway, here are some pictures.

Luke looking through the Lion's mouth cutoff instead of throwing the football.

Austin and Karsen dressed up in ponchos with their box of animals to represent Noah.

Grandma with Luke, Austin and Karsen.
Austin and Karsen trying to guess how many animal crackers are in the jar.

Luke riding the waves!

Apple Works

It has been awhile and I have a lot of pictures to update....but maybe tomorrow. We have been busy, and just enjoying the final few nice days by spending them outside before it gets cold for the winter. A couple weeks ago, Keith went out of town so I took Luke down to Apple Works. It is a cute little apple orchard with store, hayride, pumpkins, campfires, corn maze, slide and a little petting zoo with goats.

The Lukester!

Another busy month is almost half over. I always look forward to September (probably since my birthday is the 1st) but it a good month weather wise too. It is also a good month as football season starts (probably more for Keith than me).
This morning, we enjoyed watching a couple soccer games, that Austin and Karsen had, with my whole family. Karsen is the the 4-5 league and seems to really enjoy it. She really does well with the ball for her age. Austin just turned 8, and is in the 8-10 league so it is much more aggressive. Austin plays all positions but I think he does best as a forward. He prefers Mid though...I wont blog his reasons though:) We always try and arrange a couple games a season where Erin and Ken from Fort Wayne come and my parents meet us there so they have a REALLY big cheering section.

Luke is finally feeling better after being sick this week. He had his sixth ear infection and it took a lot longer for this one to go away. Along with that, he may have had a cold or his teeth coming in were bothering him because his fever caused him a very high temperature and a very sleepy boy. He was put on breathing treatments also for when he gets wheezy. He is back to his smiley self. He is very much into the camera right now. He is getting much more talkative now, even though a lot of we cant understand, but he does say several words. He has been working on thank you for awhile now, and it sort of comes out annnn you. Here are some pictures!!!Luke getting up close with the camera. He loves to look at the picture after I take it.
Finding a new game with the bouncer.

Luke with his breathing treatments.

Luke and Aunt Erin at Ivanhoes celebrating our birthdays.

Luke and I at Ivanhoes celebrating our birthdays.