OH Chistmas Tree!

After much pleading from Andy, we got out the Christmas tree this weekend. My little "helper", Andy and I took on the project during Sammy's nap. He was facinated by every ornament and only broke 3 in the process!

Sammy was also very facinated with the tree. She will not leave it alone. We will now spend the next 20 days tring to keep the ornaments ON the tree.

Breakfast with Santa

On Saturday, we took the kids to the annual "Breakfast with Santa" at our church. The morning included a pancake breakfast, craft projects, stories with Mrs. Claus, and a picture with Santa. This was the first year Andy was not afraid of the Big Man. He took full advantage of his time with Santa to tell him all of the toys he wants for Christmas. Sammy couldn't decide between crying and curiosity of the stranger.


Pancakes..."a special treat!"

Sammy crying

Writing a letter to Santa

Mailing our letter to Santa.

Thanksgiving in KC

On Thanksgiving, we bundled up the kids and headed to the Plaza for the annual Plaza Lighting. It was a little cold, but I think the kids enjoyed the show, especially the fireworks.

Sammy at 15 months

"chocolate face"

Sammy is 15 months old today. Sammy remains a petite little thing weighing in at 20 lbs. this week (10th percentile). She has changed a lot since her first birthday. Around October 1st, she decided crawling was for babies and became a full time walker. It's amazing how mastering that developmental milestone has transformed her into a toddler. Sammy's communication skills have also advanced significantly. She now points at what she wants and throws a temper tantrum when she can't have what she wants. Sammy is full of tricks too. She can wave bye-bye, cover her mouth when she fake coughs, dance, signal a touchdown, splash in the tub and point out things in her books...all adorably cute. She's a good eater, a good sleeper and unless she's hungry or tired, she's a happy little girl.

Happy Halloween!

Saturday was a very eventful day for the kids. Between pumpkin carving, the neighborhood party and trick or treating, they had a lot to keep them busy. Andy dressed up as a construction worker and Sammy wore Andy's 2006 purple dragon costume.

Pumpkin Patch

Today, we made our annual trip south to the Powell Pumpkin Patch for pumpkins and a hay rack ride. On our way home, we stopped at the Louisburg Cider Mill for cider and cider donuts.

Visiting Our Cousins

Today, while the guys headed to Manhattan for some K-State football, Sammy and I made a quick trip to Columbia to see Dan and Michelle. It's nice to have them so close. I'm not sure what I'm going to do if they ever move farther away!
I think Abby was a little disappointed I didn't bring Andy along, but she had plenty of hugs and kisses for her cousin Sammy.

This adorable little guy is the newest addition to the Kolder family. Nathan is just over a month old. It won't be long before he will join Andy terrorizing the girls.