December Snow

 Saturday morning we woke up to about 5 inches of snow. Evan and Jaden were excited to put on their boots (Thanks Aunt Laurie!) and play outside. They loved it.....especially Evan! Jaden got a little cold.....it would have helped if he would have kept his gloves on! 

Playing catch in the snow is a whole new ball game! Especially with gloves that are too big!

 We even got to play with Cannoli!

 When it was time to go in, Evan ran down the sidewalk---he could have stayed out all day! But Jaden's hands were beyond cold. I finally caught up with Evan five houses down when he stopped to take a bite of snow.

Thanksgiving 2013

Thanksgiving was a wonderful weekend filled with all of our family from South Dakota visiting us! The time clearly went too fast. Evan and Jaden enjoyed having so much attention.

Reading the 'Worlds largest book'!

 Watching the Macy's Day Parade.......Evan of course found someone to feed him a snack!

Thanksgiving! All that work and time into preparing the meal.....and in minutes it was over! We did add our leaves to the Thankful tree. So much to be thankful for!!

More Pie!

 Let the shopping begin!! Clearly our shirts are outdated.....since shopping began at 4PM, not AM!

On Saturday we went to Morton to visit Nathan's extended family. These are Evan and Jaden's 2nd cousins once removed (I think that's the correct title!)

 I got the tree up.....but opted for no ornaments. Eventually it did get a nice bow on top and ribbon!

Family, Friends, Football: Fall in S.D.

 After the Vikings Game in Minneapolis, we drove to Brookings, SD for the weekend. 
Friday I met with senior nutrition majors at SDSU---recruiting for the MS program at Illinois State University! Then we
hung out with Cousin Elliot!

We attempted to get a picture with Grandma and her grandsons.....but E & J wouldn't sit still. This is the best I could get!

Ella came to play Saturday morning. 

 She was such a sweetie. Evan thought so too!

 Getting ready to cheer on the Jackrabbits!

Ummm. Yes, it's true--the Pride of the Dakotas played 'What Does the Fox Say?'!!

 The boys came at halftime to watch Grandma Linda receive her Honorary Letter Award from SDSU Athletics!

 Congrats Grandma Linda!

 Later Saturday we went to Watertown. Great-Aunt Bondell came to play 'farm' with the boys. 

 The boys enjoyed coolwhip 'pie'.......and of course loved it!

 Best Buds!

 Checking the cows!

 Getting ready to leave, the boys RAN to the tractor! Couldn't wait to get a ride!

Fall Fun!

The boys got rakes for their 2^nd birthday and finally got to use them! They really seemed to enjoy playing in the leaves. They even had races running thru the piles of leaves. Raking? Well, of course the rakes are like swords to them! 

Go Purple Go!

A week ago today, we ventured to the big game: Redskins vs. Vikings!! Because I planned ahead…….the boys were dressed in Vikings apparel. I told Nathan he had equal opportunity to fit them for Redskins jerseys.

We met Grandma and Grandpa Raeder in Minneapolis. Before the game, I had a little extra time to visit a few close friends in the Minneapolis area while the boys enjoyed riding the escalators. They also got to take their first train ride! Although we were within a mile of the Metrodome/Mall of America Field, we kept warm on the crowded train.

 The boys did so well at the game! I think we were all worried about how they would act, and I’m pretty sure Grandma Pam thought she would be going back to the hotel at half-time…..but the twins stayed entertained the whole time. I think Evan most enjoyed watching the cheerleaders and waving to them…..I’ll have to watch him in high school! Jaden loved yelling ‘Football go!’ It was a close, high scoring game in the second half, which made for a fun evening……. Especially for us Vikings Fans!!