January 2010

January is generally a lighter work-month for Chris and me. I treasure the weekends off and the opportunity to go to church each week. Chris has been coordinating the remodel of our restaurant kitchen and the building start of the new store. We are making many descisions each day at work to get ready for huge changes.

ON THE HOMEFRONT

1st Week

We rang in the New Year at the Lake of the Ozarks with our friends the Biehl's. Much fun with some high energy kids kept the adults on their toes. The girls entertained each other well as usual. The big surprise was how well Max and Theo played with tools and carried on conversations with one another. We enjoyed seeing the boys bond for the first time. We also thoroughly enjoyed the waterpark at Tantara. Ella turned into a dare-devil on the tube waterslides and Theo couldnt get enough of the boat ride aka Lazy River.

Cheers! It is amazing how much sparkling apple juice looks like beer or wine!

2nd Week

I traveled to Atlanta for a buying show for work. I saw Tyler Florence from Food Network at a cooking demo in Americasmart. I hung around after the presentation to get an autographed cookbook. The girl who never wins anything won the last of 50 free cookbooks!

3rd week

We hosted a sledding and skating party with cousins, aunts and uncles down at the farm pond. Uncle Bobby demonstrated fantastic skating skills while the rest of us struggle to stay afoot in regular boots on the ice! Sledding was a bit challenging but we made it work. Even the dogs got in on the slippery fun.

Hot soups warmed us up after several cold hours outside. Thank goodness for Uncle Joseph's 4-wheeler. It transported many a tired kids back up the hill to the house.

Ella also received her quarter 2 report card this week. New marks for new letter and number skills. The progress is great!

4th week

We started the week with a Chucky Cheese outing with the Biehl's. This was Ella first good Chucky Cheese experience. She had a ball- a big change up from 3 years ago when she had a sensory overload during cousin Joe's birthday party. Theo was a bit more reserved but loved the virtual rollercoaster ride.

Ella's Daisy Scouts came to a cooking class at Eckert's - messy and delicious fun was had by all. (slacking mom has no photos!)

flashback wedding photo!

Bobby and BLaur came over for their last in-town dinner. They are moving back to Boston this week. We are all very sad about it and Ella cannot understand why anyone would want to move away from "sane louis." We will miss you guys!!

5th week

A ear infection for Theo and a sinus/ear infection for mom made for a very crabby week. Time to rest and reflect is not a bad outcome however.

Sneak peek:

Big fun is coming our way in February! Ella turns six and I am in denial. Stay tuned.