Santa Came!!!

Joe and I stayed back in Colorado this Christmas.  This was the first Christmas in 10 years that I did not travel back to MN during this time of year.  It was tough to be away from my mom and my family, but Joe did such a great job making our first Christmas together a special and memorable one for sure!  We woke up early and were excited to see that "Santa" came.  We had two trees and there were presents under them both. We were just like 2 little kids ripping open the presents, trying out our new gifts as we open them, and were ready for a nap by 10 in the morning!  The dogs enjoyed their Chrismas bones that we have been saving for them which be bought at the meat market back in MN.  We felt very blessed this year. We were definately safe, warm, and blessed with each other.  Happy Birthday, Jesus! :-) 

The Famous "Fuller" Christmas Cookies

Our creative juices were flowing...I guess!:-)

Santa came!

Joe with Kodah & Balin during our "White Christmas."

Setting up the Christmas Tree

We brought back my childhood Christmas decorations and my Mom and Dad's Christmas tree from many years ago.  I've always loved that tree, so mom has stored it for me until I got a house.  So, this is the year I got to bring it home and decorate it in my new home!  Joe has the "fun" tree with both of our childhood ornaments.  I have the "girly" tree that is decorated with Mom's hand-me-down's.  Lol!  Joe has also decorated the house and trees outside too which look great!  We definately fit in with the neighbors on the block! 

Joe putting up the downstair's tree

Joe's "fun" tree

My "girly" tree

Nativity Set (also a hand-me-down)

Thanksgiving in Hayward Wisconsin

Joe and I packed up the truck and the dogs and drove to MN and WI over Thanksgiving break.  Even though it was a quick trip, we were able to pack in lots of family time!  We were fortuante to have good weather and lots of good food!  Most of our trip was in Hayward, WI were my brothers Jamie and Josh live.  We were able to hangout and help out.  Fortunately, Sam was having a pretty good week and we were able to get some Christmas shopping done.  Sam was on her week between chemo treatments, so we got to have some fun together!  My mom continues to win over Joe's heart with her cooking.  We were able to have some really nice time after WI with Mom as we stayed there before making the rest of the trip back to Colorado.

Jamie and Sam listening to Jakob read a story in his 2nd grade class.

Balin ("City" dog #1)

Kodah ("City" dog #2)

The Chippewa Flowage

Joe showing the boys how to make Christmas cookies.

Jamie and Josh carving the deep fried turkey.

Sam and I