Having Fun

Despite the crummy weather outside, we've had some fun over the past couple of days. I remembered that we had a johnny-jump-up out in the garage, and now with Piper bearing weight (finally!) thought she might like it. I was right!


Batman having fun with Piper!

While she was busy jumping, I decided to put some clothes away in her closet. A couple minutes I look over, and this is what I saw... What a cutie! I guess that was a way to get her down for her morning nap!
Piper was showing off an adorable sweater she got from a friend and a new hat and sunglasses I found yesterday. I think she has a future in modeling!




Enjoying a good book.
Here's what the deer looked like in our backyard after I yelled at them to get the h*** out of our yard. As you can see, they are fearful of me (insert sarcastic tone).
After we got our fireplaces inspected, and cleared for use, this summer, Eddy finally decided to give it a try a couple of days ago.
Isaac has been more interested in playing games lately, which has been neat to watch. We were playing a version of dominos where you match the colors. He was doing really well!
Isaac and our neighbor, Weston, discovered it was perfect conditions to make a snowman. As we were walking back to our house after playing with Weston for at least an hour, Isaac says, "I love him, Mama". Aaawww...

Catching Up...Again!

Good thing I didn't make "update the blog regularily" a new year's resolution! In any case, here's what we've been up to for the past month.

My goal was to get a couple pics of Piper, but Isaac really wanted to hold her, so I took the opportunity! (Sorry about the crotch shot--it's hard to position a 7-month old!)


Piper doesn't cry that often, so I wanted to catch it on camera!
It's amazing how there can be so many differences between siblings. Isaac never fell asleep in his high chair. So when Piper's eyes were getting heavy, I had the camera ready to capture it.

(please forgive Eddy for inadvertently making a rude hand sign!)

Outdoor Fun!

Here's a fun comparison--Isaac as a 4 month old in his red hat, and now Piper in her pink hat at 7 months. Do they look like siblings?!


The weather has been pretty chilly lately, but I decided to bundle up the kids and head outside anyway. My grandfather made this sled for me when I was little. It's hard to tell, but it's a plastic sled that he added wooden side on to it. Then my grandma painted it--It has my name on the front and a lamb on the back. I'm so glad my parents kept it all these years!

Cute Kids!

Here are some recent pictures of the kids. Isaac and his friend, Ben, who also recently became a "big brother".
Piper and her new best friend, Carly. Piper is 6 months older than Carly. In this picture, Piper weighed 14 pounds, 7 ounces, and Carly 9 pounds 5 ounces!
I think we are going to have a lot of fun with these kids!
Can you guess where we keep the snacks?!
This is the first time Isaac has EVER fallen asleep in front of the television! Grandma Becky and Grandpa J had come for a visit, and he didn't get a nap. This was about an hour after they left.
Piper likes carrots!

Christmas as a Family of Four

For our first Christmas as a foursome, we were alone on Christmas Eve. At first I was a little disappointed--the first Christmas after Isaac was born, we were also alone. After eating dinner and going to church, we got home and kind of went "now what?". I didn't want that to happen again. Well, I hadn't put together the idea that Isaac is THREE now and LOVES presents! We had a great meal of wild rice soup (a tradition on my side of the family), went to church, then came home and opened presents. This dress holds a special signficance to me. My mom made it and I wore it for my first Christmas! And to add something new to it, I found these adorable tights with red ruffles on the tush! Isaac opening the first gift--a Thomas the Train set from Eddy's assistant coach, Nick. It's safe to say it was one of his favorite, if not the favorite, gift of the night. Getting a picture that I am actually in! And to be fair, a pic of Daddy and his kids...Piper was at the end of her rope! Earlier in the evening, Piper started rolling over!

Santa Came!

It all started around Thanksgiving...Isaac had regressed with potty-training and we were at our wits-end with it. So, we tried a new tactic. "Santa comes to big kids who don't pee in their pants". It worked (for the most part). Isaac would say "Santa's very happy. He bring me presents and toys" after he'd go potty!

We put out cookies, milk, carrots on a special tray Christmas Eve.

First thing the next morning, Isaac runs downstairs to find that Santa (and the reindeer) had eaten the treats we left out and left Isaac a note!

Soon after he found the presents.

Showing off a light-up snow globe and gum that Santa brought.

Santa brought an electrical train set! It will be a "Daddy and Isaac" toy...when the train comes off the track (ie, Isaac picks the train up), it doesn't work. Mommy doesn't have the patience for that :) Notice Piper "reading" the directions!

What a great morning we had!

Morgan Side Christmas

After Santa Claus came to our house, we braved the weather and headed over to Uncle Bob, Aunt Jamie, and Madi's house for the Morgan family Christmas. This year we tried something a little different--the kids opened all their presents, then had lunch, and then when the kids were entertained by a movie/new toys, the adults opened gifts. It worked out really well!

Elizabeth and Isaac going through their loot.

Papa helping Isaac with a new toy.

Madi and Piper smiling for the camera.

There are 6 grandkids this year and will be 7 next year (oh, no...not me! Eddy's sister is pregnant with baby #4!)

Christmas Storm

Fortunately, the storm of Christmas '09 didn't stop our plans. Instead, us Northern Minnesotans buckle down and have some fun!
Isaac helping Daddy shovel off the front steps.

Isaac and Mommy, before the snow fight started!

This picture reminded me of a scene in "Grumpy Old Men"--everyone outside after a snowfall, snowblowing. (Notice the neighbors in the background!)

Can't have a post without our little girl!

New Year's Weekend

We spent the first weekend of the new year at my parents' house. While there, we celebrated the Tischer-side Christmas. My sister and her hubby were there, too. We always seem to find interesting things to do at Grandma Becky's and Grandpa J's!

Auntie and Isaac were gettin' their groove on while listening to a children's music CD. Uncle Paul had yet to join in the dancing!

Piper was checking out a new musical toy--a Tigger that sang a song and rocked back and forth in a rocking chair. I think she was impressed!

Grandpa J snowplowed a big maze for some outdoor fun. Isaac had fun chasing them!

We were fortunate to be handed-down a pair of child size skis. My dad was very excited to take Isaac out in the woods on skis!


With all the fun going on, we almost (not really!) forgot about opening presents!
Our beautiful children, before all the craziness began.

Auntie and Uncle Paul gave Isaac several costumes to add to his dress-up box. This one is definitely a favorite (he wanted to leave his other clothes on--hence the marshmallow-man look!)


Between eating a very late dinner and taking our time opening presents, we realized it was getting really late. So, we took a time-out and stopped opening gifts and waited until the following day.
Piper checking out a new toy.

Isaac playing with one of many new toys.

This pic took about 17 tries!


We are so fortunate to be able to spend time together, no matter if it's on the actual holiday or not. It's not the day, it's being together.