Christmas Part I

Our first of 3 Christmas gatherings began at the Affeldt cabin with ice fishing lessons on Lake Sherwood. First thing one should notice in the upcoming photo is the fact that Jay is setting his watch. He's got this ice fishing gig set to a 5 minute timer just in case he hasn't surveyed the ice holes for a "tip up". It's almost impossible to draw his attention away from those holes in the ice. As soon as someone spots a little flag waving in the wind, boots are laced, coats are thrown on and it's a race to the ice. I am the kinda fisherwoman who has a blast as long as there is plenty of action and not much sitting around and Saturday was just that. Norbert and Jay gave me the honor of yanking up the first Northern Pike of the afternoon, bonus that it was a keeper! Bryn and Henry watched pretty carefully out on the sloppy wet ice and then had fun just running. Haven't figured out how Henry could fall as I was holding his hand but then could run himself back and forth across the ice without a splash-landing once.

Here is Henry with his first catch. This little perch was about the size of the minnows we were using as bait.

Here is our version of "Frosty", so named by H and B. We didn't last outside long enough to give him any appendages as Bryn's feet were red, cold and hurting from all the water that managed to soak on through her boots.

Saturday evening was spent giving gifts and watching B and H tear into their presents but also watch carefully as the rest of us opened our gifts. Henry presented Grandma with his work of art and made sure she was impressed with his handiwork.

Thanks Grandpa for some pretty fancy toolboxes packed with slippers and gloves. Grandpa made the boxes himself with cherry wood thanks to Mr. Pickhardt.

The gloves were a hit. Henry decided that they will be the perfect accompaniment to his outdoor biking this winter. How can it be easier to put on gloves when it takes us forever to find and stick their thumb into a mitten?

You know Christmas is a success when the evening ends with both of them in their undies, new slippers and gloves!

We were then stuck inside Sunday due to 30 mile per hour wind gusts, blowing snow and blowing noses. We did manage to have some fun with Phil and Joan later that night and play several rounds of hot potato! P.S. Thanks for the magnet books, we have had them out several times already.

The only bummer is that we didn't get to see Jen, Shawn, Mia or Allison for the holidays. It seems they are on pretty strict orders to avoid any children under the age of 13 (!) ,who tend to be germy, for their first year. Can't believe we have to wait that long but since they were so premature we don't want to mess with anything. The Day clan will be taking our place at the cabin this week and presents will be traded via Grandma and Grandpa this year with hopes the kiddos can reconnect this summer! Seems like forever. Our holiday wishes to Jen and Shawn are for longer nights of sleep, happy babies and a smile every now and again!!

Grandma and Grandpa A deserve many hugs for the food, fun and frolic............ and of course the toys for H and B and gifts for us parents! Who would have guessed the two 2 1/2 year olds would pretend play that they work in a pizza parlor and take orders by phone, while baking the pizza under the ottoman?