December

We weren't so busy this month. Which really was a welcome change to things. As I mentioned in the last post we are expecting baby number 2 in May of 2013. So really, I have spent a lot of time on the sofa, and in bed. Which I know sounds great, but it does make the month of December a little more stressful. Still however, I am so grateful for a little one, and a half a little one in this house to make the holiday's so magical. I wouldn't trade our simple, unhurried holiday for anything.

I have such a good helper...fast forward to the next photo....

This is us, a week later, still working with an empty tree. I got home from Utah and got the flu. It was the best week of my life....

We went shopping, which was all sorts of fun with this little stinker.

Took several spills on the concrete. This doosey was one of the worst.

We bundled up and went with some friends and the rest of Chicago to see the lights at the zoo. Not really Temple Square, but it was still fun.

Did I mention we went shopping this month? Meet Christmas present number one...

We actually got a little snow just before Christmas, and by little, I mean little. It was still snow and still magic to Elsi.

This is where we ended up on Christmas Eve. With a fever of 101, three molars coming through, and a sick, but still happy child. Dad had a little scare while Mom was out, it was almost enough to end us in an emergency room. But, due to faithful nurses that work on Christmas Eve (with their kids yelling in the background) we got things settled down and were able to make her comfortable.

Christmas day was merry and simple, and a little overwhelming for this little one.

Santa brought a new bike, with a really long handle so that this prego mommy can stand to push her through the house for hours and hours.

This baby is well loved.

Finally some time to just play!

We even got to go out for our anniversary this year. Grandma and Grandpa Bywater came and made that all possible. We loved it!

November

This catch up is so long overdue that I forgot my password to log in. Did I mention I was pregnant? :)

November was busy because we weren't home. We left the first week, and then didn't come back until the last week. We spent our time in Utah with the family, Seattle for a show, and then back to Utah. Here are just a few things we did...

We played and played and played with cousins, friends and everyone else we could meet up with. AND we spent a lot of time in the car going back and forth. This girl is a trooper though and was always patient and happy.

We played at the Children's museum. Always a fun outing.

Sink baths with Grammy, still a go even though we don't fit very well.

First encounter with snow, so we built a snowman.

I feel like I was in the air more then I was on the ground this month. Flying to and from Utah and then the Seattle show in between all of that made me more of a frequent flyer.

We rode a train at the mall, built for little kids...mommy was a bit uncomfortable.

We spent more time on this little bike then anything! She loved it and would push herself backwards all the way around Grammy and Papa's driveway. She also loved that her Daddy gave her several pushes on the push bike.

This little brother of mine received his mission call while we were there, and I was so grateful for the opportunity I had to be there and be with him. He leaves in January for the MTC to serve a Spanish Speaking mission in Everett, Washington.

We of course squeezed in some bowling.

We got lots of new jammies...and lots of new cousin's to play with.

We enjoyed many a meal with friends and family. Elsi even had a thing or two to say about how and what she ate. Which was entirely new for her, and myself.

Here we are checking out the house that Papa is building. He uses this lovely fixture for light as he cuts molding. :) He removed it from someone in the wards house. One man's trash is Papa's treasure. I love that about him. 

No further caption needed. I was in HEAVEN.

We helped with the decorations and getting ready for Christmas, as you can see, it was a good thing we were there.

October

Yes, I am playing catch up...three months of it actually. :) We have been busy, sick, busy with the holidays, and then just plain exhausted after that.

October was a great month for us....

Went and toured a little of the city with some co-workers after our first ever Chicago show.

Made lots of cookies and other treats for Halloween.

Had a wave of coldness sweep our area, and decided to visit the farm in the middle of it.

A visit from my sweet sister made this month one of my favorites. We chatted and laughed and visited a few of our favorite places in the area.

Scott was so put out at having to do the dishes he forgot to use the correct soap.

Made my first award winning pie...EVER.

Carved pumpkins with this cute pumpkin.

This cute little witch visited our house. She walked around poking everyone with her broom and saying "Hee, Hee, Hee, Hee, Heeeee... ( No tree was harmed in the making of said broom. The only thing that was harmed was my pride in the making of the cape. Yes, the sewing machine still has a home.)