Year 2011 Highlights

Okay, I guess I have to admit that my New Year's Resolution for 2011 of getting better at blogging wasn't successful. How the time gets away from me... Instead of a Christmas letter, I've decided to do an electronic update again. Here's to you and hoping that this year has brought you health and happiness...

The year started off as most years do… Snowy! We took some time to embrace it, though. Elijah started to hit the slopes. He is so motivated by anything outdoors and active. Sydney was a patient big sis waiting for the boys to get to the bottom of the hill (since Ron had to help/hold Elijah the whole way down) before heading up the lifts again. Elijah was very excited to finally be able to hit the slopes like his big sister.
Ron and I also got to enjoy the snow, but in the mountains of Utah. It was our first real trip without the kids, thanks to Nana and Papa! It was the first time I had skied in the mountains since I was pregnant with Sydney. It wasn't nearly as easy as it had been when I was in better shape, but still a great getaway!

A couple of added trips to indoor water parks helped us forget the long, cold winter, as well! A weekend away with Uncle Aaron, Katie, Auntie Kerri, Nana and Papa to the Wilderness was the perfect getaway to start spring break.

One day in late March, Sydney woke me up by saying “today’s the day!” Since we had planned on going out for one last day of skiing since the hill was closing, I thought she was referring to that. However, when I asked her, I was surprised to hear her report “I’m getting my ears pierced today!” I had always told her that we could go get them done when she was ready. She said she had a dream and she knew she was ready. What a funny kid! Well, it WAS the day!

As April came and the snow melted, the kids were eager to get outside. Sydney tried to help Eli learn to ride his bike, but it just brought frustration for both of them. Training wheels and his scooter helped Elijah stay up to speed with his sister for a few more months.
Spring and summer brought us some great weather for hiking. Elijah always seems to have extra energy to wear off, but we usually have to really encourage Sydney to get excited about it. She’d much rather take her bike everywhere than to have to walk. Devil’s Lake is one place, though, that she’s always happy to go. I love it because it’s one of my favorites. I day of hiking (with no complaining and whining) was actually my Mother’s Day gift this year. A great day and a great gift!
May also brought a new season of soccer. Sydney had played last fall, but Eli was ready to get in on the action come spring. He was one of the littlest ones out on the field, but he had a blast. He played again on teams this summer and fall and I think it’s one thing that we’ll be doing for a while with him. He just loves it!
Memorial Day brought us great weather and also a great start to Sydney’s first year on swim team. Her first few weeks of practice brought some sore muscles and fears, but in no time she was able to do that 50 that brought so many tears early on. She was one of the youngest on her swim team. She had a great time, though, and she learned she wasn't out there to win but to try her best and have fun! Mission accomplished.

While his sister was at swim practice every morning, Eli had fun playing at the park. He did have a few helpers while waiting, but most of the friends he made knew that he’d be coming in his pajamas about 60% of the time. It really became a theme for the summer. He could be found in his PJ's playing outside, riding his bike, running around and even jumping in puddles after late afternoon rains. I was just thankful that after open swim and his swim lessons we could actually get clothes on him without a battle!
July was a busy month for us. Even with swim lessons, swim team, and Syd’s ‘coach pitch’ softball, we were able to get away for a trip to South Dakota. The kids weren't quite up for making the whole drive at one time, so we relaxed in Sioux Falls on our trip west. They have a great city park that we visited and walked around at before hitting the road again.
Our next stop was Wall Drug before heading to Custer where we were staying for a while. The weather was actually pretty chilly while we were there, but we were able to enjoy Wind Cave as well as hiking at Custer State Park, a chuck wagon dinner, a train ride from Keystone to Hill City. Syd was content with learning and experiencing new things, but really liked the fact that we stayed in hotels with cable channels on the TVs. Eli really got into the hiking and exploring new trails.
Our last day, and hottest, was a stop at Mt. Rushmore. Our running joke for the trip was Eli calling the monument "The Mans." The kids were so excited to get to see Mt. Rushmore up close, but the heat was really getting to them. It was great for them to experience, but their favorite part was the huge ice cream cones before leaving!
After vacation, we still had a lot more summer for fun and learning. One of Sydney's great accomplishments was learning to balance and actually move forward on her in-line skates. She was so proud of herself. We ended up spending quite a bit of time perfecting her skills. I'm looking forward to her continued growth so that I have a skating partner someday!
Both kids love trampolines and spent a lot of time jumping this summer. Since I don't feel that we will ever have one of our own due to safety and liability issues, the kids often jump on the neighbor's trampoline. One night as they were playing, Ron and I were talking about how it was a long weekend and the kids should start getting washed up and ready for bed as we started to hear Sydney screaming... and then Eli screaming. As we got to them, we realized they were both bleeding. Syd was holding her mouth and Eli was holding his head. As it turned out, Eli needed stitches... again! Being that it was 7:00 on a Sunday and the kids were tired, I really didn't want to have to go to the ER, so we talked a neighbor who's a nurse into giving him steri-strips. I guess it was too much to make it through 2011 without another facial laceration... he IS Elijah!

I took the kids to the Dane County Fair, and they were allowed to choose one ride. Of course Eli chose the trampolines that he could do flips on. Sydney didn't buy into his choice right away, but didn't want her little brother to be more brave than her. It was so fun to watch them jumping and flipping. It was a great choice on Elijah's part... probably one I would have chosen, too!

Bound and determined to be like his sister and the 'big kids' in the neighborhood, Elijah worked hard on his bike without training wheels. It was funny the way he learned to do it. Similar to Sydney, he pretty much figured it out in about an hour of trying on his own. I wasn't home to see it since I was out with friends, but he was eager to show off his skills the next day.And the rest is history... (and Yes... I do encourage more safety than is displayed in this picture!) Elijah's favorite riding is now 'off-road' trails. He's become such a good rider in a few short months.

August brought even more fun. We took our annual girls' (+Eli) trip to the Baraboo/Dells area this year. The kids are always excited to spend special time with their Nana and Auntie. Elijah was so excited to go to the North Freedom train. He even got into full uniform and had his train whistle everywhere he went. I love that little-boy-innocence that I'm sure I will miss before too long.
Another stop we made was at the Circus World Museum. We really enjoyed learning the history of the circus and watching some of the shows. I have to admit that the whole idea of circus families and performers is kind of creepy and disturbing to me, but interesting. Sydney enjoyed posing for some fun pictures throughout the day. Eli is often found with Benny. He just loves him so much, but it's not rare to find him pulling on Benny's ears, patting him or giving him BIG (and often rough) hugs. Benny is so tolerant and puts up with so much abuse. This summer, Eli really enjoyed dressing up. One day when he was playing by himself, he brought me one of his eye patches and asked if I could help him put it on. I went to put it on him and he said, "Not on me, on Benny!" They were just too cute to not take a picture. When his birthday rolled around, he was very excite to have his friends over. We had separate family parties, but then had Eli's friends over to play. Fortuneate to have a beautiful day, the party was able to be outside. It was right up his alley... a scavenger hunt, ball games and kickball. Unfortunately, Elijah was the one to get hurt at his own party. He spent about a half hour icing his mouth/tooth after colliding with one of his buddies. Luckily cookie cake and presents helped him feel better. I can't believe that he's already four. He's seeming so grown up...October, though typically a busy month, is one of my favorites. I love the fun pictures, cool weather and smiles. This year was no exception the kids had fun playing in the leaves.
Visiting the pumpkin farm is always a favorite activity for the kids. They love the jumping pillow, pig races, climbing structures, train, corn boxes, hay ride, etc... This year, we also did the small corn maze. The kids had so much fun running around. We didn't have time for the big one since it was too late, but it's going to be a goal for next year. Getting pumpkins and visiting our local pumpkin patch is another tradition. We find our pumpkins in the field, but we always have to run and play more. I just love the the large pumpkin piles for the annual picture.

October ended up being a rough month for Nana. Following her September cancer diagnosis, she spent most of the month laid up after surgery. The kids loved having some time to cuddle with her and watch movies while she was healing, but we were happy to have a decent Halloween weekend to go to the petting zoo for pony rides. It was also a great day of trick-or-treating with her in West Bend.

November brought our first snow fall of the season. What the weather man predicted for a few flurries ended up being more than that in Cross Plains. The kids always have a blast with fresh snow and it was so wet that we were definitely able to pack it.However, we were one of the few areas to get snow. This was fortunate for those still doing bike races. The following week, we went to watch Ron's race in Cambridge. It was just far enough east that they didn't get the snow. I wasn't complaining, though. We were able to enjoy a great day outside with only minimal mud. Benny was taking a minute to relax (since he was tied up) and Eli had to stop to take a moment to cuddle with him and convince me he shouldn't be tied up.

November was an exciting month for Sydney. She had her first piano recital. She played two songs, but her favorite was Yankee Doodle, since it was a familiar tune. It was a great day and we were so excited. She has a great piano teacher and LOVES to learn from her.

The other November excitement was her birthday. When Sydney gets an idea in her mind, she wants it just right. She chose her 'kid' party to be at MadTown Twisters, but only with me convincing her that I couldn't handle a group of kids at Chuck E. Cheese! The compromise was that for her actual birthday she could choose it for her birthday if she wanted. So, her agenda was to stop at a new park in Middleton and then head to dinner with two close friends. She was very happy to have experienced the ticket blaster... the whole reason for her choice location. I am proud that she's so independent and determined at the young age of seven...

Elijah was excited to be 'grown up' too. He started to attend his first preschool. Like Sydney did at his age, he was able to take advantage of the preschool put on by the high school child development classes. He acted nervous at times, but he was so excited to go and explore new things.
2011 was a great year with some great memories!

Bedtime Routines

We've struggled with bedtime for some time. The kids had gotten into a habit of wanting us to read books in their beds and then lay with them until they fell asleep. However, most of the time I was also falling asleep, so I decided that whole cycle needed to end if I were to have any time to myself. We started a timer system so that they can lay with one of us for five minutes, but then they need to go to sleep. So, tonight, I put the kids to bed and went to do some laundry and then relax. I heard Elijah's door open, but he never came down the hall or into the living room so I figured he went back to bed. About an hour later, I went to put some laundry away and this is what I found...IN MY BED!

These two can often be found together, but this was a first! At least Sydney was sleeping soundly in her own bed!

Discussion about God...

On the way home tonight, the kids got talking in the car. Eli said he didn't want anyone to die, then the discussion went the route of babies and old people! Sydney (being the expert on everything!) decided she needed to explain it all to her little brother. This is how the conversation went...

S: Well, not everyone can live forever or there wouldn't be enough room.
E: Yeah they can!
S: No, God is in charge and he kills people so that new angels can turn into babies.
E: No!
S: Yes, you don't even know, Eli!
E: Well if God comes to kill me, I will get out my sword and punch him in the face!

...and that's where I decided to step in with a little more of a lighter tone! Yet another reason we need to keep taking the kids to church :)

1.1.11

A new year! It's hard to believe that 2010 has already come and past! We contemplated what we should do for New Year's Eve this year, but decided we'd go with the 'kid-friendly' activities downtown. The weather was warm (ish) but foggy and damp, so we thought some inside things would be fun! The kids really got a kick out of the air brush tattoos.

We were lucky enough to also do a coloring sheet, get pictures in a photo booth, ride a trolley, see juggling and magic acts, fly paper airplanes and jump in bounce houses. There was even a small train ride to make Eli's day. It ended up being a great 'night out' for all!

Christmas Quotes

Merry Christmas!

With all the joys of Christmas, Sydney and Elijah are still my greatest. We had the typical Christmas morning. Sydney had to run and check for Santa's presents then come back to our room to make the announcement. Even though Eli had already been awake and cuddling in our bed, he got up and ran to follow his sister. The cookies were eaten, the reindeer drank their beer and the presents were left. This year, we also had the luck of fresh snow and sleigh tracks on the deck! Overall, it was great but a few things that stand out in my mind from today were conversations. When eating breakfast, I said it was almost time to get ready for church. Elijah asked Ron if he was going with (he doesn't always join us!) and then proceeded to tell him what he would need to do in church. "Dad, you walk up to see God and he gives you food!" Boy, oh, boy!!! We've had a couple talks about priests and communion today! Sydney's 'quotes of the day' all revolved around her American Girl doll that Santa brought. "The elves must really know me. They put her hair just like mine." "Santa even knows I have blue eyes and made Kit's just like mine!" and then when getting ready to go to bed after telling me all day "My doll looks just like me!" Sydney said, "I smile every time I look at my doll because she's just SO pretty!" I'm not sure how far I should read into that... is Syd being conceited or does she just really like her doll? =)

It was a GREAT Christmas! We spent last night with family at our house. Today entailed presents, breakfast, church, cookies, sledding, packing, lunch, traveling (with kids napping) and relaxing at Nana and Papa's house. More celebrating tomorrow with my uncle and later Aaron and Kate!

Christmas Letter

For the past several years, I've written letters to go with our Christmas cards. This year, I decided to save time and skip it. I tried to convince myself that not much had changed this year from the past years. We tend to do the 'normal' routine things every year. I've gotten out of the habit of making posts to the blog, so to review our year, I went to the computer to look over pictures from the year. Feeling guilty and realizing there have been quite a few changes and updates I could make, I've decided to do a blog post option for our Christmas letter! Enjoy the quick update from our year!

New Year's Eve... Ringing in 2010!


We rang in the new year with some friends and the kids had a blast staying up until midnight. The girls walked down the street with their 'noise makers' to celebrate. Elijah opted to stay in the house where it was warm. (Of course he started the year out full of scrapes and bruises!)


Sydney started 2010 as a very social five year old. She developed some great friends at St. Peters while attending the 4K program and enjoyed her first school dance in February. It was a Hawaiian theme and she had a blast. Sydney was also involved with gymnastics in winter to keep her 'moving.' She LOVED it!

Winter weekends were often filled with time at the ski hill. Sydney and Ron spent many days and nights practicing and perfecting her beginning ski skills. She was so excited to have a night of skiing with Mom as we took advantage of friends and family night in February. It's so great to be able to ski with her without being completely worried! Syd has gotten more confident and will go over some of the rolling bumps and small box jumps, being SO proud of herself.

Sydney is definitely known for being social, but she's always been fairly dominant in most situations which can affect how things go. The night she was born, the nurses told us she was a "spirited one" and she still lives up to that title. Syd can often be found picking arguments with her brother or trying to control him. In March, however, we caught her on camera a couple of times being the kind and helpful big sister that Eli has come to love.

Here is the sibling duo at the zoo and again heading to the domes, looking pretty sweet! Sydney's intentions at the zoo were to comfort Elijah, and herself, after a very loud peacock squawked at us when we got too close. I love the way her nerves bring out such kindness and compassion.


Other times Syd can be super sweet are when she is around chicks, kittens or other baby cuddlies! This spring, I managed to find some little friends to bring a smile to her face!

April was the month of the Tooth Fairy! Sydney lost two teeth on the thirteenth of the month. We joked because she looked like a jack-o-lantern. Her crooked look only lasted three days before her other top tooth also came out. I wasn't home to experience her losing that third tooth, but it was so great getting a voicemail from Syd while I was out of town explaining the whole thing. Between golden dollar coins and quarters, Sydney became rich in April.


Sydney's more 'grown up' phone conversations and messages have been a highlight for me this year. She is beginning to dial the phone to call friends (when I tell her the number) and has even been known to leave me messages on my cell and work phones to give me 'reminders' when she wants something. I think the thing that makes her calls so special is the "I love you, Mommy! Bye!" that usually comes at the end. I hope she never out grows that!

In May, Sydney was excited to celebrate her half-birthday. Turning 5 1/2 was almost just as exciting as any other birthday. Syd just loves any reason for getting attention, cake, and presents.

She was also excited to ride on her first float in the Memorial Day parade. She's always been pretty independent and like other times, she wanted to do this on her own. Ron, Eli and I enjoyed watching her curbside!

June was a happy time for Sydney as she finished her year in 4K. She was really looking forward to moving on to kindergarten, but I think knowing it was summer vacation helped the 'goodbyes.' She really loved her experience at 4K and often talks about her teachers and friends.

Syd loves June for the 'Breakfast on the Farm' visits. Though she likes many aspects, she's always got her eyes open for kittens. I think her strong personality and determination help her out in these situations. She always manages to get in to scoop up the little critters before anyone else.

A 'not so cuddly' companion also brought some fun in June. We went camping at Herrington Beach as our annual 'girls trip' with Nana and Kerri. Uncle Bruce was so excited to take Sydney and Elijah fishing at the quarry, but Sydney was just as excited to go and have the only catch of the day. =)

Another camping trip we went on as a family was to Eau Claire in July. Sydney was excited to be in her first bike race. Though they are pretty informal, the kids' races are well attended. This particular race was fun for Syd as it went into the woods for a small section of single track trail. Sydney had practiced and knew she needed to get out front in the beginning. That competitive nature got her out there and she ended up finishing in second place for the 5 year old category. She was very proud.

July was also a busy one for us during the week. Sydney was involved in swimming, ballet and tee ball. I think she really liked all of the activities, especially seeing Brenda and all of her friends on a daily basis. I'm not sure how many times I was asked if she could go to Brenda's for the afternoon... So much for being excited that Mom has off in summer to spend time with! I think it's great, though, that the kids are so comfortable with Brenda. It makes going to work much easier, knowing they are in great hands while we aren't there!



August brought rec soccer, our family vacation, bike races, and a night away to the Kalahari, but the little things are still just as fun for Sydney. We visited the Mount Horeb Fire Department to take a ride in the fire truck, but Syd liked it all. Dressing as a fire fighter and the water fights were her favorites.

The end of summer still brought smiles this year. Sydney was SO excited to start kindergarten. She nearly missed her open house since she was sick, but got healthy on time for her first day. I was happy that I was able to go to work a little late and see her get on the bus for the first day. I know many parents that have had a hard time sending their little ones on that first day, but Sydney was so excited, comfortable and confident that it made the transition so easy.



Also in September, Syd started playing soccer club soccer. I think it was mostly due to her size and strength, but she was a pretty dominant player on her team. There wasn't a week that she didn't score at least one goal, but I hope her ball skills continue to progress and she enjoys it as much in spring.

To end the month, we finally got out to go horseback riding. Sydney had been asking to go for some time and it finally happened. Sydney was able to ride her own horse and she couldn't have been happier. She's already looking forward to going again.

October is always a fun month and Sydney looks forward to the festivities. This year was no different. The weather was great and we enjoyed visiting several different pumpkin patches. I was happy to be able to have a day off of work to chaperon Syd's field trip to the pumpkin patch. It was great to put faces with the friends names she had been talking about, but it was even better to spend the day with her. Sydney's favorite part was holding the kittens, but she was also pretty proud of her pumpkin. The rule was that the students had to carry their own pumpkin. She had to make sure she found one bigger than her friends... go figure!

November ...The month Syd waits for every year. Her 6th birthday was a special one since we decided to have a party outside of the house. Birthday treats at school, dinner at Pedros, a special breakfast, gifts and then off to her gymnastics party. I think the thing Sydney liked best was having the days all about her. She was the 'leader of the pack' through the obstacle course and the true center of attention. She loved every minute. The party continued through the week with a circus themed party at Nana and Papa's for Thanksgiving and a visit with Grandma and Grandpa.

This month, Sydney and I went to see the Nutcracker. We had also gone to the Cinderella ballet in February and Sydney's decided watching ballet isn't for her. She wants everyone to talk. After each piece, she'd say "more dancing and no talking." It was fun to have some 'girl time' either way!

It's so hard to believe that Syd is already SIX. It seems like just yesterday that she was that little girl... refusing bottles, starting to walk and talk, throwing temper tantrums (well, I guess that still happens), playing with her babies and pretending to nurse them, and loving everything Princess. I know she still has a lot of growing to do, but it's hard as she seems so grown up some days. I love her sweetness, smiles, random "I love you's" throughout the day and I look forward to many more happy memories with my baby girl.

Elijah and Sydney have such different personalities that I sometimes wonder how they became so different. Eli does have attitude and we've definitely experienced our share of 'terrible twos' this year, but he's so much more easygoing than Sydney ever was. He's picked up some bad habits of getting mad and saying "Not me like you anymore" and he's been known to say that he's going to fight the police with his pirate suit and swords, but inside he's got such a kind heart. He usually wants to please and is quick to correct his wrong-doings. I don't think I could count the times I've heard a crash which was immediately followed by "Sorry Mom!," "I love you, Mommy," "Not me want you to die!" and "Me is smiling" when I'm trying to take his picture. (he's missing quite a few speech sounds and often mixes up his pronouns!) Getting 'great' pictures of Elijah looking and smiling is very difficult, so many of his shots are 'serious' looks in which he usually has some bump, bruise or scratch that he got from running and jumping off of something!

He is a daredevil on land, but VERY hesitant in the water. We signed him up for swim lessons this year thinking that it would increase his confidence. The plan didn't work! He spent several lessons clinging to the teacher and crying or yelling for "Mommy" repeatedly throughout his whole lesson.

One place he is definitely confident is in the kitchen. He really wants cook and even likes to help clean. This was Elijah on my birthday. He was busy making me a cake (notice all the sprinkles going into the bowl). He has such a sweet tooth and would eat junk for every meal if we let him. He's often in the freezer looking for french toast sticks, toaster strudels and popsicles. One morning when we were up early, he decided he wanted to make breakfast. Eli said he wanted to do it alone, so I waited in the living room while I heard some clinking and clanging in the cupboards. After about ten minutes, he asked for help. I found him standing on the counter emptying the dishwasher. It was sweet, but the only problem was that all the dishes were dirty. :) The other day, he came to me. "Mommy, I hungy!" and when asked what he'd like, I get the response "Pobaby candy!"
How can I not laugh?!?

Trains are still one thing that he loves more than most of his other toys. In March, we went to the domes in Milwaukee to see the model train display. Elijah ran back and forth chasing certain trains and then waiting for others to come. It was so fun to see. Later that evening was less fun. We had been at Lisa's house about five minutes when Elijah started crying. When I found him with blood dripping down his face, I knew it was time for more stitches.

A quick trip to the emergency room to get patched up and then he was ready for more running and playing at Jeff's birthday party.

We were lucky to have some very mild weather this spring. The kids were able to have water balloon fights on April 1... no fooling! We were lucky enough to have many more warm days and a lot of outside time this spring.
Elijah has become independent in dressing this year, too. Along with potty training, came a desire to do it all on his own. Eli has been known to go without underwear and say "I go 'mando' today!" Unfortunately, without diapers and underwear, many of his pants were too big and he was often found showing off his bum!


Here are some nice smiles we got in May. It's just unfortunate that when I actually manage to get a nice picture of Eli, he's got scratches or scabs all over his face. In this instance, he even had a snake on his face! After a day at the Brewer game, he was excited to climb and play before heading home.
Elijah can be so precious when he's actually smiling. The only problem is that sometimes when he does have such cute smiles he's getting into trouble!
Eli started the year out with a fear of owls. He'd be afraid to go out for walks at night because he was scared the owls would get him. He then convinced himself that baby owls are nice and developed a facination for them. He even picked out an owl from Build-A-Bear who he named "Fluffy!" On our way to Ron's niece's wedding in June, we stopped at a state park. Eli found this owl in the nature center. He looked just like Fluffy and needed to have his picture with it!

Elijah had a lot of fun going to the different 'breakfasts on the farm' this summer and really got into the different activities. The bucket train in Washington County was his favorite, but the corn boxes, ice cream, milk bottle bowling, and cows were right up there. Here is Eli bowling. Notice the outfit... it was another one of those days where he dressed himself. =)

Rides at Bay Beach, fairs and festivals became a love/hate thing for Eli this summer, similar to water rides. He wanted to go on the rides, but would then get nervous and start to cry. The one ride that he really loved was the train, of course. At least Elijah was patient with Sydney going on rides, and hung out, watching, as she rode!

Christmas in July was a hit for Elijah. Water balloons, presents, and endless amounts of finger jello. What more could a little boy ask for? Eli loved the gift he got.

Another adventure in July was to Eau Claire. We visited the children's museum. Elijah liked a lot of the different areas, but really got into the cooking in the kitchen. Making muffins, pizzas and sandwiches were his favorites. He does look like a natural!

Both July and August brought more swim lessons... and more tears. I felt so bad for his swim teachers, but by the last week Elijah actually jumped into the pool a few times. It was mostly as a result of bribery. We told him if he could jump in the water three times, he could be done with his lessons. Eli was more comfortable when he was at the pool with me, but still not the daring swimmer his sister was at two.


Even though he learned to like the pool, he wasn't a fan of lakes. I think it was the seaweed. He'd much rather play on the beach than go in the water.

After returning home from our family vacation in August, we took another small excursion to the Illinois Railway Museum for a Day Away with Thomas. We kept it a secret until right before we got there. Elijah just loved all of the trains and taking ride on his favorite pal! Of all the toys he has, his trains are still his favorites, especially Thomas.

Elijah turned three in September.

Auntie Kerri made a Buzz cake for him. Even though he's not smiling (big surprise!) he was very happy to have a weekend surrounded by friends and family to celebrate his big day. Of course the frosting was a hit! Since it was his birthday, he decided it was his job to lick the frosting letters off the serving baord once everyone got their cake.

One of his gifts for his birthday was another trip to Build-A-Bear. This time, Buzzy Bee was the bear he chose. Elijah always comes up with his own names for his "friends" and they always have to surround him while he sleeps. He rarely uses covers when he sleeps, but he always has pillows and friends. This night, Eli was sleeping with Lucien, Buzzy, Brownie and Monkey George!

I love fall and I feel like I make my kids like it, too, but it's easy for Eli. He loves being outside and being active. He loves any new experiences and really got into all of the corn mazes, pumpkin patches and fall festivals that we went to this year. Even raking leaves for Papa after his surgery was fun!

Benny loves to cuddle when the temperature drops outside. This year, he's been doing a lot of sleeping on Elijah's bed. I think they both like the company. Eli loves his dog so much and will often be found dragging Benny around the house or playing 'campsite' with him. I even caught him playing farm with him last week. Benny was the cow and Elijah was the farmer.

Even though it was Syd's birthday, I think Eli had just as much fun at the parties. Here he is posing with Toby at Nana and Papa's house, but he's already talking about having his 'obstacle course gymnastics party' for his "other birthday." Sometimes I'm not sure if what he says is really what he thinks or means, but I'm not sure he realizes how long a year is before his "other birthday!"

Elijah still seems like my baby in many ways even though he's THREE! I'm not sure if it's his smaller size or just his different personality, but it's hard to think how fast he's growing. He's 'all boy' in the way he likes to talk about body parts and bodily functions, but I love that about him. His giggle is so contagious and I can't resist tickling him every night just to hear him laugh.

As a family, this year was a monumental one for all of us. I planned a trip to Disney World in August and it was the first time for each of us. Sydney had often talked about wanting to go because she had friends that have told her about it, but Ron wasn't really sold on the idea. In April, I was running the Crazy Legs race in Madison with my neighbor. We got talking about Disney and how fun and magical it is for little kids. It was then that I decided we had to make the trip. Sydney has started to outgrow some of her 'princess' stuff, so I wanted to make the trip before she was too old. It was the best decision I made all year! We enjoyed Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Epcot for seven days while we stayed on resort. Yes, I would say that going in August was HOT, but it was still a great trip. After our trip, I created a book on Shutterfly. I will try to post it to blogger to share!

Here are some of my other favorite family shots from 2010!

April. I stood up in a friends wedding. Sydney enjoyed dressing up, but now wants to be a flower girl! (I told her to ask Uncle Aaron!)

August. Hiking at Governor Dodge State Park. After some time at the beach. We had to hike down to the waterfall before leaving. The kids loved it, but I think Benny loved it more!

October!

Pumpkin Patch on a very warm day. It was GREAT!

A visit to the Capitol on a perfect fall day!

November. On the ski lift after shopping for ski gear at Tyrol's ski swap.

Thanksgiving! ...which also doubled as Sydney's birthday. We had a carnival party, but it was great to have the whole family together and SO much to be thankful for.

Happy 2010 Everyone!