Merry Christmas from Philly!!!!

Hi everyone, we are here in Philly and having a wonderful visit! Grandad is now home from the hospital!!! He came home on MOnday, and is happy to be with the whole family. Jen and MAtthew are increible and traveled across the country with Lydia and bran new Alexandra!! Alexandra is gorgeous and looks just like her Grandma Heil.
Cal and Lou got in on the 23rd and we celebrated Louis' birthday with a wine tasting and an 80's dance party. SO MUCH FUN!!!!!
Tonight we will go to Church and have a nice meal. Tomorrow it Jesus's Birthday and we have a cake for him and will open gifts.

MerryChristmas to all especially our most faithful reader...FR. Berg in Switzerland!!!!

Only in the Minnesota

Yesterday was a beautiful winter day, 36 degrees, somewhat sunny... a perfect day for building a snowman and making snow angels. This morning it was still above freezing, and was actually raining! In the last 12 hours, the rain turned to sleet, then snow, and it went from 36 to -3. Tommorrow will be a high of 0, with a windshield of -30!! It is a serious winter storm outside, and we won't be leaving the house tommorrow or Tuesday. By Weds. I will be determined to get out of the house no matter what. It will also be the warmest day of the week at a high of 16 degrees. So, if it is warm where you are, please enjoy it, play outside or take a walk. I am not complaining. I really do love Minnesota, and my children love the winter. They are tough too, the cold doesn't really effect them. I just thought I would share the severity of change in weather the past couple of days. It is crazy!

Our first experience with Santa

I've held out bringing the boys to see Santa probably because I didn't want them to be scared. Frederick was a little hesitant in years before, amd I have never wanted to wait in line. Well, we did have to wait in, but it was well worth it. The boys loved Santa and were all smiles as the pictures show. Fred asked the big red guy for a camera and Jack a basketball. Great times!!!

Fun times with my sweet boys

Today, Tom and the boys built this great snowman. The next pictures are of Jack sitting on the table, playing "baby Jesus!" The other pictures of our Christmas tree that we had a lot of fun decorating.

Happy Advent!

Hard to believe it is already the second week in Advent! We have been having a nice last couple of weeks. It has been very cold, so we have spent a lot of time inside. It was snowing a lot today, as you can tell from the pictures. I just took these shots of the boys helping Daddy shovel tonight. It was one of those gorgeous snowfalls where it just lays perfectly on all the trees. The last two pictures are of the Feast of St. Nicolas. Putting out our shoes was a very big deal this year. The kids are at really fun ages for Christmas.

Thanksgiving

Here are some pictures of Thanksgiving. We celebrated Thanksgiving at the Kistlers' house (Tom's sister's family). The Bergs have a wonderful tradition of the Grandchildren putting on a Thanksgiving play. This year, Frederick and cousin Anna did a great job as pilgrims. Jack played a wild Indian, which suited him well. And Gemma was a turkey. It was a very enjoyable day.

November

I am sorry that I have written a post in a little while. November flew by with nothing too exciting to report. We have been hanging out a lot in the house, since it is now officially winter, and too cold to play outside. (I should probably take my kids outside more but I am too much of a a wimp.) We haven't had much snow yet, which is nice. Gemma started eating cereal, and we transitioned Jack into a big boy bed. He and Frederick now share a room, and they couldnt be happier about it. They are loving staying up a little, and playing together. It is so cute to see them in their big beds, and listen to thier little conversations at night. We have enjoyed this quiet month, and hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving!!!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from the Dragon, the Knight and the little princess!

One busy, wonderful week

Okay, these pictures are in opposite order of when they happened, but we had the most wonderful week back home with Mom and Dad and Greg! Frederick, Gemma, and I flew home on Saturday while Tom and Jack stayed behind so Tom could work a few days. I sadly could not fly with all three children. Frederick was in his glory at Mom and Dad's house. Mom purchased a used John Deere Gator, and that was really Frederick's highlight! It was so fun watching Freddy cruising around on the Gator, and Dad in his wheelchair. The backyard is amazing, and it is so nice that Dad can go back there now. Monday, Mom and I took to two children to the Zoo. It was a gorgeous day, and brought back many wonderful memories of my own childhood. I was also able to spend some time with Maura and Deborah, which was so nice. Maura is engaged to be married!! Deborah has a little boy, Adam, 6 months older than Frederick, and a little girl, Gianna, just three weeks younger than Gemma. It was so nice to spend time with them, and remenicse, and see the children together. Tom and Jack arrived on Weds. and Jack had a blast with Grandmom and Grandad's basktball hoop! He didn't stop playing baskteball unless he was sleeping. Mom and I were able to sneak away to Longwood Gardens, as well. It was another beautiful day, and we had so much fun together. On Friday, my father-in-law Jeff, and the whole Brown family came into town. The boys all played so well together, they have a real bond as cousins. We are very grateful to have had such a wonderful week. My boys were very sad to leave. Thanks, Mom and Dad for a great week. And thanks Greg for all your help with the kids. You are the best! It was so great to see everyone, and we cant wait for Christmas!!