Who Needs A Nap?!!

 So Maddie is SUPER stubborn and pretty much impossible to get to nap these days.  Well... she has been falling asleep like crazy in the car.  When she wakes up she tells us that she was just resting.  I show her the pictures and keep telling her that this is why she needs to nap in a bed!  Oh Mads!

A Dane Thing

For the last couple of months, Dane has been a dumper.  (And Matt wonders why the broom is always out!)  I really should find a new cabinet to keep our cereal in, but this one just works so well! :)

Frankenmuth Here We Come!

When we told Maddie that we were going to Frankenmuth for a mini getaway she sang, "Frankenmuth here we come!"  Then she proceeded to say, "I am so excited to go to Frankenmuth....what's Frankenmuth?"  It was too funny.  We had a great time in the charming town in Michigan. 

 Grandpa's cart ride was one of Maddie's favorite parts of Frankenmuth!  On our first day we ventured out despite the rain. There was a beautiful covered bridge that was the site of wedding pictures that next day. We walked around the town and went into some shops.  We also tasted chocolate cheese....I love chocolate and I love cheese, but I could have done without the combo of the two.  It grossed me out! 

 Fun pictures outside of the Bavarian Inn. 

 We had a delish German dinner and celebrated my dad's retirement.  I can't believe my dad is retired! 

Madeline LOVED the pools at the lodge.  It was so perfect for her and she had so much fun.  She was very independent splashing and swimming around and she had a blast!

 Everyone wanted a picture of Maddie and Dane! :)

Kids Brunch

When you don't have enough seating for kids just have a picnic on the floor!    They didn't seem to mind!

Ice Skating

Matt and Maddie had to try out the new skates.  She loved it!  She did great and we need to hit the ice again soon. 

Countdown Candle...

Oh I am so behind!  Maddie enjoyed her advent calendar and candle to help count the days until Christmas. Mimi thought she would like it and she was right! :)

Picture Day

So getting pictures has never been one of my favorite things to do.  The kids never nap when we get pictures taken and it just doesn't go nearly as well as it should! I don't know how photographers do it!

Here are some of our favorite pictures....

Dane was hard to photograph until he spotted the football.  This boy LOVES any type of ball!

Christmas Day

 Dane looks so happy with his presents!

 Matt went on a MAJOR mission to find ice skates for Maddie.  I mean he spent hours looking...who knew they were so hard to find in a small size and semi reasonable price!

 We had a lovely Christmas day.  We spent the morning opening up presents (THANKS TO ALL who spoiled our kids...may they one day realized how blessed they are).  We spent it with Grandma and Grandpa Welke.  Unfortunately, Grandma came down with a bug, so they had to head back to Kokomo early.  Fortunately she felt better a couple of days later.  We went to Grammie and Papo's house for dinner and more presents.  It was so nice seeing the Zielke's and catching up with my cousins!  It makes it feel like Christmas.  If only the KY Zielke's could have joined...that would have been a real treat. 

 Loving on my sweet one year olds!

The girls picture and the boys picture. Can you guess which was easier to take?!!!

The kids were DONE at the end of the night!!!  Thanks to Auntie L for the cute PJ's!