Little Reader

It isn't uncommon to find Austin reading to himself. He really gets into telling his own version of the story.

St. Nick's Day

So what is St. Nick's Day?

To some it's just another day for spoiled children, but to others...

While feasts of Saint Nicholas are not observed nationally, cities with strong German influences like Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and St. Louis celebrate St. Nick's Day on a scale similar to the German custom.^[7] On December 5, the Eve of St. Nicholas Day, each child puts one empty shoe outside their bedroom door or on a staircase before they go to sleep. The following morning of December 6, the children awake to find that St. Nick has filled their footwear with candy and small presents (if the children have been good) or coal (if not). For these children, the relationship between St. Nick and Santa Claus is not clearly defined, although St. Nick is usually explained to be a helper of Santa. The tradition of St. Nick's Day is firmly established in the Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Cleveland and St. Louis communities, with parents often continuing to observe the day with their adult children. Widespread adoption of observing the tradition has spread among the German, Polish, Belgian and Dutch communities throughout Wisconsin, and is carried out through modern times. (Wikipedia)

Either way, we enjoy celebrating it! This year, St. Nick just happened to visit when Daddy and Austin took a trip to town.
He once again went a little over board. Maybe he shops like mama -- a little early so he ends up forgetting what he has. Or maybe he felt guilty that Mama had to leave for Chicago the next day...
Austin was excited to find his gifts under his tree and stocking.Ooooh! Christmas Books!
The Little People Nativity is so cute! He loves making it play Away In A Manger.I loved the Christmas PJs St. Nick had picked out. Austin, however, has already hit the "yuck! clothes!" stage!
And then, just like that, it was all over!
Later that day we found the perfect spot for his new Nativity.
We love St. Nick!

A Lonely Night In Chi Town

Austin,

Traveling for work takes on a whole new meaning now that I have you. I've always hated to be away from your Dad but being away from you is 10 times worse! I hate that I can't even explain to you where I'm going, why I'm going and when I'll be home.
I know that Nana is taking excellent care of you but I still worry about you! I guess that's just what mamas do! I'd bring this pickle home for you if I could!
Tomorrow night can't get here soon enough! See you soon, baby boy!

Thanksgiving '09

We have so much to be thankful for this year...
We started off Thanksgiving with lunch with the Kiefer's. We had to take another four generations picture this year...
It was off to Nana and Pa's after a fun afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa Kiefer.
And as if we didn't have enough to be thankful for, Santa showed up for an early St. Nick's Day!
We ended the Thanksgiving week with Nana's side of the family.Austin loved playing with his big cousins! Our hearts and bellies were definitely full this year!

Wordless Wednesday: Like Mother, Like Son...