Mia playing with her first doll house on Christmas morning. This was our first Christmas in our new home in Wisconsin. Mia chose the hat by herself before we even began to open presents. I told her that her hat matched her outfit perfectly. She really is all about the accessories.

Daniel playing with his new favorite toy - a helicopter and truck. This Christmas was very exciting. Shane and I waited until Christmas Eve after the kids went to bed to wrap the presents. So on Christmas morning, the kids came down the stairs and into the living room to find their presents for the first time. I'm not sure who was more excited - the kids or Shane and I!

Mia opening a present.

What's inside the stocking? Candy, a snow globe, and a book. Fun!

Nothing says Christmas like a fire breathing dragon! We went Christmas night to enjoy some lights. The local Rotary club sponsors a drive through/walk through Christmas lights where various organizations put up displays. Some organization decided that a fire breathing dragon was just what that corner needed. Merry Christmas!

Shane and Daniel enjoying the the Christmas lights together.

We took a little trip to Minnesota and enjoyed an art gallery, museum, a zoo, and the Mall of America (4 stories of shopping!). As you might guess, there is snow in Minnesota (and Wisconsin) in the winter. Here are a few pictures of the kids and I standing in front of a window where it is much warmer than outside.

We went to the Minneapolis Zoo after Christmas. Most of the zoo is indoors, so the kids got to enjoy a few hours of running around inside and looking at fun animals. Here Daniel and Mia are looking in the shark tank.

Daniel really enjoyed the dolphin show.

A rare picture of Mia actually looking at the camera and a smile on her face at the same time! Just as her shirt says, "Cute!"

Aunt Mandy came for a visit, along with Grandma Mary and Grandpa. It's been a long time since Daniel and Mia have seen Aunt Mandy! What a special Christmas treat.

Aunt Many and Mia.

Grandma Mary and Mia.

Mia got a new baby from her Aunt Mandy. This one cries and says Mama.

Daniel enjoying opening Christmas presents from his Aunt Mandy.

My baby boy turned 3. We had a small party for him to celebrate the survival of the year. It was such a fun day that included a trip to the Children's Museum, eating cake, and opening presents.

Mia liked the cake too.

A fun alphabet puzzle.

Hot wheels storage case.

Birthday boy with balloons and hat.

Another year gone, many memories made. So much excitement headed our way for next year.