Our Chirstmas Tree Some of Oliver's first ornaments
Oliver's sporting one of Aunt Kathy's handmade hats.
Christmas with a baby is a LOT different then it use to be. The holiday agenda gets longer and moving from place to place takes even longer. By the end of the holiday week I feel like there needs to be a vacation after the holiday. First on the agenda was the Christmas tree. Oliver got to help us pick out and cut down his first Christmas tree and decorate it to. Oliver received many beautiful ornaments from family and friends so he could have a part on the tree too.
Next on the agenda was the annual Wollerman gingerbread house contest. All of my cousins and family came over to decorate a house my Mom put together for us. Oliver slept upstairs with his cousins while Erik and I worked our gingerbread house magic downstairs. Erik worked until his patience was gone and what was on TV became more interesting. He did pretty well and has made huge gains from his first year. I worked until my "Martha Stewart" skills (as my brother-in-law would call it) ran out and the creative juices were gone.
Then we were onto Christmas Eve. First we had a gift opening at the Wollerman's house with my immediate family. Oliver sure got a lot of really nice gifts from everyone. Then we were off to the whole Wollerman Christmas party at my Aunt and Uncle's. Oliver enjoyed playing with all the family and did pretty good but then bedtime came and left and Oliver became a ticking time bomb the needed to go to bed. We were off to my Mom and Dad's to put Oliver to bed so we could then head to the Salm's without a cranky baby. My brother and his girlfriend Kellie came along to show off our gingerbread houses to the Salm family and friends. On the way home from the Salm's the group of us stopped at the local establishment (The Bee Hive) and left our gingerbread houses for the patrons to enjoy. This concluded Christmas Eve.
A gift from Uncle Eric
When Christmas day came Oliver woke Erik and I up and we went downstairs to open some of Oliver's gifts from Santa. Then we were off running again to the Salm's for Christmas breakfast with the immediate family. Then off to my parents house for lunch with my Grandma Shirley (Seltzer) who Oliver loves to see. After lunch we were off again to the Salm's for gift opening with the family, were again Oliver got some nice gifts.
The next two days were spent with my brother, sister, and nieces. It is the only time of the year that the whole family is together in one place and is a very special time of year for my family. Oliver enjoyed playing with his cousins and hanging out with his family. Oliver also got to spend some time with my very dear friend Emily who I refer to as Auntie Emily. Oliver lights up when he see her and of course I enjoy it to.
Erik and Oliver working on tip-ups Grandma Katie watching Oliver
After all the traditional festivities were over we were off to the Salm's cabin in Manitawish Waters in Northern Wisconsin. We had a great time enjoying the outdoors. Oliver got to experience his first sledding experience as we toured the lakes. He was so excited was watching diligently as he was pulled in the sled. Grandma and Grandpa Salm watched Oliver so Erik and I could do a little ice fishing together. Erik caught a couple nice fish which we fried up and ate the next day. I caught a few snowflakes.
Christmas Story????? First sled ride
Three Generations The Salm Family
A beaver lodge Nothing like a good snowfall.
Unfortunately the holidays have ended and as I am typing to all of you I think about how grateful we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. I look at our frig covered with all the cute Christmas cards and really feel so blessed know all of you. Thanks for being a part of our little family and for a great 2011.
After all of the running around someone's tired
Thanks Everyone!
