Christmas, New Year's, an Anniversary and Whole Lot of Sickness!

First a warning, this a long post with lots of pictures. That's what happens when you wait so long to post:) Well, over the last few weeks Fin and I went home to Bismarck for Christmas and while we were there we celebrated with Cody's Mom's family, my Dad's family, my Mom's family and my immediate family. Lots of traveling, lots of family and lots of fun! We came home last Sunday, the same day Nana and Papa Schmidt came and stayed with us until yesterday. Mix in there the flu )my mom, dad and my brother's girlfriend) and some nasty head colds (pretty much all of us) and you've got a bust household. Oh and of course Cody and I celebrated our 4th anniversary on New Year's and tomorrow (1/7) is Cody's 34th birthday. So here are some pictures from all of the festivities and once again they are completely out of order!

This was this week here at home. poor Fin was fighting a horrible head cold and she was exhausted. She just fell right asleep on the couch which she never does.

She is also doing much better with utensils. here she eating her 2 favorite foods, pudding and applesauce.

Fin opening her gifts from Nana and Papa Schmidt,

My Dad's family always has Santa come to Christmas. We tried to put her on his lap but she out of there as soon as I set her down so this was the best I could get.

Helping Nana open her gifts.

Sitting in her booster chair at Grandma and Grandpa Wald's house.

Opening her wooden puzzle from Santa.

This is my cousin Landon.He is 1 day older than Fin and he always wants to help his Mom vacuum so he got a mini dirt devil. He was so cute vacuuming the carpet.

Snuggling with Uncle Travis.

All of the grandkids that were at Christmas with Grandma Bosch

Christmas with the Bosch clan.

Finley also got here first trim from Aunt Lenore. She did great and just played with whatever was on the counter.

Opening gifts at Grandma and Grandpa Wald's house.

Since Cody had to stay home for work we included him in gift opening via webcam. Finley was so cute when she saw him. She tried kissing the computer and she kept saying "hi"over and over to him. She definitely missed her Daddy and I'm pretty sure the feeling was mutual :)

Making homemade ice cream.

Getting ready ready for Christmas dinner.

Finley loved watching Grandpa shave with the electric razor.

Everyone in their Christmas outfits.

This was my angel when I was little. Fin loved giving her hugs and kisses.

The kids table at the Kautzman's. (Cody's Mom's family)

The Flu

This week has been a rough one at the Schmidt's. Today is the first day I feel pretty good since last Thurs. I've been battling the flu for over a week, Fin had it last weekend and Cody was home from work 3 days this week. Luckily, I think we are on the mend but I thought that once already and it reared it's ugly head for round 2.

Needless to say there isn't much for pics this week but I think we'll make up for it next week:) Aaron, Fin and I will be head to ND on Wednesday for a family filled 5 days. Unfortunately Cody has to work so he'll be staying behind but his parent will be joining us for New Year's down here so he'll be able to spend time with them at that time.

We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas...

Yesterday we decorated for Christmas. Last year we were in the process of moving so Christmas decorations never went up and every year before that we were either in our shoebox of a townhouse or an apartment so technically this is the first time I've truly decorated for Christmas. It is also the first tree (at east first tree over 3 ft) that we've had and it's real. I love the smell of a real Christmas tree, but hate the clean up:( So needless to say I was very excited to decorate and even though I'm sure no one else cares, I am sharing the finished product anyway. Oh and a few pics of Fin from when her and Ali were playing with the camera today.

The tree in the family room.

Our living room mantle

And the dining room

Thanksgiving and a Visit to Santa!

We took Finley to see Santa and it went pretty well. This was by far the happiest she looked out of all the shots but at least she didn't cry!

last weekend we went home to ND for 5 days. We spent a few days at Nana and Papa Schmidt's house and a few days at Grandma Deb and Grandpa Rod's house. It was a nice relaxing trip full of food and great company! This was the first Christmas tree Finley saw this year and Donna set the bar pretty high. I hope Fin doesn't expect our tree to live up to Nana's!

I just love how she is looking at the tree in this pic!

a shot of my beautiful Blue Eyes.

Nana Schmidt had Fin make her first gingerbread house. As you can see she enjoyed the frosting more than the actual gingerbread house.

An M&M remnant on her diaper.

And the finished product.

Playing in Nana's cupboards.

The delicious spread.

Grandma Deb and Grandpa Rod also came to the Schmidt's house for dinner. Lucky Fin got to have both sets of grandparents doting on her at the same time!

And since we didn't go home until Friday, we spent Thanksgiving Day at Gary and Beth's and had a wonderful meal at there house. Thanks for inviting us!

Over the past week Fin has really been perfecting the walking. She now walks almost 100% of the time and only falls occasionally. She has also decided to boycott any stroller rides. This makes trips to the mall very interesting. She's picked up a few new words including hi, hello, bye-bye and hot. It's so fun watching her grow and learn!