Our Christmas Tree

Somehow I was able to convince the boys that we needed a more normal sized tree this year.  Last year our tree was ridiculous! When it came time to pick out a tree the boys were constantly reminding their dad not to get something too big.  Hans was not amused.

 We also had some teens from church join us for the event and they helped convince Hans that the tree should be smaller.  He doesn't like listening to reason when it comes to the size of a Christmas tree.

 Eventually we settled on a normal sized tree.  Hans was very happy we had two strapping young men there to do his work for him...um, I mean with him.

 John and Anders liked watching.  Anders was fast asleep in the car.

After we were done cutting it down, Hans was again grateful for young people.  Even if they were on my side about the size of our tree.

Library Fun

While in Texas we had to visit the library.  We sure like libraries.  John wanted to know if his library card would work at Grandma's library.  He was, after all, in good standing.  All of his books were returned on time and he treated them well.  I explained his card wouldn't work, but Grandma and Grandpa could check out books for him.  The boys were also very excited that they were having Storyhour when we arrived.

 Two of them worked pretty hard on their crafts.

 Sadly I'm not much of a keeper so we all admired them until we made it out to the car.  Then they were stuff in the trunk only to make it out in a trash bag.

 Then it was time to pick out books.  The boys love to read!

I think they make a pretty cute advertisement for a library.

Merry Christmas

 Merry Christmas from the Fienes!

Painting in Grandma's Art Room

After a two year hiatus we made it back to Texas.  And, of course, the boys had to have some time in my mom's art room.

 Ready to get serious!

 Anders was very upset about something.  Your guess is as good as mine.

 After painting with brushes on paper the boys picked out their colors to squeeze on canvases.

 Waiting, somewhat patiently.

The boys had a great time and now I have some wonderful art to hang on my wall.

These canvases had to stay in Texas to dry so my mom sent them to us a few weeks later.  I was amazed when the package came that the boys actually remembered whose was whose.

Gymnastics

Andrina and Mike gave John some tumbling lessons for his birthday.  He was very excited to start class. 

 I find this picture hilarious.  John saw this and said, "What am I doing?  I look like I'm creeping!"

 The two other boys had a good time goofing around with their dad.

 This kid can do planks with the best of them.

He had a wonderful time!

Thanks Uncle Mike and Aunt Andrina!!

A Wedding

Back in October we were invited to John's first grade teacher's wedding.  He loves Miss Georgis and was very excited to be invited.

John picked out what the three of them were going to wear.   

They were very cute and well behaved.  We loved sharing in Miss Georgis' special day.

Fiene Family Reunion

Over labor day weekend some of the Fiene's got together for a reunion.  Hans' cousin, Tanja, her father and her son, Matti, flew in from Germany for the event.  I had to work so I couldn't go.  This meant that Hans drove from Chicago to Minneapolis with the boys.  I'm sure it was an adventure.

 Hans got to spend some time with his brother Christian. 

 The boys met some family members for the first time.  This is Kendall, Hans' cousin.  She was a huge help with the boys.

 The majority of the reunion was held on the Fiene Farm so the boys were able to ride horses.  Anders loves being a cowboy.

 They also visited a few cemeteries and old churches.  

The boys really hit it off with Matti.  Matti doesn't speak English so the boys had to figure out how to communicate.  Ninja Turtles, Spiderman, and Phineas and Ferb know no language barriers.  John and Gus were pretty understanding about the communication.  Anders on the other hand just thought Matti couldn't hear him so he talked very loud and very slow.  It was pretty cute.

 The boys visited the grave of their Great Grandpa Fiene.

All of my Fiene boys had a great time!

Three Rivers Parade

For the past two years our church has participated in the Channahon Three Rivers Parade.  The parade is in August by the way.  It's been so cold lately I have felt the need to remember warmer times. We have fun handing out candy and information about the church and Swaddling Clothes.

 Getting ready to throw candy.

 Gus had fun eating the candy.  I'm not sure he actually threw any candy.

 Most of us rode on the trailer.  We made Hans walk and pass out flyers.

Sophie had a good time.  Not sure if she is singing or yelling here.  It may be both!

John's Birthday

John celebrated his birthday both in Texas and at home.  **Yes, I realize this is 4 months late**  When John got home the day of his birthday, we had the dinner of his choosing and opened presents.

 Gus and Anders were more than willing to help John open his presents.

 He is getting so big!

 Hans and I got John this bow and arrow set.  Although Gus still claims he picked it out for John.  He has taken all of the credit.

Either way the gift was a success.

John decided to wait for his cake for the day after his birthday when we had Pam, Debbie, Glenn, and Sophie over to celebrate.

John said it was the best birthday ever.  Which is also what he will say next year.