Other random updates

Some other random notes that don't fit well into the holiday post.... Henry is now walking!! He started preferring walking over crawling the week before Christmas, so we had lots of fun watching him waddle all over the house these past few weeks. He is really babbling a lot more now, too, and can understand more and more of our commands (like "sit down in that chair").

And, another huge milestone... Madeline is potty trained through the night! She's been daytime potty trained since January, but she still needed a diaper while sleeping. Well, since about Thanksgiving, she's been dry and she doesn't even need a pull-up anymore. It's so suprising (and relieving) to hear her get up at midnight to go potty - all by herself!

Merry Christmas!

It's been a very merry Christmas for the Knutsons, and we've been busy (hence the lull in blog activity). We've enjoyed a long break and spent most of our time with our family (from both sides), who all traveled to Minnesota for a white Christmas.

We all enjoyed *lots* of good food and some fun activities, like playing Rock Band (and waking up Henry with "Rebel Yell"), sledding, after-Christmas sales at TARGET!, and visiting the Maple Grove Community Center for swimming and the indoor maze. I had good intentions of getting us to Holidazzle this year, but the weather was icy the night we wanted to go. Next year, next year. .. Henry and cousin Landon (both 1) were especially hilarious (and challenging at times) to watch. Each one only wanted what the other had. So everyone had to run lots of interference between those two, but it was fun to see how busy these little toddlers were.

The pictures are of some of the highlights for Christmas gifts. Grandma and Grandpa Knutson gave the kids some really cute personalized chairs. Erik & Chelsea gave Henry a new pair of wheels.

Grandma Rita gave the kids some outdoor wheels and a new train set. And Grandma and Grandpa Schwartz gave the kids their very first big kid sled. They sure are very blessed and loved children! Thanks!

Given the downturn in our economy, it was important to us to make sure that we help families in need during this very special time of the year. So, our family participated in two Adopt-A-Family programs - one at work and one through church - and I pray that those families had a brighter Christmas through our efforts. I hope it's a tradition that we can continue in years to come so that we can teach our kids the true meaning of Christmas....

We hope you all had a great Christmas and best wishes in 2009!

Santa came to visit

We had a fun Christmas party tonight... just for the kids! Santa even came to visit, and that was definitely the highlight of the night. Well, for most kids..... Henry was *terrified* of Santa. Poor guy!

3 year old fashion

Madeline is pretty independent, and I find it easier to just go with the flow in the mornings as we get ready for school rather than fighting with her over her outfit. This was her latest ensemble....

Christmas PJs

Christmas PJs + random stick pony + Christmas tree + cowgirl boots = a picture I can't resist to post.

Loving the snow!

Henry got such a kick out of his first sled ride of this winter season! Nathan took both kids out a week later when we actually got a good bit of snow. I think this will be the first year that Madeline will actually go on the sled, especially now that she sees Henry having so much fun. Good thing we asked for one for Christmas!

Christmas card photo shoot outtake

This is totally our life right now. Madeline happy one minute and a complete whiny baby the next. And Henry is happy because he has a graham cracker. Good for Henry - not good for photos. This may not be a "go" for the Christmas card, but it is 100% our life. And I love it!