Introducing Jose

We've been working on a nickname for Finn for quite some time now.  He has the usuals: Finn, Finny,  Meatball, Ramrod and Bruiser but none of them have stuck.

Over Christmas Gramma Judy told Finn "No way Jose".  At last, his nickname was born.  We didn't realize it right away, though.  On the way home Olivia asked us why Jose was in the car with us.  We quickly learned that Olivia would be calling Finn "Jose" as a nickname for a long time in the future.

Aren't they the cutest?

Talk About Incentive

I have a bad case of cabin fever!!  I mean bad.  I am already pricing out vacations for this summer.

I don't know if this is incentive for me or for Olivia, but today we told her that once she gets over wearing a diaper at night we will go on vacation.

Today she woke up from her nap in undies and promptly told us that she didn't go peeps in her bed and that she wanted to go on vacation.  Oh Olivia.

{Olivia eating a s'more this summer at Gramma Judy's house}

Happy Birthday Girls

We celebrated Emmie's 4th birthday and Olivia's 3rd birthday this weekend.  The party was Minion themed.  The girls both love the Decpicable Me movies so we thought it was appropriate.

Gramma and Papa VanVooren were the only ones where were able to help the girls celebrate.  Unfortunately Auntie Abbie couldn't make it because of the ice storm in Omaha.  This caused some confusion with Momo who thought the party was then going to be cancelled.  Papa had to drive all the way into town to make sure she was okay because she wasn't answering her phone.  She was fine, just taking a nap.

Olivia in her new chair:

Finn sealing Olivia's new chair.  He's proud of his moves:

Opening gifts:

A new bunny rabbit:

Since the theme of the party was Despicable Me I decided I would make a Minion cake.  It went over well to say the least.

Finn waiting for his cake:

Finally they gave me cake.  Now I have to double fist it:

Yes, there was ice cream too:

What I don't get any ice cream:

Is there really such a thing as taking too big of a bite?  Not according to Olivia:

Emmie was a fan of the frosting:

So was Finny:

Good Morning

Scott and I have finally returned to work after a much needed two week break and the kids have gone back to school.  Our washer, dryer and dishwasher are taking full advantage of the break; they have been on overload since we have been home.

Olivia was excited to go back and see all of her friends; Finn couldn’t have cared less as long as they have food there.  Both of the kids were moved to new rooms, Olivia is now in the three year old room and Finn is in the 15 month – 2 year old room.  I can’t believe I no longer have anyone in the infant room {insert tears here}.  They both took the move well.  Some of Olivia’s friends made the move with her so it wasn’t so scary.  Finn gets to sleep in a big boy cot at nap time, which should be interesting for them once he realizes he can get out of it whenever he wants.

Anyhow, not much else has been going on around here, we are just trying to stay warm so not too many pictures. 

This picture is of breakfast the other morning.  Finn is learning how to streamline his eating operations.  He removed the middleman (his hands) and went straight to eating off his tray nose first.  We can no longer skip baths in the morning!

Christmas Part Two

Christmas Part Two was celebrated with the VanVooren side of the family.  We celebrated Christmas Eve with Gramma, Papa, Auntie Abbie and Emmie.  The night was complete with a delicious spread of appetizers, the kids opened all of their Christmas presents, and of course, no Christmas Eve would be complete without our White Elephant game.

Santa also made a visit on Christmas Eve.  Olivia was so happy to get her kitty piano (she'd been talking about it for months).  Olivia was too scared to sit on Santa's lap.  I guess it was a Christmas miracle that we got her to sit on his lap at the mall.

We rang in Christmas morning at Gramma and Papa's house as well.  These kids must have been really good this year, they sure brought home the mother load.  Livy brought home a washer and dryer, a baby changing station and a kitty piano (among other things).  Finn's prized possession is a John Deere mini power loader.  Look out Hampton!!

However, Santa really outdid himself this year with the gift that stays at Gramma and Papa's house - a riding gator.

Christmas Part One

We spent our first Christmas celebration in Wisconsin this year.  We lucked out and had pretty good weather while we were "up north".  It wasn't too cold and we actually had less snow up there than in the Quad Cities.

Santa came over Friday night just to make sure the kids were being good.  Olivia was too scared to sit on Santa's lap this time and Finn was eating, so well...he was just too busy to do anything else.

Saturday we spent the afternoon at the Waletzko Family Christmas.  The kids had a grand time running around together with their cousins and Finn excitedly learned how to open doors at the party. GREAT!

On Sunday we celebrated Olivia's third birthday at Gramma Judy's house.  All of the cousins came over to help her party and eat cake.

Christmas was also celebrated at Gramma Judy's house.  These kids are so spoiled.  They got lots of new toys and clothes.  Olivia had a great time opening all of her presents as well as everyone else's.

Finn spent most of his time on the couch (which he also learned how to climb on while at Gramma Judy's house).  I think he wanted to snuggle with baby Zander or steal the remote control.  Finn sure loves that baby.

Birthday Party Number One

We celebrated Olivia's third birthday in Wisconsin this year.  The day was filled with lots of cake, gifts and cousin love.

We can't forget about Meatball, he was there too!!