December to Remember

December was by far the fastest month of the past year for us.  Josie filled our days with new excitement and we made a trip back home to Wisconsin for Christmas.  

Josie's first visit to the Pediatrician's office.

Josie's first bath.

Under the watchful, curious, eyes of her brothers of course!

Josie was "tongue tied" so we were sent to an ENT to get her "clipped."

The procedure was very quick and she didn't seem to mind it at all except for being woke up.

Ben and I took over 50 pictures of the kids trying to get one for this years Christmas card.  We finally gave up and had our friend Lacy come and give it a try.  Here are 2 of ours before we gave up.

We attended Kai's 4th Birthday Pirate Party at the Family Entertainment Center on post.  So fun that the boys got to dig out the Halloween Costumes again.  They had so much fun.

Brent won the game!

Brody waited patiently for his turn.

This was the 4th year we were able to visit the Fantasy in Lights at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. National Geographic Magazine named it one of the top 10 Best Christmas Light displays in the WORLD!  The only other U.S. one is in St. Augustine, FL.  Perhaps we need to see that one next year! We had the Ripley Family join us this year along with the usual Walker clan, Aunt Carol and Chelsea.

Ben's unit held a Ball this year at the National Infantry Museum here on post.  It was so nice to dress up and go out for dinner and meet some of the people that Ben works with along with their wives.  It was a bit too early after having Josie to participate in the dancing that I am sure went on into the morning hours but we had a great time.

Everyone from our table.

Even though we live an Army Life every day, I am still emotionally taken at functions where those soldiers who gave their lives are remembered by their fellow brothers and sisters.  Even at an event like this, there is time for remembrance. 

"This table set for one is small, symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner alone against their oppressors.  Remember!  The tablecloth is white, symbolizing the purity of their intentions to respond to their country's call to arms.  Remember!  The single rose displayed in a vase reminds us of the families and loved ones of our comrades-in-arms who kept the faith awaiting their return.  Remember!  The red ribbon tied so prominently on the vase is reminiscent of the red ribbon worn upon the lapel and breasts of thousands who bear witness to their unyielding determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.  Remember!  A slice of lemon is on the bread plate to remind us of their bitter fate.  Remember!  There is salt upon the bread plate symbolic of the families' tears as they wait.  Remember!  The glass is inverted, they cannot toast with us this night.  Remember!  The chair--the chair is empty--they are not here.  Remember!"

Brody is SO in love with his sister.  He asks to hold her daily and usually asks for her first thing in the morning.  Here we caught him talking to her.

Josie got to meet her Oma when we visited Wisconsin.

We don't have any Sportsman shops in our area so we made sure to spend a little time in Bass Pro Shops so Ben could get a fix.  The boys had a great time seeing all there is to see too!

We went to see the Christmas lights on display at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva with Grandma G and Grandpa G.  How the hotel is decorated on the inside is really something to see!  Our camera's battery ran out so we don't have any other pictures other than the boys checking out the Gingerbread competition.  Hopefully I can get copies of what Grandma G took.

The boys loved sitting in the "Hot Pool."  They would often chant it and always wanted to stay in much longer than we allowed.

Christmas Eve began with visiting Grandma G and Grandpa G's house.  Uncle Z and Auntie M gave them each a really neat remote control car.  They had so much fun playing with them even though it was rather chilly out.

Christmas Eve was wrapped up at the Johnson's where we were once again all spoiled rotten!

MaJ commissioned Aunt Emmy to make Super Capes for all the boys.

MaJ continued the Angry Bird obsession for my family with Tshirts for the kids.

The boys were excited to leave out cookies and milk for Santa to come.  This was the first year that they had such anticipation for the next morning.

Christmas Morning...
The boys were more excited that Santa actually came and ate the cookies and drank the milk than for any presents that were left under the tree.

Another trip to the Hot Pool despite the chilling wind.

The boys tried out their new scooters from MaJ and PaJ.

Josie slept the day away.

We went to visit Aunt Callie at her new apartment downtown Chicago.  The boys took the train with Daddy and PaJ.  Going on a real train is such a great adventure for the boys.  They talk about it for months!!

Ben wanted to make sure that the boys experienced snow even though none had fallen during our stay.  Even though we knew it was against the rules, Ben insisted on taking the boys sledding at Wilmot Mtn, the local ski hills.

We were lucky enough to get to spend an evening with Ben's cousins Adria and Claire.  Adria's daughters kept the boys busy and we all had a really nice visit.  Wish we could see them more often!

We made the long trip back to Georgia and once we were all out of the car, we spent at least 2 hours outside soaking up the sun and the warmth.  It is nice to be home.

As we head into the New Year, we hope that the boys continue to love on Josie whenever possible and we can find our own groove and routine before Ben gets too busy back at work.