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| Connor and Johanna decided to help Tom put up the lights on the tree... he's a brave man to enlist their help. |
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| Johanna putting on her 1st ornament. She received a horse ornament from the barn for St. Nick's. |
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| Connor had minimal interest in putting ornaments on the tree. He prefered to wear the packer helmet ornament around the living room and play with his cho cho train. |
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| We hosted Christmas Eve with Mom, Chuck, Ashlee, Aunt Jane, and Michelle. Thanks Tom for making dinner - jumbalya and corn bread muffins - mmm, mmm. |
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| Jo and Aunt Ashlee cuddling |
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| Connor was excited about his new Santa ornament from Gma and Papa |
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| Papa opening a present |
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| Connor opening his Elmo backpack, with a little help from Jake. It was hopeful that a backpack of his own would make him forget about all of Jo's purses, but he still likes a cute purse (or maybe just all the things inside). |
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| TOOLS! Just like Daddy!!! When asked what he wanted from Santa, Connor always said "tools, dada's tools". |
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| The hammer was a hit...and so was the saw, except when he realized he could hit and saw us |
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| Jo's new puzzle |
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| trying to figure out how all the pieces of this puzzle work with Aunt Ashlee |
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| A new sweater from Aunt Ashlee. ohhhh |
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| What every mom needs when they live in WI - snowpants! I love them. Now I am as warm as the kids while we play in the snow. |
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| Connor trying on Johanna's new hat |
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| My mom lost a bet with Tom, ND vs WI basketball. ND won! So my mom (and Chuck by default) had to sport their ND spirit. |
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| I made a mint cheescake for dessert and Connor couldn't wait to dig in. He even ate seconds. |
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| Connor and Papa Not sure why Connor had his fingers in his ear. Probably because we asked him not to. :) |
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| Connor and Jo choose a tree - just thier size |
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| Jo and Connor checking out the choices. I think Connor is stuck in the arms out position and Jo is just strolling with her hands in her pocket. |
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| Connor and Tom playing Peek-a-Boo with us. |
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| Connor hiding, waiting for Johanna to find him. |
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| Connor, are you over there? |
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| Ready, set, TIMBER. It only took a few minutes for Tom to chop down the tree. We were both suprised how fast it happened. |
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| Peek-a-Boo again. |
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We had breakfast with Santa at the zoo with the Gigots and Santarius. Connor and Johanna found their cookie right away and chowed.
My little man
The whole gang - Elizabeth, Hailey, Jo, Claire, and Connor
Jo and Claire riding the bear and dog.
We talked about Santa the entire week leading up to our big visit. Jo would smile when we talked about sitting on his lap, but reality was completely different. We were one of the 1st ones to visit Santa, which did not work to our advantage.
I love the drama of this picture. So Jo.
Connor's turn next, he was reaching for me, as I was taking the picture.
I tried to help, but he had had enough.
After our snow play, Johanna and Connor had thier 1st hot chocolate. The both had a double. 
Johanna looking for more to drink. Connor was sweet and shared some with her.
Love the look - she is probably wondering why I held out so long and this was the 1st time she had hot chocolate.
Connor 1st sip - he love it too!