Cutting down the Xmas tree

Erin and I were excited to start a new Xmas tradition with Claire when we went and cut down our tree at Whispering Pines Tree Farm. Grandma and Grandpa Waymire also joined us (so they could get their tree). We took a horse drawn carriage out to the where the tree's were, and cut down G & G's first. Then, Erin and I walked around to find ours (we wanted something tall, but had a hard time finding one as they seemed to be younger trees). Finally we found "the one"..which meant I got to enjoy cutting it down with a butter knife (I actually used one of their saw's, but it was so dull it felt like a butter knife). Afterwards we enjoyed some hot coco and popcorn, ran into a few friends, and made the trip home with both tree's still on the roof of the car (Herb and I only used about 200 yds of twine to tie them on!).

Breakfast with Santa

Erin, Claire and I went to Breakfast with Santa at St. Vincent's Hospital (where Erin works) a few weeks ago. Claire was excited to meet her best friend Abby (and her big sister Ella) there...and was very excited to see Santa. That is until it was her turn to sit on his lap. As usual she wanted absolutely nothing to do with him...so Dad got to be the middle man and sit on Santa's lap...I sure hope that was a candy cane in his pocket!


Claire, me and Santa



A more intimate moment for Santa and I...

Mom and Claire

This was taken at the annual poinsettia sale last month.

Big Girl Bed!

About a month ago we put a "Big Girl Bed" in Claire's room...and she loves it! She is very proud of her bed, and will definitely let you know if she does/doesn't want you on it with her. So far she's done great with it!

Halloween 08

For Halloween this year, Claire dressed up as a beautiful butterfly. (I actually thought she was a lady bug, until later on in the day when I saw she had butterfly wings.) Claire and Erin went to a few of our neighbors houses...and as usual I handed out candy. We set a new record this year with a 125 kids...the last two were lucky, as I dumped the rest of the candy bowl in each of their bags.

Claire's 1st Packer Game

Well, she didn't actually go to the game, but did get to participate in her first tailgate. Aunt Kate and Uncle Adam were going to the game with Grandma and Grandpa, so Erin and I brought Claire down to Lambeau so she could experience the pre-game atmosphere.


Playing catch with Aunt Kate.



Family pic in front of the Frozen Tundra



The fly-over after the National Anthem.