Candy Cane Tea

Julie, Grandma Sue and I took Dru to the Candy Cane Tea at the St. Paul Hotel. It is a tea party with Santa for kids. The table had a formal look with real china. The kids were given hot chocolate and there was a 5 course lunch with small bites of a variety of finger foods. It began with appetizer items and ended with cookies and a cupcake. Dru did well at being careful and trying some of the food. At one point all the children when up on stage to sing Jingle Bells. During the entire song, Santa held Dru above all the other kids. So cute!



Dru's 4 year photos

Dru and I went to the Walker Art Center where Mandi again took her birthday photos. Mandi did a great job chasing her around, especially since she is pregnant with twins! Dru is tough to photograph as she doesn't sit still for more than a few seconds. I keep telling her she better get used to getting her picture taken, it will be happening frequently as long as I'm around. Here are a few of my favorites from this session. (taken by Amanda Sampeer - amandaleaphoto.blogspot.com)

Dru's 4th Birthday!

Birthday girl with her Dora & Diego cake

Bowling at Cedarvale Lanes (her first time)

She loved every minute!!

Trying on some of her Princess attire she got as a gift

We celebrated Dru's 4th birthday by going bowling with the family. She and Leo did fantastic with the ramp and were very patient while waiting for their turn to come around again. Dru loves being the center of the attention and enjoyed having her aunt, uncles, cousins and one set of grandparents there to celebrate. We find it amazing that we have a 4 year old. And even more amazing is how much we love this energetic, smart, funny, independent, brave, beautiful girl. Happy birthday, babe!

Reed is Six!

My nephew, Reed, turned 6 in November. I still can't believe he's already in kindergarten! We were so glad to be able celebrate with him. Happy Birthday, Reed! We love you!!!!!

Halloween 2011

Our pumpkins :)

Leo wouldn't wear his costume

Trick or Treat!

I did finally get him to wear the lion "head"

Dru and Leo both picked out their cosutmes and Leo refused to wear his. Go figure! Dru was a ladybug again this year which was great because it is an easy costume and we already had it :). It was chilly night but thank goodness no snow. We had our traditional homemade soup at my parent's house then went out trick or treating to about 15 houses. Dru didn't try to get into people's houses this time and did seem to understand the whole concept. I really think her favorite part is passing out candy to the other kids when we get back. She even was commenting on their costumes. She's so funny!

Olesen Cousins

The most recent picture of the Olesen cousins

Kara, Heidi, Chris, Amy, Jen, Hailey and Heather
(not pictured: Beth, Laura, Mariah)