Holy Christmas!

Wow, it is Friday and what a week it has been. It was our first family Christmas, and it all went very well. Thank you to my folks for being flexible as I had to work most of the week. We did Christmas the weekend before Christmas this year. And that is where the collections of photos start.

Grandpa Lobe with his Grandsons Luke and Grady. I think he was telling stories about deer hunting.

Dad, Mom, and Grady show off Grady's new outfit from his Aunt Michelle, Uncle Rick, and Cousin Luke.

Grady poses in his Santa Outfit. He was ready for duty if the call came from the big guy.

Grady's second Christmas party of the weekend was in Watertown with Hillary's high school friends the VanRites, Kreblins and Spredemanns. (L to R) Mya Kreblin, Allie Spredemann, Callie VanRite, Grady Lobenstein,Cameron Spredemann, and Kayla VanRite

I found Grady like this late in the evening. His mom was not happy. Dad was proud.

Mom took Grady to visit the big guy, Santa. I can't help but wonder how we will act as he gets older. Will he be excited and all smiles? Will he be excited and then panic as he gets close to him? Will he be terrified and want nothing to do with him? Hillary's parents gave us a photo album to keep track.

Santa gave Grady a lecture about impersonating a uniformed individual and also spent some time on the blonde doll picture as seen above.

I am not sure that Grady listened much to Santa's lecture or suggestions.

Next, we visited Hillary's family in Watertown on Christmas Eve. After church, (He was perfect and slept the whole service. Grady was impersonating his Grandpa Phelps.) we all gathered at the Phelps home. Here Grandma poses with Santa on her lap and his Elf assistant. In related news, the Elf announced his retirement from the Elfery.

Grady, err I mean Santa poses with Kristen Schott. Look at that sly smile on his face.

Grandpa Randy and Grady "resting" after a long day of Christmas.

On Christmas day, we went to Waunakee for the Ashley Family (Ryan's mother's family) Christmas. Grady with Ryan's Aunt Debbie and her granddaughter Kaila. She was so happy to hold him!

On Christmas evening, Hillary and Grady posed for a picture by the tree and gifts.

I decided it was never too early to start practicing. Lesson one was how to put on a baseball glove. Hillary also got him a bat.

Wow, it is so hard to believe that just over a month ago we were still waiting for Grady to arrive.
We both want to thank everyone for all of the great gifts and well wishes. We are very lucky to have such wonderful family and friends. Happy New Year!!!