Bowling Night in America

On Friday Aunt Michelle, Uncle Rick and Cousin Luke invited us bowling. Thank you we had a great time and are looking forward to our next time.

Aunt Michelle high five's her fans after rolling her first ball. "Wide Left"

Aunt Michelle looking for love Grady and Audra.

Cousins

Aunt Hillary showing her league form.

She would eventually pick up the spare.

If things don't work out in Pro Baseball or Football, maybe Grady can fall back on Bowling.

Looks like he has the form down.

A little assistance from the ramp.

Let it rip.

Pin Action

Uncle Rick bringing the Orange Crush

Audra gets a little help from Aunt Michelle.

Uh oh looks like she has baby split to pick up.

Audra celebrating with Dad.

Audra happy she beat Aunt Michelle's score.

R=Ryan and it also equals High Score. Also note Ryan and Grady were the only two to roll strikes.

Here Comes Santa Claus

I can only assume that this time of the year is as busy for you as it for us. But of course that doesn't mean I won't make time to take some pictures of the kids and then post them to our blog. Enjoy.

Last night letters from the Santa arrived.

Audra and Grady were both interested in seeing what the letters were all about.

Audra was assured she was on the nice list.

Each letter also contained special magic reindeer dust. Dust that was almost spread all over the kitchen. Fortunately the kids believed me when they were told we had to save it for the day before Christmas.

Grady agreed with Santa when the big guy pointed out how hard it was to be a good boy.

After reading our letters it was time for a cookie and milk break.

Grady tries on Santa's Lid

Uh oh who turned the lights off?

Oh no, Mom is playing more Christmas music again!

Santa's little helpers.

Brooks the Brown Noise Terrier, Santa and G the elf.

Ho Ho Ho!

Random Pictures

Grady was crying at the door and looking for his mom, when Audra came up to comfort him.

Audra is embarrassed of her socks obviously.

Audra's ability to nap in the car is top notch! We haven't decided who naps better Audra or her Grandpa Randy.

Daddy's Little Buddy

Me and my Shadow

Audra decided my head made for a good place to drive a matchbox car.
The wheels tend to not get caught as much in my hair as hers.
What a little monkey!
Audra was bored waiting for the Packer game to start. It was also too cold to go for a walk.
But she really wanted to take Brooks for a walk, so she had to improvise.
See Brooks this is how you are suppose to do it.
Okay Dad I am ready now to go outside!
This is not posed, she really wanted to go outside with her toy doggy.
Earlier in the day Grandpa and Grandma Lobenstein stopped by and taught Grady how to imitate Clay Mathews Sack celebration. Now Audra is walking around the house doing it. As you can see below I think Audra's version is cuter.On a side note the Packers are 12-0 and have now won 18 games in row since last season.

Christmas Photos

Mission Impossible: Get a 3 year old and an 18 month old to smile at the same time while sitting still long enough to capture a Christmas card worthy photograph.

Here Audra hold these while I take some more off and then we can throw them at each other.If you open your little yapper up to anyone your new name is going to be Elf in a trash can.
The tree guarding elf failing at his job!
The tree guarding Brooks also failing at his job.
Wanted for Tree vandalism: Grady Jay Lobenstein 3 years old.
Wanted for Elf harasment : Audra Eve Lobenstein 18 months old.

Holiday Express

A December Tradition Returns

Olbrich Gardens in Madison has the Holiday Express display. The kids and Cousin Luke check out the flowers and of course the trains.
Cousin Luke, Aunt Michelle and Uncle Rick met us at OlbrichBird houses were part of the display this year.
Big Cousin Luke showed Audra around.
Home from world traveling, Uncle Trevor and Aunt Ashley joined us.
On a side note the Badgers won the Big Ten Championship and they will be facing the Oregon Ducks in the Rose Bowl on January 2nd.
Grandpa and Grandma Phelps were also along for the visit.
Audra waiting for the Choo Choo.
Hillary and Grandpa Randy take a break from all the fun.
See you again next year!