Trip to Lansing, MI

We took my parents up on an offer to visit my grandparents in Lansing right after Christmas. It was fun to see the boys interact with relatives they rarely or never see.

Luke thought cousin Jon was funny.

Luke tried to talk on Jon's phone while Jon tried showing Luke the picture he had just taken.

Ben found a safe spot in front of Great Grandma J

Great Grandma and Luke

Luke only saw Molly and Audrey for about 5 minutes but he made himself right at home on Gerry's lap.

Apparently Luke and Uncle Josh have the same taste in cousins....they both enjoy Jay's company. (Jay and Uncle Jon brought Luke a box of matchbox cars to keep)

Great Grandpa B. and Ben reading a book.

Four generations of Bickels...and Grandpa's only great grandsons***.

***at time of visit (shout out to the newest member of the great grandson club -Zechariah!)

Missouri Christmas

We celebrated with Scott's family in January. It was a great long weekend for us and Luke really enjoyed the chance to open more presents. Our highlights included the beautiful podium Scott's dad and uncle built for him. He loves people coming into his classroom just to see his new "teaching tool". And also the trip to Grandpa's working where Luke and Cole played with forklifts and drove semis. Here are the pictures...

Ben's Birthday

Due to the size of our tiny house we couldn't invite everyone important in Ben's life to one big birthday bash so we opted for a Trinity party Friday night on his actual birthday and a family party on Saturday. That meant lots of presents and even more cake...needless to say both Ben and Luke had a great weekend.

Katrina had a volleyball game Friday night but still managed to stop by for a little play time before the party started.

I attempted a homemade cake.
Luke helped put on the sprinkles.

Ben made a pretty good showing with his trial run cake Friday night.

And Luke was very helpful with opening presents!

Luke was my big helper at both parties.

Maybe just a taste. (His face was already orange from the chili he had for dinner)

Give the belly some room people!

Ben (and Luke) LOVE the ride and push truck Uncle Jeff and Aunt Sally gave him. They drive it around the house and look for things to scoop up.

Miss Mya looked awful cute in her pigtails.

And Luke couldn't have had more fun with his cousins.

December Days

Scott has handed down his obession to his older son. He tells me, "we've only watched the movie once!" "I really don't know where he gets it." I give you exhibit A...

That right folks, my kid has got an army of stuffed animals at the foot of his bed and he decides to cuddle up with a large plastic storm trooper. A lot of the obession could have to do with the fact that Luke's real goal in life is to be just like his daddy...



Now we have a wall around our Christmas tree so that Ben doesn't take the tree down. I found him one morning having breeched the barrier (he climbed under their little green table) and he proved to have a more serious mission by the Christmas tree...

The first official gifts of the Christmas season came from the Boors. Luke plays his piano and sings along and Ben loves his new books.

The night of my Christmas service we opened a few family presents. Ben bought Luke this brand new vaccuum...which Luke takes out every time we get out the big vaccuum and cleans along side us. Luke bought Ben the dvd Horton hears a Who...which Luke took the liberty of watching for Ben about 10 times.

Ben's first haircut

Apparently my sons are somehow trying to compensate for their dad's hair because like Luke, Ben has been in serious need of a haircut. So while we were in Wisconsin we took him to see Michelle (Grandma's hair lady). He didn't cry at all. In fact he was intrigued by the whole situtation.

Before

Ben doing his Dr. Evil impression.

"Just a little off the top?"


After
Tell it to me straight, I can take it.
Do my ears look big?

Christmas in Wisconsin

We couldn't wait to get out Illinois and enjoy a few days in Germantown. It was a great few days.

Luke spent his time near the kitchen.

"What grape?"

On Christmas eve Grandma, Emma, Aunt Lydia, Maddie, Aunt Erin, Luke and I all decorated cookies. Emma and Luke were very creative and also very interested in eating their creations.

Ben wrapped Grandpa around his little finger.
Scott spent most of the week out shoveling with driveway with Dad and assorted brothers. There was one fairly nice day that the kids got out to play in the massive amounts of snow.


King of the Hill


"I'd throw this at you, Emma, but I can't move my arm."


I'm not sure which Aunt or Uncle took this picture...but what are you teaching my son?


Poor Chad, living in Texas he didn't have the proper snow removal clothing. He went to Fleet Farm and came away with this bright hunter's get up.


Our family Christmas picture. Scott was trying anything to get Luke to look at Grandpa.


Our family has officially graduated out of the living room and into a sanctuary. Soon we'll have to rent a hall for Christmas.


Big News! Ben's new arrival....a Wii. Mom and Dad bought the family a Wii for Christmas. I still remember the days when we were the only family without a microwave or a vcr.


Uncle Josh reading Twas the night before Christmas to all the grandkids. (Ben said he was listening, just resting his eyes)


Grandpa and Luke, veggin' out.



Seriously! How cute is he?

The Bens
Seriously! How scared is he?

Luke's new guitar

Ben's new tractor (to replace the booster seat I wasn't suppose to buy!)

So that's where Ben learned to rest his eyes!

Luke came out to the kitchen to show us Grandpa's christmas present.

The best part of Christmas in Wisconsin was that after 7 years there is FINALLY hot water in the bathroom. And, Grandpa, we love the fancy shower curtain!