Howard, Kylie, Bennett & new baby Tate joined us on the Santa Express, a 50-minute train ride near Baraboo. We knew Evan would love it, and we were right. The boys were so cute and so excited to be on a real train. Santa even came around and took pictures with everyone - because nothing says "Merry Christmas" like a train ride with Santa.

Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, was somewhat low-key this year. The group was smaller than normal, but that's ok. We had a nice relaxing time - bowling, watching TV, eating, and a movie.

Grandma & Grandpa got a Wii. Now one more reason for us to visit :) Evan was digging playing tennis with Momma.

Sunday we headed to the Dells to swim at the Chula Vista. They had a great facility and we had a lot of fun swimming and playing in the water.

Pictures from the zoo & the lake!

Tracy & Max were visiting this weekend so we planned lots of fun activities. With the nice weather, we went to the zoo and played outside a bit. We also had a pool party and the kids had fun playing together - and Eric put pictures of everyone up on the scoreboard, which was a big hit.

sesame street live.

Sunday evening we joined Christopher and his mom at the Alliant Energy Center to check out Elmo and his friends. Evan and Christopher were so cute...they kept yelling to Elmo and Big Bird "HI ELMO, HI BIG BIRD!" Eric and I had fun too :)

BERLIN. The real reason for the trip...to visit Kate where she lives. I've heard great things about Berlin and they are all true. We spent a ton of time in the city, hung out with some of Kate's friends, and took a day trip to Potsdam to see some great architecture and history. I'm so glad I decided to make the journey, but I was glad to come home to my boys! I missed them!