Evan started his first swim lessons at the club and of course, loves it. I'm not sure how the instructor deals with 7 4-year-olds, because it at times really seems like they all have ADHD. Hopefully they were all just excited because it was the first lesson.

Happy first birthday, Gracie! What a fun year it's been. We are so lucky to have a happy, healthy baby who is a great younger sister to Evan. They love each other, it's so easy to see it.

A few more photos from Christmas at the Ripple household:

Christmas this year was a bit different, mostly because it's the first year that both Brady & Kate were unable to make it home. But we made the best of it and had a slumber party at Grandma & Grandpa's on Christmas Eve. We had a nice dinner with Aunt Barb & Uncle Jim, present opening (Evan was SO cute handing out the presents and getting excited and happy for others). Then on Christmas Day Evan discovered his stocking full of toys and then we spent the rest of the day at the Ripple's with my moms side of the family. It was a nice Christmas spent with family.

Horse ride! I think both kids had equal amounts of fun...can't you hear the laughter just by looking at the pictures?

Evan was excited and happy once again to head to Chicago for Winter Wonderfest with his buddy Bennett and his family. This year we went on Friday/Saturday instead of Saturday/Sunday and that turned out great. Less traffic and a more relaxed Saturday to shop Michigan Avenue and take in the town. We really had a great time.

Just another Wednesday...

Errand day...pre-school, a trip to Grandpa's office, family fun at the athletic club, nap, opened an early Christmas gift, decorated Christmas cookies at the rec center, finished the Christmas shopping, and worked an event at Pedro's Mexican Restaurant. I was one tired mama at the end of the day!

Polar Express 2010.

The Sun Prairie Rec Department has a very popular Christmas program that we were lucky enough to participate in this year. The Cagle's joined us and Evan loved having Bennett and Tate there.

We boarded The Polar Express at the Municipal building, where we listened to the story on the way to the North Pole (The Westside Community Service Building). There we met Santa Claus and received a small gift from under the tree. The rest of the visit was filled with Christmas music, a snack and refreshments. At the end of the visit, the Polar Express took us back to City Hall, then headed to our house for a pizza party.

My mom has recently has had more health issues...she's been in the hospital for over a week with stomach problems. The doctors have went back and forth as to if they should do surgery, but it's looking like they won't. We are very hopeful that soon she will feel well enough to go home, and ready for Christmas and the Rose Bowl.