Tennessee

Since Landon and I have been traveling, Andrew felt a little left out. So... he went to visit his friend Chris in Tennessee for a few days. Today they went to play golf... though you can't tell by this picture!

Dear Santa...

Landon meets Santa Claus

Later...at the cookie factory

While everyone was baking Gordy made a fort in the basement and it had a place made especially for Landon.
Emme wanted a turn to hold Landon...how cute!
Grandma, Landon, and I left a short while after dinner but there were many more cookies to be made. Once we got settled back at grandma and grandpa's house Landon posed with Grandpa before we left.
Tomorrow, Landon and I leave to go back home. We had a wonderful time visiting with everyone. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season and we will see you in July for the wedding! We love you!

More Cookies

Emme looking suspiciously at the cookies.

Gordy decided to help for a short while unwrapping kisses for the peanut butter blossoms.
I had to get a picture of Ryan and Andrea. Ryan recently came back form serving almost 2 years in Iraq. We are so happy that he is back healthy and safe!
Here's a cute picture of the baking sisters...Andrea & Katy! Cute aprons girls!

Cookie Time

Today Landon and I spent the day at Aunt Kathleen's making Christmas cookies. Everyone was there: Gordy, Emme, Aunt Kathleen, Aunt Moira, Katy, Andrea, Ryan, Ashley & Riley (for a short while), Uncle EJ, and Grandma came later. We mad all sorts of cookies...many of which I have never made!

Here's Andrea making Scotch Shortbread cookies...Ryan really liked these!
I'm not quite sure what the pretzel ones are called but the others are spinder monkeys...both delicious!



Aunt Moira took some time away from baking to pose with Landon.



Uncle EJ stopped in to taste test Katy's first batch of peanut butter blossoms. Yes...there was a second batch due to no sugar in the first! Oops!

Christmas Card Picture

Mom gave me an idea for our Christmas picture while here in Minnesota. She saw the picture of Landon in the snow on a previous post and said I should have written Merry Christmas in the snow and use it as our Christmas card. So Landon and I attempted this, but it didn't turn out so well (as you can see). Grandma and I came up with another idea which turned out much better and you all will see in your Christmas card!

Landon & Riley

We ended today with dinner at Aunt Kathleen's house. We had a wonderful ham dinner and great desserts afterward. Of course, Gordy & Emme were there. Aunt Moira, Uncle Curt, Katy, Doug, Ashley, & Riley came too. The only person missing was Uncle EJ. He came later in the night. While there we had to get pictures of Landon & Riley (2nd cousins) together! We also got a picture of the two moms with the babies and I couldn't leave without getting a picture with Doug & Riley!

Snow Day!

Today wasn't as pretty as yesterday but it wasn't snowing so I thought I should get a picture of Landon in the snow. His snow suit is a little big but it will come in handy for the next few months in Virginia.

Landon had about enough of the snow and cold weather. He was ready to get in the car and head to the store!

Finally...in the car where it was warm. We all headed to the store to look at Department 56 villages (I'm thinking of collecting one) and buy grandma and grandpa's poinsettia.

Great Grandma

Landon was out of sorts today...probably the most fussy he's ever been. Of course grandma took him and made things all better... at least for a little while :)

Governor's Mansion

Today, my grandmother and I went to the Minnesota Governor's mansion for a brunch. She belongs to the 1006 summit Avenue Society (the address of the mansion), which helps to buy materials that the state doesn't cover. This includes buying china, sterling silver flatware, furnishings, and such for the mansion.






While we were there chorus singers from the College of St. Thomas sang a few Christmas carols. They did a great job. We were treated to a wonderful brunch that included Belgian waffles, sausage, fruit, pastries and eggs benedict. I had a great time!



Today was an absolutely gorgeous winter day. The sun was out, the sky was blue and the snow was white and fluffy. I meant to get a picture of Landon in the snow, but never got around to it. I will be sure to get one tomorrow.

Minnesota

Yesterday, Landon and I flew to Minnesota to visit with my grandparents and other family member in the area. It was Landon's first time flying and I was quite nervous doing it alone. Landon was great on the plane and only fussed once. I was pretty relieved that he was so good on the plane but I am sure the passengers around us were even more relieved.

When Landon and I arrived in Minnesota there was already lots of snow on the ground. Aunt Kathleen picked us up from the airport and visited with us for a while at grandma and grandpa's. Later that night Aunt Moira came to visit and have dinner with us.

Aunt Moira's grandson, Riley, is two weeks younger than Landon and he let Landon borrow his bouncy seat for the week. Landon loves his bouncy seat but this one has alot more gadgets and gizmos than the one he has at home. He's really enjoying it. Thanks Riley!
Today, we woke up to snow falling. It snowed all day long. Grandma, Landon, and I went to the general store to shop for a little bit. When we returned, Aunt Kathleen, Gordy and Emme were waiting for us. Kathleen and I trimmed the tree while Gordy, Emme, and Worker (the big black dog) played with Landon!

Tomorrow, Grandma and I are going to the Governor's Mansion for lunch. Aunt Kathleen is watching Landon during this time. I will post more pictures of our week.

Katie comes to Visit

This past week, my friend Katie came to visit. Since I am off on maternity leave she, Landon, and I spent the days stolling around Virginia and D.C. First we did what girls do best...shopping! Then we decided we should admire the sites around D.C.

The three of us at the World War II Memorial. You can't see much of it but you can see the Lincoln Memorial in the background.

Katie with Landon at the Lincoln Memorial. While here we saw 5 presidential helicopters fly to the White House!

It was quite cold...so Landon had to be bundled up!

Landon and Katie shopping.

Jags vs. Bills

On our last day in Jacksonville we went to the Jags vs. Bills game! We spent the day tailgating with my friends Becky and Cher and Cher's family. Andrew is a big Bills fan as well as Cher. I wore a bills shirt only for them...but am a Jags fan at heart. Landon wasn't able to make it to the game and supported the Jags by wearing his jags outfit. I told Andrew that it was good luck since the Jags won again!

Happy Baby!

I thought these were great pictures and couldn't resist posting them.

Landon has started smiling and it's mostly due to gas :), but we like to think he's smiling at us. Landon met my oldest brother's dog, Miller.

Baptism

On Thanksgiving morning Landon was baptized and we celebrated with both families and some friends of ours. It was a great way to start the day on such a special holiday. Landon's christening gown was the same one that Landon's grandfather and great-great grandmother on my side of the family wore on their christenings. It is around 115 years old and we were so glad he was able to be baptized in such a special gown.
Landon with all of our friends! Thanks again for coming...We love you all!
Landon with his godparents...Aunt Mindy (Andrew's sister) and Uncle Sean (My brother)

Happy Turkey Day!

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! Though this picture wasn't taken on Thanksgiving, we thought it appropriate for the day. We spent Thanksgiving with friends and family for Landon's baptism then both our families celebrated thanksgiving dinner together. We were so blessed to have friends and family share these two special occasions. We hope your day was just as wonderful!

All Star Athlete--Danny McKean

My youngest brother is a senior in high school and was nominated as one of the all star athletes in the Jacksonville area. Each week the local news station airs the interview of one of the athletes and this week was Danny's! We are so proud of all of his accomplishments and wish him all the best in the future. To see and hear his full interview, click the link below.

http://www.news4jax.com/slideshow/14043814/detail.html?taf=jax

Sacred Heart

Landon was quite the celebrity when we went to visit Grandma McKean at work.

Go Jags!

Daddy went with Uncle Danny and Uncle Sean (not in the picture) to the Jags game on saturday. Landon wasn't able to make it so he showed his support by wearing his jags outfit. It must have helped since the Jags beat the Chargers 24-17!

On our way to Jacksonville

On friday morning (very early in the morning) we headed to Jacksonville for Thanksgiving and Landon's baptism. Jaxson decided that he didn't want to share the backseat with Landon so he rode shotgun and I was booted to the backseat!

Trip to Great Grandparents

Over the long weekend Andrew, Landon, & I traveled with Andrew's parents to Charlottesville to visit with Great Grandma & Grandpa Peck

Landon with Daddy, Grandpa, & Great Grandpa...

Now posing with Mommy, Grandma, & Great Grandma...

The whole group together.

Trick or Treat!

Landon spent the day ready for trick or treating. Thanks Grandma McKean for the cute outfit!

Landon all ready to trick or treat!
(he went to 2 houses!)

Even Jaxson got into the Halloween spirit