Manda's Shots

While we were home over Thanksgiving my sister, Manda, took some shots of us for our Christmas card. Of course I'm a bit biased, but I love the work she does and so appreciate her ability to make a photo shoot fun and capture such beautiful photos too. There are no stuffy poses; she prefers taking her pictures outdoors, which always makes a beautiful backdrop.

Shameless plug: If you live in Northern Minnesota or if you ever make a trip up there I highly recommend setting up a time to meet with her and giving her the opportunity to capture your beautiful family too.

Visiting Santa

Tonight we took Anthony to visit Santa at the North Pole - um, Saint Cloud Mall. He was very quiet and serious; not once did he speak or look at Santa. He wasn't super smiley either, but at least he wasn't crying and screaming. He loved the book Santa gave him and needed to read it all the way out of the mall as well as on the car ride home.
This is going to be a fun first Christmas celebrating as a family!

Prune Juice --- Works!

Finally my ulcerative colitis comes in ultra handy! (Does that capture your interest???)
Typically Anthony doesn't have a problem with going to the bathroom. (Yes, this post is about poo. If you prefer to NOT read about this type of stuff I suggest you stop reading NOW!)
He's pretty regular and never has had a problem with going to the bathroom. All of that changed late last week/weekend. He didn't go to the bathroom at all on Sunday and then nothing again on Monday at daycare. Shortly after getting home he tried going, but ended up crying in pain. So since Monday night he's been on a prune juice regimen to help him out. He has been going, but still not in a regular fashion.
Tonight, though, I think he got himself completely cleaned out. He went to his usual pooping spot. After a bit I went to get him to change his diaper, but was literally hit with an usual smell. (Erin - Think backed up BMs that explode out of the body! I know that's a favorite of your job.) When I picked him up the smell was overwhelming. I turned him around and found my surprise - poo that covered the butt of his pants, shirt and worked its way up to his shoulder blades.
Needless to say, my dealings with "UC" came in handy. I got him to the bathtub, stripped off his clothes and got him cleaned up with no problems. I can't say I've seen worse, but I have seen my share... Mark? Well he spent his time gagging and probably thanking God that I was home and cleaning up the little man.
I'm hoping this means the pipes are completely cleaned out and in working order once again so the dangerous prune juice can be put away.

Preparing for Santa!

Anthony checking out the Christmas tree.

He loved all of the lights, but especially the ornaments.
His favorite is Mark's ESPN ornament that plays the little jingle.

My two favorite boys decked out in their Santa hats!

Putting some finishing touches on the tree.

Johnson Thanksgiving

Gobble, gobble goes the turkey.

We couldn't get Anthony to say Happy Thanksgiving. However, he would say gobble, gobble!
A had lots of fun playing with everyone as well as helping out in the kitchen. The best was helping Uncle Erik chop up food.

Hanging out with Grandma Kathy. (Can you tell he's more than ready for bed?)

Eating pickles, a favorite, and spending time with Grandpa Willie.

Nedward and Mark relaxing and watching some Saturday football.

Of course it wouldn't be a Johnson get together if Manda wasn't doing something crazy to liven things up. Auntie Helga was a somewhat scary hit for Anthony!

On Saturday we celebrated the Johnson Thanksgiving at Manda and Damon's house. It was a great day of chatting, preparing for dinner, eating way too much once again and then playing Catch Phrase, spoons and Balderdash, which was a hoot!

Nissan Quest

We did it! After months of researching and looking we finally entered the minivan club. I honestly never thought I would be so excited to get rid of my Grand Prix. I guess this officially makes Mark and I middle aged or at least no longer worried about car appearances. (I laugh at the days I wanted a two door car. That would be a nightmare now!)
The Nissan Quest ended up being the right fit for us. It drives so smooth, has all of the room we need and surprisingly I felt comfortable being in it - driving and dealing with blind spots. Plus we got a great deal!
The BEST part, though, is that Zoey has her own little space in the back. Her kennel fits right in there and she can no longer chase after every car that goes by. As we were driving home on Sunday Mark and I noticed something so wonderful - silence. Both Anthony and Zoey were sleeping. Zoey NEVER sleeps when she can chase every car that passes by us and act like a whining maniac. That alone is reason enough for joining the club!

Hanson Thanksgiving

Carol and her sisters Debbie and Barb.

Anthony hanging out with Grandma Carol.

Debbie and her granddaughter Olivia (10 months).

On Thanksgiving we traveled to Andover to have a get together at Barb and John's new, beautiful home with almost everyone on the Pluth side of the family. (We missed you Grandma and Jami!) The chatting was nice; however, the best part for me was the wonderfully delicious homemade meal. You definitely know it's a holiday when you attempt to try more than one dessert. My favorite was the chocolate eclair that Barb made. (Thanks for the recipe, Barb!) If you get a chance try it! I'm sure whoever you serve it to will love it as much as I did.