Farmin'

The boys think the farm is the coolest. And thanks to this gorgeous December weather we really got to enjoy it over Christmas.

Let it be known: we'd trade the snow for this crazy warm weather any day. Even Christmas!

One time (even before the boys were born) Denny told me if we moved closer to Dedham he'd (maybe) buy me a horse that would live on the farm. Obviously that meant he would feed it and care for it.

While we did technically move closer to Dedham, he hasn't come through on his end of the deal (yet). I guess 10 miles didn't quite meet the definition of "closer".

However, we DID get to ride horses during this trip! We also found even more cool toys at great-uncle B's farm: a big rig where we even got to pretend to drive it and honk the horns, a skid steer, a big pig trailer, cats, and horses. 

We also rode in the "loader tractor" while Grandpa put the bucket up and down and up and down. VERY cool.

We helped feed the cows breakfast. And got a close up picture of the bull - for obvious reasons!

It is so much fun taking the boys back to the farm!

Christmas 2011

Prior's 'dear santa' letter  that he made with Erika. He drew a picture of a "tool one". 

Mason's picture of a train set.

The boys didn't really get this part - but they will next year for sure. That will give me some time to work on disguising my handwriting.

Santa came through on the train set - and it is a HUGE hit.

Santa also brought a pedal tractor. 
One. 
Uno.
 Did Santa forget there are two boys?!

Using the tools to fix the tractor

Notice it's still dark out - they were excited to get up to see what Santa brought!

 A beautiful Minnesota sunrise...

In the stocking: fun band aids and some Dora/Diego books

Next up? Some serious windshield time.

And some serious naps - how cute is this?

We stopped to help Grandma at work.

oops.

Trying to open the safe.

PRESENTS! At this age opening is even more fun than what's inside...

Showing grandma and grandpa how we can sing along to our John Deere movie.

Happy (early) birthday Dad!

"helping" with dishes

Love this picture!

Trying on Miles' ski goggles

Roselle church - a beautiful clear afternoon

Christmas mass

These two yahoos (P and M that is) hadn't napped, so the only way they could keep themselves awake was to move CONSTANTLY! As you can see, that made for very meaningful and reflective prayer time at church.

16 and counting...

Cuddling with grandma

I told P on the way home that his feet were stinky - he didn't believe me.

Merry Christmas 2011!

Merry Christmas to all!

What a FUN year! Not sure what could be more fun (or more work) than raising twin toddler BOYS!!

 Looking forward to a happy and healthy 2012.

(Mason is on the left in all the pictures...)

(photos taken by Annie Torrini Photography - October 2011)

This photo shoot is so OVER!

Happy Birthday Auntie Cara!

The best sister, babysitter, and aunt EVER! We love you!

Insta-Weekend 12.18.11

The second half of the annual Schultes Family tour-de-Iowa kicked off this past weekend with a trip to Decorah, IA. (The first half included two trips to Iowa for Thanksgiving). We even got to see some snow while we were there. And a bear. Well, kinda. A bear was spotted on my mom's property and we saw pictures of the (very) large footprints. We didn't see the actual bear...but those are minor details. I told Mom to call KWWL but she wasn't having it.

As expected, the boys "understand" Christmas more this year. And I guess by "understand" I mean they understand how to RECEIVE presents. We're a long ways from understanding the true meaning of Christmas!!

When we got to my Dad's house, Mason had completely unwrapped an entire gift (the paper was in 342 pieces) before I had even gotten my shoes off in the entry way. Despite the number of gifts that were for him, he happened to pick one that wasn't for him. Pretty funny!

I am disappointed in the quantity of pictures, but you can't win em' all. Some highlights:  Spending quality time with the ones I love most, despite Cara being sick (POOR CARA!)  Giving and receiving some pretty fun gifts. Watching the boys open each gift. Taco pizza! Birthday cake! Seeing family that I don't get to see very often. Laughs, laughs, and more laughs with my sister. And lots and lots of eating!

Two quiet boys = trouble! They just happened to find the dish of chocolates and decided to help themselves!!!