Christmas 2017

The boys by the tree with all their decorations - its quite full.

We opened presents at our house before we headed to Melrose for Christmas. The boys didn't get anything too exciting - everyone really wanted a pet and no one got one. The favorite gifts were probably their Vikings jerseys/shirts.

We started Christmas eve morning at my mom's for brunch and stockings. Then over to Middendorfs for lunch, dice game, and presents. Then to church. Then to mom's for supper and presents. We finished out the night with carbles. 

Post church picture

What we are really like

The whole Jeske crew

On Christmas day Fred and the boys hung out at his parents' house. I went with mom to see have lunch with Grandma Lyd. We also got to have lunch with my dad's cousin Bea and some of her family. It felt like Christmas and it was fun to see them.

Bea, Mary, Mom, Russ, Me, Bill, Andrea, Grandma Lyd

When we got back to Chaska the boys got Santa gifts. Jacob a new basketball, Gavin a skateboard and protective gear, and Wyatt a fitness tracker. Better luck next year boys. They are planning to use the money they gathered at Christmas to buy a new TV for the basement, their dad may help them out.

Christmas Program

Wyatt was our only performer in the Christmas program at church this year. He moved up from being one of the animals to being one of MANY shepherds. I was a shepherder of the shepherds. Gretchen commented on my ability to wrangle a dozen 1st grade boys and I just noted that I've had quite a few years of practice.

Wyatt learned his line - "Let's go to Bethlehem to see what the Lord has told us about" and the words to the songs. I think he promoted himself to lead shepherd - see him standing out front during the performance.

Rehearsal

Out of costume

Early bird shepherds (Wyatt far left)

Wyatt in the lead

Basketball Successes

Basketball try-outs are always stressful. So we were happy that Jacob made 7C and Gavin made the 4B team. They've had some success early in the season.

Chaska - 2nd place

Minnetonka - 3rd place

Orono - 3rd place

Chanhassen - 1st place

Finished Product

We finally remodeled the kitchen this fall. It wasn't the most fun thing to endure, but the results are sure worth it. 

Big island, no more wall, fun new lights, back splash, granite.

Hard working hutch, to hide away most of our crap.

bench by the front door

The big island worked great when we hosted a party to celebrate my birthday.

Florida

We got to go to West Palm Beach and enjoy a few days at our timeshare over Thanksgiving. We often have super windy days while we are there, but this year it was as calm as we'd seen. The boys spent a ton of time in the ocean - and I spent a lot of time telling them "that's far enough!" and "come back!". We got boogie boards for the boys at the shop down the street and they used them a ton. We enjoyed time at the pool too. Jacob did opt to not listen to his mother when told to reapply sunscreen, so he ended up with a blistered face - ouch!

We also got an extra night out of our vacation as our flight out of West Palm Beach was delayed, so we missed our connecting flight in Charlotte and got to spend the night there. We were happy to get home the next day without further delay - just 12 hours later than planned.

Busting waves.

Gavin and Wyatt in the pool.

Wyatt in his sand chair.

Family selfie in front of the Florida Christmas tree.

Twolves in Style

Our good friends opted to leave their kids at home and take us with to enjoy the Lexus Club seats they won at the church auction. The seats included a buffet and drinks in a swanky little area and AWESOME 3rd row seats. Such a fun night!

See - there's only 2 rows between me and the floor.

Hoedown

Wyatt's gym class put on a show down in November. They showed off their square dancing skills and western ware. Wyatt and his partner Noelle showed up in matching hats.

Jacob is 1st (and only) baritone

Jacob had his first band concert of the year at the end of October. He cleaned up real nice after a last minute run to Kohl's for clothes that fit. He just keeps growing - each band concert requires new clothes.

They split up the 7th grade trombones and left Jacob to carry his band alone.