Ben's 2nd Birthday!

We celebrated Ben's 2nd baseball-themed birthday at his gymnastic school, Gleason's Gymnastic School. It was SUCH a blast. Sasha and Sasha were the teachers, and they did such a nice job of getting all the kids involved and playing and having fun!  The wonderful kids who came to celebrate with Ben:  Owen and Eden; Griffin and Elli; Peri and Chloe; Emma and Jack; Elijah; Joni; Avery and Seth; Allie, Katie, and Jack; and of courseall of Ben's grandparents, and Great Grandma Bernie, and Aunt Michelle.

Even the adults got in the pit..... There is Grandpa Scott trying to make his way through.  It isn't as easy as it looks!!

Even though this is a blurry picture, Sasha bounced all the kids up in the air and caught them.  It was very fun for most.  Even I (Anne) helped with a few of the shyer kids that I knew well.  Imagine a pregnant lady bouncing kids around :)

These next 2 pictures are of the cakes that Oma made.  I asked her for baseball-themed cake, and she way outdid herself.  People at the party asked where I bought the cakes from!!  Thank you Oma --- they were amazing!!!

Ben was just SO happy.  It was so much fun.

Ben's favorite present was a hockey stick from Aunt Kim and Uncle Paul.  After he opened that, he couldn't put it down (and hasn't since!)

At home after the party, and the kids were cuddling.  So cute.  We were so fortunate to have Jenny and the kids up for the whole weekend.  It really made it a fabulous birthday for Ben!!

And we LOVE you Great Grandma Bernie.  So happy you could make it!!!!

Thank you to everyone for helping make Ben's birthday so amazing.  He still talks about his 'baseball party', and remembers all the fun times.  

Christmas 2012

Just a little late, but here are some fun moments from our 2012 Christmas!

CHRISTMAS IN DES MOINES
(I didn't get many pictures at all!)

The Cookoff in Des Moines.  Every year, the men in the family have a cook-off, with a theme usually thought up by the women. This year, we did Chinese.  We judge base on taste and presentation.  Patrick made lettuce roll-ups, and he won!  Dad made rice and chicken, with actual take-out Chinese containers, and Jon made pad thai (I know, not EXACTLY Chinese, but still tasty!)  It was so yummy, and Jenny and I had a blast trying all the foods out.  Below are the 3 entrees.

MACY'S ELVES SHOWCASE AND MEETING SANTA!!

CHRISTMAS IN BREEZY POINT WITH THE MAURER SIDE

We had such an amazing time with the family at Breezy point this year.  Unfortunately, Ben was the only grand-kid there, but he had such a blast swimming, playing, and being the center of attention :)  

Kandi and Peg pampered the family by bringing wax for both hand and feet, and water spas for our feet as well.  It was so absolutely wonderful!

Even the boys enjoyed it :)

Ben walking with Uncle Karl.  So sweet!

Ben loved trying out his hand at ping pong at the restort!

We played the dice game for gifts, and Ben loved to roll for anyone who would let him!

CHRISTMAS AT THE MARSOS

(I didn't get as many pictures as I wish I would have!)

CHRISTMAS AT HOME

Our lovely red pajamas that we all wear to bring in Christmas morning.

finally...

NEW YEARS WITH GREAT GRANDPA WESLEY!

Grandpa Scott and Great Grandpa Wesley LOVED to play ball with Ben.  It was so much fun to watch!

AND FINALLY, BEN IS SPENT!

(Sleeping on his way home from Cedar Rapids)

Thank you to everyone for the amazing time and gifts that Christmas brought.  We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.  We love you all!!!