We decided to try and catch the Cottage Grove fireworks show on our way home. Once home I ran inside to see where they hold their display and to grab a snack. We made it over to the park about 10 minutes after the supposed start time of 10pm. Unfortunately, though, all the cars in the area were driving the other way. They must have started quite a bit early because we missed the big show completely. Fortunately, there were plenty of people who lived around the park shooting off their own sweet stuff.

We were interested to see how Eli would react. He did very well and was very into it. He didn’t seem scared at any point, despite having a couple really loud ones go off right behind us. The best part came when there was a slight lull in the neighborhood display; Eli made a noise, causing us to look at him. He was signing “more.” He did this a couple more times when a break would happen.

About a half-hour after arriving the massive traffic jam cleared and we headed home. We now know better for next year’s show. The only wild-card might be the new baby’s reaction to all the noise.

We spent New Years with some very good friends of ours (Carlsons, Hintgens, Hintzs and Netolickys). Carlsons opened up their home for us to celebrate the end of the year. We ate homemade pizza, played games, shared Toilet Trivia and enjoyed each other’s company. We came up with our slogan for the year, ‘Accidents Happen’. The challenge is to see what types of ‘accidents’ will happen this year.

I started back to work last week. Most of my students were glad to see me back to work this week, several could care less if I was back or not. The hardest part about going back to work was not having my daily nap time. Otherwise it was such a smooth transition for me. Dave spent the week watching our niece, Gator, in the mornings, she slept most of the time. Eli then spent the afternoon at  Nate and Sarah’s place with Aunt Sarah and Gator. As Dave mentioned, we did find an in home daycare for Eli and he will be starting there tomorrow.

Eli is starting to eat more and sleep just a little bit longer. We are looking forward to the day when he sleeps more than 3-4 hours at a time. At the last doctor visit Eli weighed in at just over 10 pounds, he’s a growing boy. When he’s awake he loves to lay on his mat and kick and squirm. In the last week or so, he has started ‘talking’ more. He will make some cooing sounds, otherwise most of his ‘talking’ comes in the form of screams.

We hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. Thank you for the cards, well wishes and most importantly – prayers!! We are so thankful for all our steadfast prayer warriors. We love all of you!!

There are new pictures in the photo album. Enjoy!!!

We also took the Burlingame/Paulson Kid picture on Saturday.

Dave, me and Brianna.

We decided we wanted a nice picture of the two of us.

Burlingame/Danielson Kids – Nate, Sarah, Wendell, Beth, Dave, Me and Judah

Dave’s brother, Nate, and his wife, Sarah.

Much food was eaten and many card games played. One of our favorites is Wist. Nat and I love taunting our parents as we win game after game thanks to our superior strategy and trash-talking. Cribbage is a close second. Games, in general, are one of the big contributers to the volume at home. We especially love games that involve a lot of yelling, like Taboo. Phase 10 is another favorite thanks to the angry yelling caused by skip cards and people going out when you’re only one card from getting your phase. So aggravating. It’s more of a love/hate relationship, really, with Phase 10.

Despite the fun at my parents’ place, it’s good to be home. I enjoy few things more than watching football from the comfort of my couch. And thanks to fantasy football and my yelling at the tv, it’s almost as noisy here.