The Grothaus Gang

1.11.2008

The Grothaus Christmas

We took off late Christmas morning and headed to Marshall for the Grothaus Christmas. We were thankful to have Grammy Sherri with us as she was previously scheduled to be having surgery during this time. We were also very happy to have Aunt Cynthia and Logan celebrate with us, along with Aunt Maria, Uncle Lance, and Amy. Of course, Grampy was there, too!

Gavin always loves stealing Uncle Lance's girlfriend, Amy.

Hi Mommy! Don't worry about me, Uncle Lance is great with babies!

Gunner thinks Amy is a keeper, too!

Here are Gunner and Gavin in about 30 years!

Are we getting baby fever, Uncle Lance?

Aunt Cynthia gave Gavin a new do!

Gavin LOVES to share...right Logan?

Auntie Rhea with her two buddies.

I smell T-R-O-UB-L-E!!

We miss our Auntie Rhea! You need to come visit!

The Grothaus Cousins! Looks like boys rule here, too!

The Vance Christmas

The Vance Christmas also took place at Mimi and Papa's this year. Gavin and Gunner both enjoyed being spoiled by all the Vance women. Daddy had fun playing bball on the new hoop and whooping up on Jalan, 20 years younger. We were once again blessed with good food, wonderful presents, and most importantly, time with family.

Gavin has really grown to love his Aunt Tonja. It is so cute to hear him say her name!

Gavin had fun trying to take down his cousins Chauntel and Alana.

Just to get the vacuum in here one more time!

Great Grandpa Larry and his grandkids - Alana, Chauntel, Gunner, Hayden, Gavin, and Jalan

Gavin and Gunner with their Mimi.

The "big kids" jamming with Josh's new game Rock Band.

Gunner with his cousin Kayla.

Gunner with his cousin Mego, sister to Kayla.

Gavin with yet another Streb sister, Jeni, who just recently got engaged! We knew you could do it, Bob!

Neally Christmas 2007

The Neally family Christmas took place at Mimi and Papa's again this year. Everyone had a great time and enjoyed the new home. Gavin enjoyed playing with his cousin Jack and entertaining everyone. Mommy and Daddy enjoyed pigging out on Grandma Annie's famous breaded pork chops and eating the traditional Stan's creme horns.

Gavin showing Uncle Kirk and cousin Chris how much fun you can have with a water bottle.

Showing Daddy how to throw it down on Gunner's new basketball hoop.

Gunner being cuddled by his Great Grandma Annie.

Gavin with his most prized present - a vacuum that really picks up!

Gavin entertaining the crowd! It looks like Great Aunt Brenda, the pretty lady in the pink blouse in the top right corner, is enjoying the show! ( :-) Love ya Auntie Bren!)

Gavin playing lovingly with Jack.

1.10.2008

Forecast: Heat Wave!!!

We were blessed with a heat wave this past week with temps almost reaching 70 degrees! Our family lived outside and took advantage of every second of daylight. I was itching to take out some of Gavin's new toys but new I'd regret it when I had to clean them off to bring them back inside for the rest of the winter. He had a great time finding geese with daddy, pointing to the birds, revisiting his buggy, and taking stroller rides. Actually, his favorite thing to do was go up and down the step going from our concrete padio to the driveway. He thinks he is big stuff now that he can make it up and down on his own.

Here is Gavin "claiming" to see/hear a bird.

Saying "cheese" and lighting up the camara with his adorable smile!

Didn't mean for this pix to be uploaded yet, but here are the boys and mommy on her 28th birthday.

1.05.2008

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I know, you have to be wondering...what is wrong with Alisha? I spent most of New Year's Eve in Columbia at a retina specialist, so I was very worn out by the time this picture was taken. Believe it or not, about 30 minutes later I was actually dressed and ready to celebrate with Clint.

Happy First New Year's Gunner!

Gavin did not want anything to do with his "crown." I even tried to bribe him with the Bumbo seat.

Gavin enjoyed ripping the streamers off of all the noise makers.

Papa and Aunt Tonja babysat all day while the rest of us went to Columbia, so Papa and Mimi got to celebrate New Year's with the boys after having to cancel their party.

Santa at his new table from Grandpa Larry and Grandma Judy.

Santa Gavin riding his new "quad" from Mimi and Papa. I bet it will give yours a run for it's money Auntie Jen! Maybe he can teach you how to stay on!

Vroom Vroom!

We've decided the boys would be much safer sticking to the piano rather than the pigskin!

12.15.2007

Christmas List

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Although I refuse to let my mom use gift bags for my presents, it is usually my wrapping of choice. I will always use wrapping paper for my children, though.

2. Real tree or artificial? Artificial - I would love to start a tradition of going and cutting down a real tree when the boys are old enough, however, I'm not sure if it's worth the mess and risk of fire.

3. When do you put up the tree? No later than Thanksgiving weekend

4. When do you take the tree down? My husband usually takes it down for me after seeing the tree still standing through February.

5. Do you like eggnog? I've actually never tried it.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Chicago Bulls tickets

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I received one as a wedding gift but have yet to put it up due to my precious little Gavin.

8. HARDEST PERSON TO BUY FOR: We have opted out of almost every gift exchange we have so I don't really have an answer for this one.

9.Easiest person to buy for? Clint

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? I've been pretty fortunate so far.

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail, unless I don't have an address.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas Vacation and Elf

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Black Friday

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? I will never tell!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? mashed potatoes, Grandma Annie's pork chops, creme horns, and pecan pie

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree? Clear - I believe I will have a tree with colored lights next year for the boys.

17. Favorite Christmas song? O Holy Night - Jessica Simpson or Mariah Carey, What Child Is This? and Breath of Heaven- Jessica Simpson

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Not even close! I better start studying!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Neither - Our tree is 6 ft tall so it hits the top of our ceiling. It's one of those pencil trees and needs to be shortened!

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Usually Christmas morning

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? Wal-Mart check-out lines!

23. Do you decorate your tree in any specific theme? Yes, right now it is bright colored ornaments with snowmen.