Christmas 2017

Christmas time means time to take 100 pictures to hopefully get one good one.

Mom and Dad look great as always :-)

But the kids were interesting subjects.

We got the entire Arnold family.

And after multiple attempts, a decent one of our own if you don't count the milk drool.

Some of the girls got together for a cute picture too.

Walter wasn't too cooperative at the Kluesner Christmas.

So they came to him.

After a couple days with no nap, Walter demanded Mickey Car or go home.

Johanna was happy to help make Dad's Stromboli for Kluesner Christmas.

One of her favorite gifts was "Bigger Bear", courtesy of Jen and Michael.

Walter enjoyed his work bench and spent a lot of time "fixing" the couch.

Johanna was also excited to get her Elena guitar from Santa.

But of course, Walter's toys were a lot of fun.

Dad got to play super hero.

And Walter got some energy out.

Christmas Countdown

We continued our Christmas tradition of the countdown tree which includes a letter for each ornament and a corresponding activity for the day.  Johanna insisted on including an elf in the tradition (Elf on the Shelf peer pressure) so our elf hides the ornament each day.

Johanna is going to help pick the activities next year since she had a lot of ideas and a lot of "feedback" this year.  One activity was a big hit - I for Instrument.






A few cousins even got in on the fun with Q for Queen.

Christmas Cookies and Shopping

Johanna really stepped up her Christmas cookie making this year.  She was able to do a lot of the cut out work (Dad's specialty) and the decorating work (Mom's specialty). 

We saved a few for Walter to decorate, although he was more interested in eating.

Johanna also wanted to help out with Christmas shopping this year.  She enjoyed introducing herself to all the mannequins (she has her dad's sense of humor) and going out for dinner.

Santa Visit and Letter

We visited Santa at the Peosta Community Center again.  Johanna went right ahead and sat on his lap, Walter on the other hand, stayed behind.  Walter had a little buyers remorse though (not sure if was because he missed Santa or he missed the candy Santa had).  He spent the rest of the night trying to sneak up on stage.  Johanna had a great time running around with some friends at the event and was so sad when we had to leave.

If you look closely, you can see Walter's hand in the picture.  He wouldn't give a high five that night but did when he met Santa again at daycare.

And here is Johanna's letter to Santa and Walter's picture.

Thanksgiving

We kept with our Thanksgiving pizza tradition, trying out a herb crust this year and sticking with our traditional (carrot!) sauce.

And the Arnold Thanksgiving cookie decorating tradition continue as well.  Johanna really went to town on decorating this year and did a great job.  (Walter was more interested in eating.)

We were also able to enjoy the nice weather outside.

(Tony had to work the day after Thanksgiving so we tried to get his office in the picture from Cleveland park.)

Walter got into the Christmas spirit as we were decorating the house.  Those are candles not cymbals, Walter.

And the Kluesners got a great selfie.

Fall Trips

A few trips this fall.
The Milwaukee Museum with Melissa.  It was a VERY hot day so we had some VERY large ice cream cones.

We also took advantage of our local museum.

And the obligatory Pumpkin Patch visit which was also a nice warm day.

(Johanna really loved the pigs)

(Johanna' face whenever Dad asks her to do something)