On to '09... Happy 3rd Birthday Jonah!

The big boy on campus turned three on January 7th and what a blessing he has been! He is so full of energy (it is not uncommon to see him run around in circles for 15 minutes straight) and could play sports every minute of every day and be content. Despite his sometimes exhausting ways for a mommy who is not quite as energetic, he has a very tender heart and little brings me more joy in life than hearing his sweet words or "surprising" daddy with him as we snuggle under the covers.

The big guy's celebration began again in Ohio, where Papa and Mimi officially made him an Indians fan.

If the glove fits...How did I survive as a child without all this gear?

Now back home, the celebration on the 7th. I think he's "reading" the box to Abby here.

His very own set of clubs. Lefties, by the way. Which also go well with the lefty glove (which actually goes on his right hand) from Papa and Mimi.

I think he looks 12 here. Daddy's hoping to get the boy in action on the links this summer... we shall see. Any predictions on the broken windows for our house? We've already had to nix golfing in the yard when he drove a ball three houses down. Welcome to the neighborhood!

The new scooter. Bonus points if you can find Abby in this picture.

Abby enjoying a little birthday cake.

I mentioned he's full of energy, didn't I?

Jonah had a sports birthday party with his cousins and his friends Hudson and Maren. I'm not sure that Jonah's ever had a better time in his entire life. He still asks when he is having another birthday party. Daddy organized the games and here Brian is explaining the "carry the golf ball on the spoon" relay.

Next up, the "pass the football between your legs" relay. Notice the football field taped on the floor and bleacher seats? The balloons counted as points. The red team, as you can see in the back, has one point from the golf ball relay.

Ninja Ryan throwing paper of the line in the paper wad throwing game. This one was a hit.

And then the classic where the kids dress up in big uniforms and try to make the first shot. We happened to have a few uniforms and giant shoes lying around...

Aunt Dana vs. Jonah.

The cake. There was also game day food to eat, but of course there's no picture. You get the idea.

Gift opening with all the helpers. :)

And of course, no party is complete without a cheer for the birthday boy. Thanks Elise and Emma!

Happy birthday, Jonah! We love you!

Cousins!

Sorry this is taking me so long! It was so fun to hang out with Uncle Mark, Aunt Steph, Eli, and Toby. We have too many pictures to post, but here are a few highlights of our time with them.

The first night they came, Eli read a book to Jonah and it was the sweetest thing. Eli is such a good little reader and had Jonah entranced the entire time.

Cousins. :)

Opening gifts the next morning, Eli and Toby got Jonah this really adorable tail tag game. The boys had to try it out.

Who wants to be a V-Tech rockstar?

Classic Uncle Mark and Aunt Steph. :) Can this make your family book?

Papa and Mimi gave the kids a cousins birthday party, with a pinata included. And ice cream cake!

I think this is a new classic Christmas of '08 picture. Ali, do you notice Sammy?

This was too funny not to post. Way to be strong Eli! Still not looking, but it's amazing what a little snack will do.This picture was impossible to get perfect, but you get the idea. :)

On New Years Eve it snowed enough for Jonah to finally play outside in his boots. This picture, however, isn't to show that only. Please make note of Brian's coat: 20 years old, 3 sizes too small, and complete with ski tags. Looking good, Bri.

Love you guys! Thanks for the fun!!

Christmas in Ohio

This post is going to be picture heavy, so feel free to scroll quickly. :) We were in Ohio from Dec. 21st-Jan. 1 to celebrate the birth of Christ and spend some time with family. Here are pictures of our Christmas celebration.

Brian's most impressive pancake to date, successfully pumping up Jonah for the airplane ride.

This picture clearly documents how much of our time was spent. In pjs, playing, with Brian throwing a ball up in the air repeatedly. It was great.
Decorating the tree! I wish we had pictures of Jonah's sledride as we found and cut the tree, but it was extremely cold out and the whole experience lasted about five minutes. The kids loved it.
A very cute picture of Abby and Mimi
Heading to the Christmas Eve service.

A particularly good picture of the kids. So cute!

Papa and Mimi with the kids before church.

Jonah and Abby making their way to the tree (well, gifts) Christmas morning

Opening...

and opening...

and opening.

Then playing...

and playing.

Pictures with the Mark Conklin clan still to come. And then, sadly, Christmas is over. But the celebration will continue right into Jonah's birthday, so don't be too disappointed.

Christmas in Omaha

The Nyffeler (+ Conklin) posse celebrated Christmas the Saturday before. I saw this as a great opportunity to get two wears out of the Christmas outfits. And yes, I know the tights are white and the sweater is off white, but I'm new at this and the tights were on sale.

Let the gift giving begin.Jonah is always eager to help open gifts.

The first babydoll in our home... and not the last.

Jonah loves his new jungle and the disk spitting gorilla rock he can now aim at Abby's babydoll.
What a handsome boy.

Christmas in Ohio coming soon...