Wrapping up 2008

I cannot believe that is will be 2009 tomorrow...where did this year go? Seems like just yesterday I was big and pregnant awaiting the arrival of Makena...now she is almost a year old! And I look back at pictures of Aidan from Christmas last year - even just 1 year ago he seemed so small. He is definitely growing into boyhood. Makes me happy, and sad.

We loved our snow days these past couple weeks. Sad to see the rain take it all away. Aidan and the dogs got to play in the yard, then Aidan and Jim cooked hot dogs on the out door fire.

Makena got to take her first sled ride and loved it! Not so sure she loved being forced into the pink marshmallow suit though...a bit constricting. So other rides were just in warm clothes and wrapped in a blanket...much better!


Christmas was different this year - just us at home. Was nice but seemed to go fast! Aidan loved all his presents, but especially the suit of armor (another) that "Santa" brought. Love those $15 gifts! He wears this every day and won't let Makena touch it - imagine that.

Makena was miserable on her first Christmas - turned out to be a double ear infection! Poor thing.

And you can see in pretty much every picture of the kids, the snot running down their face. Just couldn't keep up!

Makena is getting ready to walk, and just starting to try and color! 2009 will be a big year for her.

2008 held some crazy times for us, so here's to hoping for more of the good, less of the bad in 2009. This goes for all of you as well!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Signing off for 2008...

Christmas tree hunting

Went out to get our tree today. So nice to have snow on the ground, but it was freezing cold! Then home to play outside in the snow for a bit. Aidan and Jim made a fire.

Let it snow!

Yay, the first snow of this "winter" is here...so exciting! Can't wait to see what morning brings. This will be the second year we go cut down our xmas tree in the snow. I love it!



I also can't stop singing "Let it Snow"...

Pictures with Santa

Always a fun adventure...never knowing how the kids will react. Both were great, with the exception of Aidan's super fake cheesy smile. Luckily the wait wasn't very long.

Makena didn't even realize someone was behind her. I think she thought his soft coat was just a fuzzy blanket. She was very cozy. Too bad Aidan wasn't looking. But there is that smile painted on!

Then she realized that he was there and couldn't stop staring. No wonder the photographer wanted to make sure she didn't look back at the beginning!

Pictures with Santa...check! Now on to the tree...boy we are so far behind this year!

Giant baby eats little baby

Our giant baby Makena (10 mos) loomed over Payton Ward (5 mos) and decided to give her a kiss...but it looked like she was trying to eat her...watch out Payton!

They each thought the other was quite interesting. Fun to watch. Amazing to see the size difference.

the fun of xmas picture taking

oh those of you with kids (or dogs - sorry ours didn't make it in the pics) know how fun it can be to get everyone looking AND smiling at the camera for pictures. Especially when you are doing it on timer, and not someone behind the camera making funny noises. So here we are...pics for our xmas card. Aidan had to be bribed and insisted on wearing his new snow boots. He was NOT happy about the hat.

Here is the winner and others taken along the way...

Don't have any girly xmas outfit for Makena, so in true Landgraf form, she is wearing the same outfit Aidan had on for his first xmas photo - seen here. And I just realized that Jim is also wearing the SAME shirt! LOL...

Makena kisses and recycling

Makena is learning how to kiss...although she seems to think open mouth is appropriate for everyone. Gotta nip that in the bud!

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And we have found that recycling old electronics is the way to go! Found this very old walkman (can you tell by the size and color?) but Aidan loves it! Keeps him busy and quiet for awhile...until he moves the knob that changes the station, but oh well!

Still amazed how time flies. Aidan will be 3 1/2 on the 7th...and Makena will be 10 months on the 12th.

Makena Amadeus Mozart

The start of an amazing music (muzak?) career...

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Look at the passion she has for music.

Don't you also love the fangs? We call her "Count Chunkula". Too bad she isn't a happy baby. 9 mos old today!

Look who's crawling!

Finally! ugh...can't believe Makena is almost 9 mos (in 1 week) and JUST started crawling. She has been rolling and pivoting for awhile, but we finally got her to crawl. Daily training! Still a bit wobbly and she will give up quickly and do the belly flop, but hopefully she realizes that it is faster to crawl in a straight line than to roll, pivot, roll, pivot...

And here is Aidan voicing his opinion on the latest change in our country:

Fall Colors and Rainy Weather

It most definitely feels like winter is coming. The trees have been changing for awhile, and the rain is cold!



Aidan likes to get out in the rain,



but Makena likes to stay inside, be lazy and hang out...having a snack.