Christmas 2010

We had a wonderful Christmas with lots of family time.
The festivities began in Pewamo on Christmas Eve.
Here's Mati with a few of her cousins on the Schafer side.

The next celebration was our house Christmas morning. Santa brought Mati a sled and a hopping ball. Mati loaded her ball and her nativity set into the sled to give them a ride.

Mati also got the Tag Jr. reading system. She's trying out the Dora book with Doug.

Opening a present.

Trying out the pizza set with Doug.

Literally trying out the pizza set. She has since learned that it is wooden and not tasty.

Family photo.

Putting the reindeer in the sleigh with Grandma Christmas morning.

Our tree on Christmas Eve right after Santa came.

Santa's Cabin

We made our annual trip for the train ride to Santa's cabin. It was the snowiest day we've had so far this season, the roads were treacherous at times but the visit to the cabin is always magical.

Here's Santa's cabin at the North Pole.

Definitely a very snowy, but very fun day.

Mati riding a tractor before the train ride.

Mati is trying desperately to check-out Doug's coat zipper hoping Santa will not notice her. She was a little nervous around him this year.

Much happier to be in his sleigh parked outside the cabin.

Thrilled to ride the giant reindeer in the gift shop.

Swinging with Morgan after the santa visit.

Mati's Band

We had Christmas music playing Sunday and Mati decided that required a family band. It must be important for us to be cross-trained on instruments because she kept switching our jobs. We each took our turns on xylophone, harmonica, and lead singing with the microphone. Doug was very busy working on the laptop but Mati would not let him off the hook, she ran back and forth between us to be sure we were both playing in the band.

Mati took over the lead singing duties during Winter Wonderland. She doesn't know the words but she mumbled and danced her way through...

The Schafer Family Tree Outing 2010

We traveled a short 4 miles to our favorite tree farm for our tree cutting excursion. IT WAS FREEZING! We bundled up Mati (she was happy), we took a tractor ride to the drop-off spot (she was happy), we said "Hello" to the reindeer (she was happy), we walked in the very cold wind to find our tree (she was not happy.) We made our tree selection in record time then high-tailed it back to warmth. We were able to catch a few good pictures though.

Trying to get all of our faces through the tree. Believe it or not, this is the best shot.

Mati trying to climb in to the reindeer cage.

We found it! Doug starts the cutting process.

Mati really wanted to pull the tree wagon; she just can't quite figure out how to do it.

Mati and Doug, proud of the tree!

Mati and I thinking, "Wow, its cold!"

The finished product. Mati helping decorate after her bath. We have a device that you step on to turn the lights off and on... she loves it! And so far she insists if she's around the lights must be on.

The Light Parade

This is really a wonderful community in which to live. What a great holiday kick-off party this was. We started downtown at the Giant Santa and his mailbox to drop off Mati's letter to the North Pole, we heard the Santa band play, saw the tree lighting, then watched the light parade. It was a great time! Very cold, but a great time!

Mati and Doug heading up the stairs to the big mailbox.

Blurry picture of Mati & Doug but the giant Santa looks good.

So proud! Heading down the stairs after dropping off her letter.

Family photo with Giant Santa.

Staying warm in the wagon with Carter.

My favorite float! A balloon team loaded the trailer with hot air balloon baskets and hit the burners. The light was really cool to see, the heat was AWESOME!

The Lions' Club airplanes.

This fish is made from recycled products like detergent bottles and styrofoam.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

Mati has been reciting the alphabet, counting to fourteen, and singing lately. Of course, when I reach for the video camera she stops. I finally caught her. Here is Mati's version of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star." Her slipper fell off at the end so she got distracted at the finish but she sings most of it.

Halloween

Year two of our drive to Hudsonville/GR for Halloween. We will probably not be able to do this when Halloween falls on a weeknight so this was our last trip for a while. We started at Aunt Denise's house for a family visit and delicious chicken dinner. Then off to GR for trick-or-treating with the little cousins.

Andrew (Jail bird), Aly (Ladybug), Morgan (Tinkerbell), Dean (Spiderman) and Mati (Little Red Riding Hood.)

Mati with Doug skipping along.

Picking out candy and very daintily choosing only one.

Mati and me; one of the few "hood up" photos.

No interest in heading home even though it was getting late.

Family photo before trick-or-treating.

Stepping out with her Halloween card from Grandma & Grandpa.

Halloween, so far.

We began our Halloween celebration in St. Johns at Uncle John's Cider
Mill. Mati loved the wagon ride behind the tractor to the pumpkin patch, we never went very fast but she shouted "Wee" just the same. As we looked for pumpkins Mati ran all over touching every one she could. We finally found one we all liked with a long stem.

Mati stopped to inspect a small green pumpkin.
Picking out the object that does not match is an age appropriate developmental skill, yeah Mati!

Checking out the pre-picked pumpkins... not quite as nice as our 20-pounder.

3 feet tall according to the pumpkin measuring stick.

A train ride, enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Riding the "Apple Worm," our friend Mike owns the ride so I think we got an extra-long ride. Thanks Mike! Mati loved holding the antennae.

Pumpkin carving time. We carved the pumpkin we got at Uncle John's and a smaller one we bought at a farm stand. Here are our finished products: The Goofy Smile Pumpkin and a Cat.

After carving we tried for a familyphoto, Mati just wants to hold the pumpkin lids.

Mati was trying to scoop the pumpkin before it was cut.

Mati excited for the pumpkin carving festivities.

I had the honor of chopping the tops off. About 20 years ago I stabbed my hand while pumpkin carving and I still think about it whenever pumpkins are in the vicinity.

Mati and Doug doing some scooping.

We're excited for trick-or-treating next weekend!