First Sledding Outing Of Their Lives

Jack was elated to try out his new sled. Winfield chose to sit in the car. Even Charles went down the hill with Christian without a tear, but his cheeks stayed red for a couple hours after we got home.

Ahh...Presents

I remember Christmas morning growing up - "goldenrod" for breakfast, lining up youngest to oldest in front of the sheet curtain that hid the living room and all our presents, and of course the sheer chaos of eleven people opening gifts, wrapping paper everywhere, squeals of delight, and lots of thank yous.

Our first Christmas in Wisconsin was much quieter than the Marriott household, but we had our share of squeals, wrapping paper, and even thank yous. The boys got up early, ate lots of candy, and stayed in their pajamas all day. It was a truly wonderful day.

Winfield helped clean up the wrapping paper in his new garbage truck.
Charles tried out as many toys as his brothers allowed him to get close to.

Jack got exactly what he wanted from Santa: a storm trooper helmet and blaster. He was so thrilled and our house has been Star Wars central since Santa came. He even wanted to wear it to bed. Now that is the true sign of a perfect gift, in my opinion. Christian got the boys a Wii, but we all know who he really bought it for. Admittedly, I have even gotten into it and Christian has yet to beat me in boxing.

Meeting The Big Guy

Heather Waibel's family joined us along with the Marriotts for a breakfast buffet with Santa at the Milwaukee Yacht Club. When we walked in the tables were all set for specific parties. They said, "Oh the Mitchells, yes you're that big table in the middle." It looked like the table was set for 20 people, it was so long and the chairs so big, that I began to feel a little embarrassed, but as the families arrived the whole party was relaxed and the day was all about the kids. That was really important to me because I'm not really the Yacht Club type. It's all a bit stuffy, but this event, my first since we joined in the fall, showed me that this place is very family oriented and can actually be really approachable. I still avoid telling people that we have a membership at the MYC, but I think I'm warming up to the idea now. Anyway, the food was great, the entertainment was great (kid songs w/ a "music man"), and Santa was awesome. I loved having friends and family with us. It really made the day for me.

The Milwaukee Marriotts are growing into a nice-sized group, aren't we?

Charles just did not know what to think of this man with the white hair going every direction. He just stared and stared until he had had enough and began to cry. We thought he looked so precious though.

Jack looked forward to meeting Santa for weeks leading up to this breakfast. The fact that he got a real present from Santa didn't hurt the relationship any either. (Jack calls it his "icky Spiderman guy" and it really is frightening). Santa asked him all about what he got last year (a Packers uniform - actually that was two years ago), so Santa launched into listing off key players on the team, none of which Jack knew. He just kept nodding.

Winfield had been very indifferent about Christmas, until the presents came out. He loves gifts and anything just for him, but he had no requests, no wish list and was happy with anything. He was a little unsure about sitting on Santa's lap, but once he opened his present, everyone and everything around him disappeared. He carried it around and had a ball.

It was a really wonderful event that we will definitely do next year, and every year after that. Jack said later, "Mom, the Santa at the Yacht Club was the real Santa! I know he was." Ahh the magic of Christmas.

Winfield Turns Three!

Driving his car through the cake.

He tried to blow out the candles but ended up spitting all over the cake instead. Wall-e!! He loves the character, but is scared of the movie.

I can't believe our little Win is growing up. We had a very quiet party for him - just us and Marriott's (minus Adam who was doing his Black Friday duty for Kohl's at 4 am and then off to work to report). We had car races with medals, cake, and Lightning McQueen decorations. He seemed so pleased with everything and so were we.

Win is sort of the glue in our family. He is Jack's favorite playmate, happy to oblige him in any kind of imagination. He is a buddy to Charles, always hugging, snuggling, and yes, smothering him. He is our agreeable and loving middle child who demands very little and always tells the truth. In answer to my, "who drew all over the wall?" he will cheerily say, "It was me!" I think Winfield sees the world very black and white - it's either right or it's wrong - and that is rather refreshing. I'm not saying he is not difficult at times. He is incredibly stubborn, but we can always count on a kiss or hug from Win and I think every family needs a snuggler like Winfield. (Anyone ever read "5 love languages?" Winfield would be 100% in the physical category). The other day he said to me, "Oh Mommy, your haircut is very beautiful!" I hadn't cut it, but it was so lovely to hear that from my own child. I love our Win.

Klode Park on Thanksgiving

Hands in pockets to keep warm.

Happy even when it's cold.

An artsy picture taken by my brother, Adam. Beautiful Lake Michigan.

Sweet Georgia Girl

In honor of Georgia's birthday, I posted a blog with pictures and tributes. I miss that wonderful girl. I'm still working on posting her singing, but the pictures are so great. Enjoy.
www.atributetogeorgia.blogspot.com

The Cengiz...oh we miss them!

I was looking through pictures so I could update this new site and found some great shots of our dear friends, the Cengiz family.  They are such a wonderful people and we miss them so very, very much!  Annie is the only girl that Jack agrees would be okay to play with since he "only plays with boys" now.  If only we lived closer.  Next summer won't be the same without them, willing at the drop of a hat to go sailing, no matter the temperature.  Tami, when you get sick of warm NC weather and living in your own house, feel free to move back to Milwaukee. We love you.