Hoffe Family Fun: Brooklyn's First Christmas

Brooklyn's First Christmas was a whirlwind, but very memorable. We started the weekend of fun by driving to Eau Claire on Wednesday. We made our usual stop at Buffalo Phils in the Dells for lunch. For dinner we headed to The Farbers to make Christmas cookies and enjoy some of Dars delicious chili. This year was our year with my family for Christmas, so it was nice to still be able to spend time with some of the Weiss Family.

Brooklyn got this adorable teddy from Dar.

She loves it and gives it lots of kisses.

Graham and Brooklyn before opening gifts

Ryan made Mary and Dave a coat rack for Christmas

Graham wanted a soccer net, this is what we got him...he LOVED it!

Brooklyn made her grandmas, great grandmas, and great aunts a special garden flag this year for Christmas.

After gift opening and a delicious breakfast at the Hoffes on Christmas Eve morning, we headed to Apple Valley mid afternoon to celebrate with my immediate family. We went to a kid friendly 30 minute church service, came home and ate a wonderful dinner, and then opened presents. Just as we were about to begin....look who showed up at my parents door.....

Brooklyn did great with the Santa at the mall, but she wasn't quite sure about this Santa. Notice how big and adorable Andrea is! What a sweetheart she was! It was her first Christmas as well.

Mom and dad posing with their three adorable grandchildren!

Family picture time...

Katie and Mike's last "single" Christmas. Next year Mike will officially be part of the family. We can't wait! We love uncle Mike!

Present time...

Brooklyn got this very fun lion walker from Nate, Jen, Daniel, and Andrea. She loves it!

On Friday (Christmas Day) we were supposed to go to Pipestone for both the Quist Family Christmas and the Haupert Christmas. We were watching the weather as southwest MN was supposed to get up to 24 inches of snow and have blizzard like conditions. After making lots of phone calls to the family members in Pipestone we were told, numerous times, not to travel due to the blowing snow and the slippery roads. As hard as it was for my parents not to be with their family and us to see our family, we had a nice time hanging out with our immediate family on Christmas day. I don't think I have EVER done that in 32 years! Sometimes it is hard to break tradition, but sometimes it is ok. We will have to make a point to go to Pipestone and visit my family sometime before next Thanksgiving!

Santa brought the Quist Family a Wii, so we spent Christmas day in a bowling tournament. It was very fun! Daniel had a good time pushing Brooklyn around on her new lion. Check out the sock in her mouth and the pants off...this is a daily occurence.

Katie and Andrea

After wonderful weekend with our family, we came home and found out that Santa came when we were gone. We had our own little Christmas!

Brooklyn couldn't believe that the biggest present was for her. She looks exhausted from this whole Christmas thing!

"Wow, is this for me" Thank you Santa!

We are currently using the water table as a sensory table. We are putting different toys in it for her to grab and play with. It is so fun watching her take things out, put them on the floor, pick them up, and put them back in the water table. Such a smart little girl!