The Biesterfelts (and Fabi): Holidays 2014

It has been far too long since I've posted something. Since I last put up a post Thanksgiving and Christmas have both come and gone. These two holidays are the main times during the year that we get together as an entire family. Both holidays were a great opportunity for Fabian to experience something new. Christmas was especially fun since he could compare the way the holiday is celebrated in America vs Germany. Since our part of the country is heavily influenced by German heritage, I think a lot of similarities could be found. One thing is certain, however---there was no shortage of food at either holiday. Every year I resolve to eat in moderation over the holidays and every year I step on the scale on December 26th ten pounds heavier than I was at the end of November. So it goes.

For Thanksgiving we went to both Seth's parents in Tripoli and Krissy's parents in Ackley. In Tripoli Fabian enjoyed sitting in the hot tub and making snow angels in just his swimming trunks before jumping back into the hot tub. In Ackley we got the grand tour of the new addition to the school.

For Christmas we spent Saturday the 20th with Krissy's family in Marion. On Christmas Eve and Christmas day we spent time at Seth's parents. It was fun to see our nieces and nephews and to see family.

Fabian has continued to enjoy hanging out with friends. He bought a skateboard in November, and the unseasonably warm weather has allowed him to enjoy his new hobby into the winter months.

We are heading to northern Minnesota at the end of January to go to a cross country ski resort. It's a really cool place that is family-run. They serve family style meals that are delicious. Here is a link from our trip from last year: https://www.facebook.com/seth.biesterfelt/media_set?set=a.710158575598.1073741831.123700851&type=3

I'm beginning to think that we're going to have to get Ada some counseling once Fabian goes back to Germany. Krissy takes Fabian to school in the mornings on the way to work so I always have the house to myself for about an hour. As soon as they leave the house, Ada immediately goes into Fabian's room and lays on his bed for the rest of the day. In the evening we shut the door to our upstairs bedroom and Ada stays up there with us. We used to be able to say "upstairs" and Ada would immediately run upstairs. Now when we say "upstairs" she looks at us, then looks at Fabian's bedroom door and just stands there. I'm pretty sure she is going to resent us when Fabian leaves :)

Fabian received the above ornament from Seth's parents at Thanksgiving. It has special meaning since it is a s'more. When we were at Seth's parents cabin Fabian discovered the sweet goodness that is the s'more and proceeded to eat about 20 of them.

Whiskers and Jack continue to live like kings. Whiskers was especially fond of the Christmas tree. I think he liked hiding under it as it made him feel more protected. He's a magnificent hunter, so I assume that is just his natural predatory instinct kicking in.

Fabian's mom sent us this ornament in November. You put it up on the first of December and put 3 pieces of candy in each pouch (one each for Fabian, Krissy and Seth) and have one piece of candy each day from December 1st through December 24th.

Our niece Taryn opening up a present for Christmas

Our niece Ally opening a present on Christmas

Our nephew Camden opening a present. Clearly excited to be getting a toy.

Animals love presents--almost more than Fabian

Socks made by Fabian's mom for Krissy

German smoking man from Fabian's mom. You put the incense inside and the smoke comes out of his mouth. His are in the background (they fell off in transit). A little wood glue should do the trick.

Fabian opening his extremely generous present from his Mom.

A Macbook Pro!!

Christmas Eve soup and red velvet cake at the Biesterfelt homestead

Fabian, Kai and Dan in the hot tub.

Christmas Eve

Go hawkeyes!

Fabian's brother Bastian and his wife Katharina got us a climbing rope. Now we need to head to an outdoor climbing location to try it out this Spring!