Traditions

It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!! We are all into the full swing of things now. The holidays are upon us. Thanksgiving seems like a distant memory already as we gear up for Christmas.

I have always been a sucker for tradition. I am not sure why. I know that we had a lot of family traditions when I was growing up, but there was also quite a bit of variety. There were years when we went to visit family for the holidays and years when we stayed home with just us. It was always fun no matter what we did.

At this point in my life, some might say I am turning into the "Tradition Nazi". Ready to throw a fit at a moments notice if something changes.

Take, for example, the Kneipp Family Tradition of matching PJ's on Christmas. We have always gotten them from Old Navy. This year, in their infinite wisdom, Old Navy IS NOT CARRYING them!! I about had a total meltdown.

Thankfully we have found replacement PJ's and all will be right with the world.

I think as time goes by, the kids grow up, and things change (as they inevitably must) that I have to stay focused on what is most important about these traditions...that we are all together. It's not about the pajamas. It's about creating memories that the kids will remember fondly. To stay in the moments...for they will be gone before we know it.

That is what I wish for everyone this holiday season. At least one moment in time where there's peace in your heart and a memory is made that will carry you through all the days of your life. I know I have already had several and it's not even December yet!

In light of this talk of tradition, I will leave you with a photographic retrospective:

The Kneipp's Annual Trip to Thorton's Tree Farm Through the Years

Happy Thanksgiving Pic

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

A Week of Tucker

It all started 4 long years ago...

The past week has been a birthday bonanza the likes of which I would like to say we have never seen...but we have. In keeping with the Kneipp family tradition of birthday celebrations that just don't ever quit, this has been the "Week of Tucker"!!

This past Saturday we did our annual "Red Robin Birthday Lunch" with Grammy and Papa. A good time was had by all and then we came home for presents and cake.

Tuesday was Tucker's actual 4th birthday. Mitch and Tucker were both under the weather, so we just hung out at home. We did have donuts and there were more presents.

Thursday, Tucker took in treats for his class - more donuts! There were no presents on this day, but he did get a spiffy birthday hat. He also helped with the preparations for his party.

Said party was today. More presents. More cake. Are we sensing a theme? His little friends all seemed to have a good time and once Tucker got over his initial shyness, he had a blast. (For the first 15 minutes he sat in the bathroom on the floor. He told me that "he needed some quiet time. All those people were talkin' at him!") Thank goodness he warmed up!

So, as this week draws to a close, I am so grateful that all of the birthday madness is over for now.

Now I just have to get geared up for March when 3/5 of our family have birthdays within 10 days of each other. Who planned that anyway? ;-)

We love you Tucker!!

Wordless Wednesday

8 Months Already....

Hard to believe our littlest peanut is 8 months old today!! He is so sweet and lovable! He is sitting up, but not making any real effort to crawl yet. He eats Cheerios like they are going out of style and can't get enough applesauce either!

Mostly he just smiles and sleeps. Both of which he just couldn't be any cuter doing.

And those other rugrats of ours aren't so bad either! Maybe we'll keep them all after all...

Wordless Wednesday

What a feeling! Halloween 2008 Wrap-up

A good time was had by all in the Kneipp house on Halloween!! We went as a "Rock Band" - the only bummer was that little Tanner couldn't make it up long enough for Trick-or-Treating! He was in bed, out like a light by 6:00pm. Good news is the doorbell didn't wake him up!

We met up with some neighborhood folks to cruise around...I have to say, it was a great night to be out! The rain stayed away and it was actually warm. Much better than freezing our butts off in the Washougal wind chill!!

I worry somewhat that we have set the bar too high for our family Halloweens. It may be hard to come up with themes and costumes that get better and better each year. By we are going to try!

On a side note - if Mitch ever loses his job, I am not worried anymore. Apparently we have tremendous talent in both performance and video production! HA!

Hope you all had a safe, Happy Halloween!!