Sam's 11th Birthday

Sam turned 11 today.  When we took her measurements today we were surprised to see that she is the same height Zach was at 11.  That is the first time that has happened. Usually she is about and inch shorter.

Look at them at 10 compared to them at 11.

Aunt Kiki was the first one to give Sam a present...A new awesome out-fit!

Zach got Sam a bucket of perler beads.  She love crafting with them.

 Matt and I got Sam an MP3 player since her old one died and an other out-fit since she out grew most of her clothes.

Instead of cake Sam requested apple crisp.  YUM!

(sorry for the bad singing)

Yes, the tall middle candle relight just before Zach stopped recording, but have no fear she blew it out.

Side note, I can't believe how warm it has been.  By the end of the day, most of the snow has melted.

New years 2013

Matt had to work New Years Eve day so I decided to take the kids to Wausau to see my new niece Charlotte (Charlie).  We left Sunday, Dec. 30th after church.  We decided to stop at Mom Baierl's new house.  Mabe was there visiting.  Had a short visit before continuing to my parents house.  New Years Eve day we spend most of the day snowmobiling.  What a blast.  We stopped at Jamars to eat lunch.  I haven't driven a snowmobile since my kids were born!  That's more than 13 years ago!

Then we went to Jer and Laura's house to ring in the New Year.  Got pizzas and Jer deep fried boneless chicken wings.  Yummy!  We played cards while Charlotte slept and Sydney and Sam played.  Sydney had Sam just a hoppin'! 

We Skyped with Matt too.  He was "with" us while we counted down!  We even gave each other a "cyber-kiss."
New Years day was laid back.  My dad pulled Sam and Zach in a sled behind the ATV and then the snowmobile.

Zach got to drive the ATV by himself just around the farm.

Jer, Laura and the girls arrived late afternoon.  Sydney played vigorously with Sam again and then zonked out.

I even took a nap with Charlotte in my parent's room.  Guys watched the Rose Bowl.  Wisconsin lost against Stanford.

It was such a lovely time with my family.  And it went by too fast.  After leaving my parents house we went to visit Rose aka MomB at her new house.  Mabe was there visiting too so we got lunch and then went to Lori's

Visiting with cousins is always a blast!