Birthdays and Basketball!

The month of January is known for its dreary days, long nights and more cold than a person wants. At least it is a time for celebrations in the Wieland household! We celebrated 3 birthdays this month. Todd turned 46, Rachel turned 10 and Jordan (according to her) is a whole handful now (5)! We had a couple of family parties during the month as well as cake/cupcakes on the actual birthdays. Grandma T. came for a visit to help us celebrate.

We are also in the midst of basketball for all 3 girls. Sarah and Jordan practice on Saturday mornings and will "play" during half-time at the High School games next month. This is really a time for them to show off the skills they have been learning.

Rachel has graduated into the upper elementary program. We have traveled every Saturday with her for basketball tournaments. This is the first time she has been competing against other schools. It has been really fun to watch her improve with each game. She is a pretty good on the defensive end - imagine that!

Here are a few pics from the past month:

Sarah, Jordan and Sarah's friend sliding off of the barm roof!

Sarah working hard at ball control.
Rachel playing in her first game. She wants that ball!

Happy birthday!

Rachel is ready to blow out the candles on her cupcake tower.

Daddy made the Rascal a pink elephant cake!

Can I open my presents?

Christmas 2010

Getting Crazy with Cousin Abigail!
Jordan & Cousin Landon

Hanging out with Cousins Landon and Baby Colton

Snuggling up with Auntie Darla and Uncle Andy.

Jordan said, "I must have been good. My present is really big!" She received an art easel from Santa.

Rachel is ready to open her present from Santa.

Can I open this one?

Christmas Eve 2010

Grandma & Pa-pa with all of 11 Grandchildren! Did you notice there is only 1 boy?

Mom and her Girls on Christmas Eve

Our Family had a very fun but hectic Christmas season! Christmas Eve day began with Todd playing Santa at Hillcrest Nursing Home. The two younger ones didn't know he was doing this. We told them he had to help the Activities Director with some errands. After Todd transformed into Santa, he came "ho-ho-ho-ing" down the hallway. The Bear said, "That's Dad" before she even got a look at him. So much for trying to fool them!

We celebrated Christmas Eve with the Wieland clan after church in the evening. A good time was had by all and I think we may have boosted our local ecomony slightly!

Christmas Day was filled with opening gifts, going to Christmas Day Service and relaxing with family.

We headed to the Twin Cities on Sunday to celebrate the holiday with the Printz side of the family. We were able to visit with Jen's best friend from college, Jen's brothers, nephews, parents and step-siblings. We finished the trip with a stop at Todd's cousin's home. 6 different households in four days! Lots of food and visiting! Thanks to all who made our trip worthwhile.