Friends all around

 We spent a Saturday doing something we've never done before.....ice fishing!

 Myles experienced his first real fish, his past fishing experiences were no bueno with catching one.

 He thought it was totally cool, but appalled at the comment of us eating it.

                        The whole crew getting geared up to wrangle up some fish.

 Myles and his best bud Jack. The kids were troopers, even though it was very cold. Myles stepped into a fishing hole the first 4 minutes we arrived, boot and sock drenched. He was pretty traumatized, but quickly turned his mood around when he saw some tasty Mike and Ike's.

                                          The kids being goofy in the heated tent.

Thank you to Kory Jo and her family for inviting us, we had so much fun. 

We adore each and every one of the Whiting family, friends all around, so many wonderful memories still to be had together.

Quality time

The past 5 weeks have been rough, but spending some good quality time and catching up is priceless.  Not only is it important to make memories with the one's you love, but to document it.  One day, one of us may not be around and to have this blog for Myles to see is important. Several instances the past few weeks have taught me that life can change in seconds.  Cherish each moment.

 Myles and his buddy, cousin Teagan playing together in the waiting room.  He just loves her.

Miracles happen every day, it's important to tell the one's in your lives how grateful you are to have them in yours.

Christmas at the Bantz/Lesters

Funny story. As we were standing at "The Village," waiting in line for Santa, I made a comment. "Hot cocoa and bailey's sure does sound good right now." Linda immediately has a strange look on her face and says "bay leaves?" We all belt out laughing, following the fill in of the hot, tasty drink to her. It all makes sense now.

 So to follow up on this good story, Rob decided to gift Linda with some bay leaves for Christmas. I opened up a nice bottle of bailey's. Cheer's to Rob!

 Myles loves his fish tank as well as the new anemone Uncle rob got for him.

                                                      Cute baby Kodi and Josh.

                                                                  The gang

 Each year, Linda gives us some cool socks, some new attire for our Rockband gig we play every year.

 Boys being boys, wrestling, laughing with a side of flatulence and having a wonderful time together.

Hello Christmas!

 I know we say it each and every year, but this by far was the best Christmas ever! Myles freaking out about our special friend, Santa stopping by. He woke up at 2:30am, hoping to revel in the goodies, but after being instructed that it was just too early, he woke at 8am to devour and destroy each wrapped gift.

 When Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas, he told him a bat cave, Myles must have been a good boy this year!

                       He loves Pete The cat and so do I, a fun and rhythmic book.

 Some much needed camping gear for our adventures we plan this summer, you can tell Jay is thrilled!

 What, a batman blanket..............how did he luck out, I wanted a batman blanket.......

 And his first set of walkie talkies, it's been a blast playing hide and go seek with these guys, thank you Lauren and Detrik!

Nothing say's Christmas morning like some extra ooey gooey cinnamon rolls. Bon a'petite!

Christmas traditions

I really wish I would have taken more photo's for our Christmas traditions, but unfortunately, I didn't. We have so much fun each year preparing for Santa, I know Myles just loves it, but we get a kick out of the fun and adventure ourselves. 

Christmas Eve, Santa drops off a Christmas lights ticket under Myles pillow, which instructs us to head out to the car. As we open the garage door, the car is on, christmas music playing, car toasty warm with hot cocoa santa prepared for us. At this point, we do as we are instructed and head out to go see the lights. Myles is so impressed with Santa and his efforts each year.

 Upon returning home, the reindeer food awaits to be spread throughout the yard, leading the reindeer to our home.

 Just before santa's elf heads back to the north pole, he leaves a good bye letter with instructions and a magical moment that Myles can pick him up and tell him goodbye without the elf losing his magic. Myle's misses him and we miss finding out the tricky places he likes to hide.

Magical moments stored in our memory banks forever for this magical time of year.

Pre-Christmas Shenanigans

Every Christmas, Jays brother Rob comes to from California to spend the Holiday's with us. We always have a blast and venture out, spreading Christmas cheer.

 We decided to be brave and attempt the Santa sleigh ride this year again, last year we didn't quite make it, Myles got sick just moments before we jumped on the sleigh. Poor Myles and my poor hair and shoulder, definitely something we couldn't forget.

 What a wonderful place this is, each square foot covered in lights.

 We made it, we are officially on Santa's sleigh, woohoo!
The wind blowing in our faces and feliz navidad blarring from the speakers.

 Next, a tour of the house, Santa figurines spewed from top to bottom of this household.

Overall, a fantastic evening with family, what a great way to spend the holiday!