Happy "3rd" Birthday Elijah!

Elijah turned three on Wednesday December 7th. Grandpa Jeff and I were able to help him celebrate on the day (bennies of retirement). Elijah continues to amaze us (of course this is his grandma writing) in his interest to detail - be how something is put together or putting together - he is so observant - not missing much - you just wonder what that little mind is processing :) He continues to love books, trains, cars, and bikes - although his new brother Micah is very special to him - wanting to know where he is - and his sister Lauren has become a playmate - fun to observe. Each day is a new adventure. We are blessed to have 5 grandchildren and to celebrate each one of them.

Have Birthday Elijah!
Love you!

"Cookie Baking Activity Creativity"

Natalie & John & their Mom and Dad joined us a little later so after they helped with cookies they played a new game with Grandpa and Uncle Dan. The sound affects were priceless - since when you scored it went in the potty chair and needed to be flushed. Who ever said kids need toys to play with - it was a hoot! (notice the apron) Also see the new cookies Danielle brought - mmmmm :)

"3rd Annual Cookie Bake"

On Saturday December 3rd the girls & grandkids & hubbies gathered to bake & bake & bake more cookies - we think it was our best yet! Some of us started a little earlier on Friday (Noelle,& (7 1/2 week Micah) Abby, & I) then Saturday morning we welcomed someone new to our little group - Sarah, Dan's wife (Dan is Jeff's nephew). We were not sure she really knew what she was in for but at the end of the day she agreed to come back next year :) Thanks Sarah for joining our craziness. Aaron & the Brockmeier kiddo's joined us in the early afternoon - but the weather turned wintery so they needed to leave early - and the Fischer's had a family commitment earlier in the day so they were unable to join us until late afternoon - so some are missing from our photo but we did not miss any cookies. It was also special to have Jeff's Mom Gayle helping as well. She will turn 90 in March so each year with her is an added gift to our blessings.

Happy Birthday Heather!

Heather, Blair's favorite girl, celebrated her birthday this past Monday on the 14th. Heather continues to work in the area of speech and language, working in a private clinic. She has a variety of interests. They have been living in West DesMoine for just over a year now. It is hard to not be able to see them as often as we would like. Earlier in the fall Jeff and I spent the weekend with them. A visit to farmers' market, winery, and Blair's current job site made for a full weekend. We are looking forward to seeing them over Thanksgiving and celebrating their wedding anniversary on the 27th of November.
Wishing you the best in the coming year!
Love,
Jeff and Barb

"5 Treats" on Halloween!

Here are our "5 Treats" - Jeff is holding John, who is 4, (Paul & Danielle's son); Elijah who is nearly 3, Lauren who is 4 1/2, & Micah who is 3 weeks (Noelle & Aaron's children) & Natalie who is 6 1/2 (Danielle & Paul's daughter). It was a special treat to see them all dressed up and ready to trick & treat! Grandma & Grandpa's crew is growing up and have added one more!

What fun - these are the days!

Love you all!

Happy Anniversary Danielle & Paul!

Danielle and Paul are celebrating their 8th wedding anniversary on the 11th of October. Their two children, Natalie and John keep them busy along with demanding jobs. Enjoy your day! Love, Mom and Dad

Welcome Micah Aaron Brockmeier!

Thursday we welcomed Micah to our growing family! He is a big little guy weighing in at 8 lbs. 14 oz. & 22 inches long. Grandpa & Grandma were able to be his first visitors and to watch the excitement of Elijah & Lauren seeing their little brother for the first time. It was a moment to remember. They showed such tenderness, awe, wonder, that their little brother was now here! Noelle & Aaron are doing well! What a beautiful family.
Micah is our fifth grandchild, we are very blessed.
Love you all, Mom and Dad