Wii wish you a Merry Christmas

Kristin and her parents went together to get me a Wii for Christmas, but due to the demand this Christmas season, they couldn't find one. Al even went to 4 different Best Buys on the way to the airport to pick us up on Monday.

Al and I went to Mason City (for those of you that are geographically challenged or unfamiliar with Iowa, it is a town about an hour from Thompson and one of the closest big box shopping options) to take care of a few "honey-dos." We decided to try our luck at finding a Wii at the Best Buy while we were in town. As we were walking in, I saw a girl at the checkout with one. As a kid on Christmas morning, my blood pressure and pulse started to increase. I think it was more of the "thrill of the chase" than actually owning a Wii. My mind instantly went back to the classic movie, "The Christmas Story," hoping that when I asked for a Wii from the closest associate they wouldn't tell me, "a Wii? You'll poke your eye out."

Al and I made it to the display case just in time to see that there were NONE. So, tactically, we split up, as if we were on a safari and our kill was in sight. I went to the front in search of the nearest Best Buy employee. I found my person at the front, who radioed to the back of the store to get someone to help me. She didn't say that they had any, and I didn't want to ask, for fear that I might jinx it. As I was walking to the back of the store, I saw Al grinning, and holding a brand new Wii in his hands with the care that a delivery nurse might hold a new born. In the same motion, he handed over the Wii to the over joyed father, being careful to support the neck of the box.

Okay, enough of the literary drama...we bought the Wii and finished our shopping and went home. Al seemed to think that I was a very demotivated shopper after we found the Wii, but I think he was just goosing me a little.

When we got home, I set the game system up and we broke it in as a family by playing a game of bowling. Natalie even got to participate with Al.



Before I forget, Natalie would like to send a shot out to "her peeps". "Haulla!"



I would also like to tell everyone how Natalie has been a good helper this morning. She helped Grandma wash dishes, as we are getting ready for our family Christmas dinner at Natalie's Great Grandparents house down the road. Thank you Natalie!



Landon

Iowa in the snow

It snowed a few inches over night, and there was just enough snow on the ground to go out and sled in the front yard. Natalie’s second cousins, Madison and Jake, came over to play for the day. Natalie had to learn how to share her new Christmas toys, which was difficult at first, but by the end of the day she was a pro. Let’s hope that the trend continues.

Here are a few pictures of the kids playing in the snow. Natalie was a huge fan of going down the little hill in the sled. She would say “weeee, weeee!” as she went down the hill. Once she was at the bottom, she would look at grandpa and say, “again? again?” I think that Al got his workout for the day taking the kids up and down the hill.






Once they were done in the snow, we went inside to have some cocoa and make sugar cookies with grandma. Natalie made a Christmas tree cookie, and even got to ice it and put sprinkles on it.



After we were done with our snack, we all played on the piano together. It was very cute, but the music was a little, well, let’s just say, harsh.



Later that night, Kristin’s friend Brooke came over and read Natalie a bedtime story.



The latest thing that Natalie does now is she says “owee, owee” and wants you to kiss whatever she says is her “owee.” She is turning into our little drama queen, as she makes these faces when she says “owee” such that you would think her arm, finger, leg, etc. is going to fall off if someone doesn’t kiss it quickly.

Landon

Santa comes to Iowa

Kristin, Natalie, and I made it safely to Iowa yesterday. We were greeted by Kristin’s father Al, and sub 10 degree weather. It is cold in Philadelphia, but it hasn’t been this cold. Natalie was very happy to see “pan-pa” and was ready to get in his arms after a minute of playing shy. Natalie was a very good sport all day, and never really had a breakdown, which is unbelievable considering that we were either on a plane or in a car for over 8 hours.

Natalie got sick last night, so Kristin and I took turns taking care of her. It was the first time that she has thrown up multiple times during the night. It was difficult to see her be sick, much less on Christmas Eve.

We did sleep enough for Santa to come, and he brought Natalie some wonderful gifts. Among her favorites from Santa was a baby doll and a big red skirt. Grandma and Grandpa gave her a baby doll stroller, so Santa must have known that a doll was the perfect gift.

Natalie wasn’t took keen on putting the doll in her stroller at first. Not that she didn’t like the doll, or didn’t like the stroller, but she just wanted to play with them separately. We finally convinced her that they go together, and she has been walking circles around the house with the doll in the stroller.

Natalie continues to entertain us with her singing and dancing. Tomorrow we are going to put on her new snow suit and play in the snow. We have a sled to pull her around in, and if it snows enough tonight we will try to make a snowman (something I haven’t done in a very VERY long time).

I will try to take some pictures to share with everyone.

Landon

George Washington is Natalie's friend

For Mara and Kyle's last day in Philadelphia, we decided to go into downtown Philly and see some of the historical sites. We didn't have much time to spend in downtown because they needed to catch their flight, so we prioritized the visit down to 2 things...The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

We made it just in time to make the start of the guided tour of Independence Hall. They start you off by having everyone sit in one large room and listen to one of the rangers talk about the history of Independence Hall, etc. As you can imagine, it was like trying to keep Natalie quiet throughout an entire church service...not gunna happen. So I took her outside, and we found Mr. George Washington, and he graciously agreed to pose for a picture, although I had to do a little begging with Natalie.



After Natalie got to run off a little steam, we caught back up with the group, just in time to walk into the old courtroom. Kristin looked at me and said, "I just got goosebumps." It was surreal to stand in the very room where our forefathers could have tried early citizens for treason, or other crimes. All of the furnishing were made to look like the originals, as the room was later used by the British, and much of the original furnishings were destroyed.

Next they lead us to the room that was used to write the constitution. Again, the history in the room really captured the moment. We decided to take a family picture while were in Independence Hall.



The last stop on our quick visit was to see the Liberty Bell. We didn't have enough time to go through the tour inside, but you can see the bell from the outside, which was a good enough view for us.



I think that I have officially taken one more step closer to becoming like my father when it comes to history. If I would have come here as a kid with my parents, I would be the one running out in the grass next to the Liberty Bell or Independence Hall. My dad would have been the guy with his camera around his neck, reading every poster and taking every tour that was given. I now get to be the father that will drag my kid(s) around the country looking at historical monuments. I guess I turned out okay after all, and that is what I will tell Natalie when she gets old enough to ask me why we are stopping on the side of the road to read a historical marker (you didn't think I would forget that would you dad?!)

Landon

p.s. After we took Kyle and Mara to the airport, we (pronounced 'Kristin' in this context) really wanted to go to the King of Prussia mall. For those that are not aware of this mall, it is the second largest mall in America (don't feel bad, I didn't know that either until we moved here).

While Kristin was doing some shopping, Natalie and I walked around and went to a few different stores. The last one on our tour was the golf megastore, where Natalie did one of the cutest things she has ever done.

I wanted to try out a new style of putter, and Natalie was content with watching me putt 1 ball, but then after that, she wanted to "help" me. I didn't mind, so I had her stand in front of me, and she would grab the shaft of the putter, and we would putt together. We putted 3 8-10 ft putts, and what do you know, we made the 3rd one! I celebrate to show Natalie that we did it, expecting her to want to try again with me.

She turns around, looks at me, and I think I see the light in her head go off, but with a little confusion mixed in as well. She quickly bends down, picks up a golf ball and walks over to the hole we were putting to. I thought that she was going to grab the ball that we just made, but she didn't. She set the other ball in the hole, and then stood back up and starting saying "yay, yay!" and clapping her hands.

I couldn't stop laughing! It was one of the cuttest things I think she has ever done...but then again, I am her sports crazed father...she hit one right up my alley. If that wasn't enough, she walked back, and got another ball and did the same thing.

I look forward to experiencing many more moments like the one tonight.

Christmas 2007 (a little early)

This is the last day that Mara and Kyle will be visiting us in Philadelphia, but it won't be our typical "goodbye" as we will be flying to Iowa in two days to spend Christmas and New Years. So, it will be more of a "see you in a few days".

This morning we decided to open some of our Christmas presents while Kyle and Mara were still in town, since we can't take all the gifts with us on the plane. Natalie got to open the gifts from everyone, and is having a blast this morning with all of her new toys. Santa did not come last night because it was too early for him to come. I did however arrange for him to show up one day early (I am glad that he is so flexible).

As I am typing this she is climbing into the Radio Flyer wagon my parents got her. Check out her stylish look:



Yesterday, Kyle and Mara put the play kitchen together for us. Kristin's parents are the ones that gave Natalie the kitchen. Needless to say, she absolutely loves it! Check out the video that we took:



My mothers sister Georgetta sent Natalie a stuffed reindeer named Ralphie, and she has been taking him everywhere around the house. She got to play with a similar reindeer in North Carolina during Thanksgiving, and now she has her very own. Another perfect gift!



This afternoon we are going to go into Philadephia and see the Liberty Bell and a few other historical places before heading to the airport. We have really enjoyed having Mara and Kyle stay with us, and look forward to spending Christmas in Iowa.

Landon

Visiting the Big Apple

On Wednesday Kyle, Mara, Kristin, Natalie, and myself drove up to New York City to spend the entire day. Kristin and Natalie had only been in "The City" once before, which was earlier this year. I took some pictures of their trip, and they can been seen here: http://gallery.mac.com/ljluttrell#100026

For Kyle and Mara, this was the first time to see the city.

It took us about 1:45 to get from our house to Manhattan, and 30 minutes to drive from the exit of the Lincoln Tunnel to our parking garage near the Empire State Building. For those that have never driven in NYC, you should add it to your "must do in your lifetime" list, as I can assure you, it is definitely an experience you will NEVER forget.

Once we got our car parked (which involves handing over your car keys to an attendant who's main goal is to squeeze as many cars into an underground garage as possible. I don't think that they could have fit anymore cars in the lot, it was unbelievable!), it was time to get bundled up for the winter weather.

One of my customers gave us what looks like a sleeping bag for your stroller as a "welcome to the Northeast" gift. At the time he gave it to us, we still had our A/C on full blast in Houston, never imagining the day we would actually use it. Well, that day was yesterday, and it turned out to be one of the most useful gifts we have ever received. Here is a picture of Natalie in it (I was jealous of our little burrito a few times yesterday).

We ate at a little restaurant in the basement of Macy's, and then went up to the 8th floor to see Santa Land (yes, Macy's has over 8 floors). I was secretly hoping that we would find Will Farell at the North Pole, but he wasn't there (for those that are challenged in the pop culture arena, this was a joke about Elf, a movie staring Will Farell, who worked at the Christmas display at Macy's, and...never mind, watch the movie).

Here are a few pictures I took at Santa Land:

The next stop on our trip was to the Empire State Building. For those that have never been to NYC, the Empire State Building is a few blocks down from Macy's on 34th Street (you know, Miracle on 34th Street?...I know, I am torturing those that have no pop culture knowledge, but if you don't know what Miracle on 34th Street is, you need to stop reading this blog right now, and google "how to get a life" or go to Barnes and Noble and buy "Earth, Yes, You Life on It for Dummies").

You pay about $16 to take 3 separate elevators to get to the top of the building. Between the 3 elevator rides, you walk through rope guided lines similar to a theme park. Strategically placed along the way are souvenir shops trying to sell you anything that has the word "New York" or "Empire State Building" on it. What they don't tell you is that you can buy the same thing on the street outside for 3 times less.

We finally got to the top, just in time for Natalie's good behavior and patience to run out. So we took turns taking care of her inside the gift shop at the top (go figure, another one). We got some really cool pictures of the city. To see all the pictures we took at the top, as well as the rest of the pictures from the trip, check out this link: http://gallery.mac.com/ljluttrell#100059

The next stop on our trip was Rockefeller Center, home of New York City Christmas Tree, NBC Studios, and the ice skating rink that you always see on TV. Here is a picture of the tree:

As we started walking away from the tree, we saw an area adjacent to the tree, full of millions of pennies. Come to find out, it is actually 100 million pennies, and for those of you that are a little slow with math, that is one million dollars!! (I really hope that no one who is reading this both lacks math skills and pop culture, because I would really feel bad). I asked one of the attendants what the pennies were for, and she explained that the kids of NYC have been collecting pennies through their school for the past month, and that they raised 1 million dollars, which will be redistributed back to their schools after Christmas. The kids at the various schools will then decide which charity they would like to donate their portion to. I thought it was a neat display of giving this Holiday season, and truly shows you how something as little as a penny, can add up to something significant when it is all put together. As a side note, it was very tempting for Natalie to try and play in the sea of pennies.

Next on our trip was the world famous toy store, FAO Schwartz. I don't think that I need to explain, but Natalie had a blast! The keyboard that Tom Hanks (a.k.a. Josh Baskin / David Moscow) played on in "Big" is still setup on the second floor, and they let kids play on it, and they even put on a show every hour or so. Here is Natalie playing the piano:

Once we got done at FAO Schwartz, it was time to start heading back to the car. While we were looking at toys, it started to rain outside. It was that perfect temperature that was too high for snow, but just cold enough to see your breath and be cold and wet. Trying to keep Natalie dry and in the stroller, we tried to catch a cab, along with half of New York. I don't think that I have ever seen so many cabs with their "off duty" light lit up. We needed to catch a cab or take the subway because our car was parked over 20 blocks away. I have been to NY numerous times, but I am not a subway expert, and it was during rush hour, and Natalie was in the stroller...so it wasn't the best time to learn. We weren't able to get a cab, so we started walking back in the rain. Halfway back to our garage we found a place to eat, and it was the perfect place....a fresh soup and coffee restaurant. We had our fill, and then finished the trek back to the car.

The last thing that we did was drive through Time Square (sorry, no pictures, I was driving), and it was a zoo on the streets. I think that I was the only non cab on the road as we dissected the city on Broadway. We drove all the way down to the financial district (area of ground zero), and got into the Holland Tunnel and under the Hudson river, which puts you back into New Jersey.

I drove home to the sound of dueling snoring...or maybe it was the three snorers....actually they made a quartet, so I am going to go with The Barbershop Snorers. In any case, everyone was exhausted!!

I hope you enjoyed my long, LONG, citation of the day. I enjoyed living it, and reliving it while writing this.

Landon

Got Cocoa??

While sporting her Cocoa Pajamas, Natalie insisted on getting cocoa tonight. Actually, it went down like this...

Kristin: Natalie, do you want cocoa tonight?

Natalie: (dead stare at Kristin).

(everyone goes back to watching tv, Natalie exits left).

Natalie: (standing alone in the kitchen, and starts speaking quietly) cocoa? Cocoa? COcoa? COCoa? COCOa? COCOA? COO-COOA??

Kristin: Okay Natalie, dad will make you some cocoa.

Natalie: (runs around the corner to come and get me. She grabs my by the finger and leads me into the kitchen to make some cocoa).

We proceeded to make cocoa together in the kitchen, and while we were making it, Natalie kept saying "cocoa, me? Me, cocoa?" I explained to her that we were almost done, and she would have her own cup. What she didn't know was that I was making her cocoa with half the mix and half cold water to cut the temperature, but she didn't care, she wanted "cocoa, me."

After drinking half of a full coffee cup of cocoa, and spilling some of it on the carpet, I took the above picture. It reminds me of the "got milk" ads that you see on tv and in magazines. You can download a higher resolution by clicking on the picture.

Kyle and Mara are visiting us from Iowa this week, and Mara let Natatlie wear her scarf. Natalie walked around the house with it on until it fell off while she was ripping ornaments off the Christmas tree.




When Natalie got tired of me taking all the pictures, she found a Nikon add in a magazine and did her best impression of the paparazzi.





That is all for now. Be sure to check back in the next few days. I will be adding pictures of NYC and Philly and we do our touristic duties with Kyle and Mara.

Landon

Natalie and Lipstick

Well, I guess I got a glimpse into what it is going to be like raising a girl today. Natalie has recently started becoming very interested in playing with Kristin's makeup. From blush, to lipstick, to creams, to all that other stuff women put on their faces (sorry ladies, I just don't keep up with the 'terminology').

A few weeks ago while Al, Terri, and Mimi were visiting, we gave Natalie a set of play makeup. She played with it for several days before losing all of the pieces throughout the house. I am sure that we will find them one day, but Natalie would have outgrown the 'play with makeup' stage by then.

So today, Natalie found one of Kristin's lipsticks, and immediately started trying to put it on her lips. We had to quickly grab it to remove the actual makeup because she really did get it on her lips.

When we gave her the lipstick back, she was simply overjoyed! So much so, that we had to get the moment on tape. Enjoy the show!

Landon

Natalie meets Semper Fi

Last night the whole family went to the mall to do some last minute Christmas shopping, which you could argue was not the best decision if you want to be an efficient shopper (the goal and desire of every male on the planet). So, you can see that I cashed in my chips before even leaving the house...this trip was for the females in the family. My one hope was to go to Home Depot, which is right next to the mall, but that ambition quickly faded with the sight of a packed mall. Oh well, I guess I will save the trip to Home Depot for another day.

Anyways, while we were at the mall, the local Marine Corp recruits had the regions mascot, Semper Fi, on hand for petting and taking pictures. Natalie is getting more and more curious and excited when she gets around dogs and she is getting very good at saying "puppy, puppy, Puppy, PupPy, PUPPY, PUPPY!!!" when she sees a dog nearby.

So, here is to you, GG-Ma and GG-Dad, Natalie with Semper Fi. Although she doesn't fully understand who the Marine Corp is or what Semper Fi means (always loyal), rest assured she will know someday. We told her that we were taking a picture to send to GG, and she gladly stood with the dog.

I was amazed at how calm the dog was. I came to the conclusion that they probably medicated the thing before into the mall. After we took the picture, the Marine that takes care of Semper Fi gave him a biscuit, and it took him a few seconds to figure out what he was smelling.

Got to run...getting ready for church.

Landon

View from my office

I finally have my office setup, although I still need to unpack a few book and file boxes. These are not a priority right now, so they may stay in the boxes for a few more weeks until I can get time to organize them.

I wanted to post a few pictures of the view from my office. The scenery is so different than Houston that I strategically positioned my computer so that I have the trees and creek in the background of my workspace.

The area is very popular with the local birds, and both our neighbors have feeders. If I ever get bored with selling plastic (which rairly happens :) ), I can entertain myself with the creative and hungry squirls trying to outsmart the bird feeders, or just watch the numerous species of birds that land on the trees and feeders. I am sure that I will be able to tell you what kind of birds they are in a few months, after I get tired of not knowing and start researching online. But right now, I am content with just watching the colorful birds fly by and get a bite to eat.

I also have enjoyed watching the weather change from the comfort of my office. I got to see the rest of the leaves fall from the trees, and now I get to see snow blanket the landscape. It is such a different environment than Houston, and I enjoy the newness and beauty of the area. I look forward to working hard in my office, and watch all the weather God brings our way.

Now that I have done my tribute to Mother Earth and I have punched my Al-Gore-Tree-Hugging-Hippie-Global-Warming-Card for today, I will get back to my normal day of unpacking and chasing Natalie around.

Landon

Natalie dancing while Jason plays the piano

On Friday night, we had our good friends Jason & Janna over for dinner and to hang out, which was one of our favorite things to do when we both lived in Houston. We are so happy to be able to spend time with them again, especially considering that Janna is 6 months pregnant, and we will be able to be around during this special time in their lives.

For those that do not know this, Natalie LOVES music. She loves listening to it, playing it on her little toys, singing at the top of her lungs, and dancing to it. For some reason she really likes dancing to the bluegrass station on tv. Kristin says it is because I am from Kentucky originally...maybe so. I know that I don't mind listening to bluegrass while she dances, double the fun for me!

Last night when Jason & Janna (& baby Nathan) were over, Jason started playing the piano at my request because he can actually play well (which is more than what I can say for Kristin and me, unfortunately). Natalie instantly grabbed her magic wand and started "shaking her boodie." Jason played as many Christmas songs and kid songs that he could think of. Janna, Kristin, and I sang to the melody and Natalie entertained all of us with her dance moves. Jason also played some classical pieces and a few rock tunes, which Natalie enjoyed.

When Jason had played all that he could think of, he got up and sat back down in the living room. Natalie looked at Jason and said "noo, noo" in a "I don't like what just happened" kind of voice. She walked over to Jason, grabbed his index finger and middle finger in her little hand, and started leading him across the living room. Jason played along, not knowing for sure where she was leading him. Sure enough, it was straight back to the piano for Jason. Right when they got to the piano, she took off running for her spot in the middle of the floor for dancing. It was quite funny to watch the whole thing transpire. Jason graciously abliged and played a few more songs for Natalie.

After that it was "night, night" for Natalie, which she never likes. I will leave you with a picture of Natalie dancing in the middle of the floor.

Landon

Gift from Texas

Natalie recently got her first Nativity Scene from our friend Amy in Houston. We think Natalie misses Texas, as she has been walking around the saying 'Texas, Texas' for the past few days. Thanks Amy, she loves it!!