Merry Christmas

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

Our first Christmas as a family of 4, yes including Brutus, was filled with a lot of activity and fun. Kyle and I happened to be off of work on the Monday preceding Christmas weekend, so we decided to take Micah up to the cities to see the Macy's Christmas display, meet Santa, and finish up our Christmas shopping. The theme of Macy's display was "The Day in the Life of an Elf", and it was well worth the trip. Even better was that it was free. Micah enjoyed watching all of the characters move, music, and lights.

Micah did get to meet Santa as well; however, no pictures were able to be taken with our camera. He did well - a little grouchy about being placed on a strange looking guy's lap, but no full fledged melt downs!

On the way home from the cities, I was able to talk Kyle into stopping at Izzy's - my all time favorite ice cream place. Even better, they had cream cheese ice cream as one of the flavors. Upon first taste, Micah became a fast fan of Izzy's ice cream as well.

We are fortunate that our families both live so close, and we are able to spend time with both of them on the Holidays. Kyle, Micah and I stayed in Winona until mid-afternoon on Christmas Eve day to allow us attend Christmas Eve service at our church - Pleasant Valley Evangelical Free Church. We traveled back to Stewartville and were able to spend Christmas Eve at both family's houses.

Grandpa and Grandma Raadt with all of the Grandkiddos

Opening presents with cousin John

Not Micah's new toy, but he was sure excited about it for a few minutes

We spent Christmas day up in Northfield visiting both of Kyle's grandmas. It was a lot of activity, and by the time we left to return to Stewartville to celebrate with my family, Micah was tuckered out!

Great-grandma Millie, Kyle, and Micah

Between trying to get a dog and baby to both look at the camera, this is the only one of 30 taken that turned out.

New corn popper was found intriguing by Micah and both dogs

Reading some new books with Daddy

He did not inherit a love for grocery shopping from his Momma!

We are so thankful to have Micah, and Brutus, in our lives. We definitely had a special first Christmas with Micah. Now, if only it would snow so that Micah can try out his present from Dad and Mom - a sled.

Old guys can still play b-ball

For the past two years, Kyle and his high school friends/former basketball teammates have played in an alumni basketball tournament in Stewartville. The tradition enthusiastically continued this year. The team, which was comprised of both former basketball teammates and friends without any high school basketball experience beat the class of 2010 in the opening game. They unfortunately lost the subsequent games. Everyone had a great time, and no one suffered from any major injuries.

Micah with big cousins John and Andie cheering the boys to a victory during the first game

The team (and a few members of the cheer squad)

Future basketball player? - daddy hopes. Future headband wearer? - mom says "no".

First post

Welcome to our blog, "The State of 328"! Coincidentally, Kyle and I started this blog around the Holidays, as we just could not bring ourselves to write a Christmas letter this year, as we have done in years past. Instead, we figured that the creation of this blog would be a great way to keep our family and close friends informed of life in the Raadt family throughout the entire year. Our blog was named after our address numbers . Enjoy keeping up with the Raadts as we journal our daily trials and triumphs inside and outside of life in our 100 year old home.

Just for fun, I posted a video of Micah. It was taken by Kyle one evening while I was away. It puts a smile on my face every time I watch it. Enjoy!