Christmas morning...

and Christmas eve...

We had a wonderful Christmas! Our boys must have been very good this year cause Santa brought them lots of new toys, books and clothes. Chase got a new bike and scooter which are his favorite gifts. Holden liked the paper more than the toys, but he loved all of his books. We made sure the boys knew that Christmas was Jesus' birthday first and that they were very blessed to get toys from Santa too.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Love, The Trautner Family

** Yet again, Amber did a great job with our Christmas Cards!

Baptized....

Holden was baptized Sunday morning. Our family was at church for the ceremony and then we had people over later in the evening for a little dessert party.

Holden was so good in front of the congregation. Maybe he will be a preacher - I can only hope!

Thankful....

for these boys!

Happy Halloween - 2011

Love - Mario and Luigi

Down the Shore... Pics Part 2... Finally!

Down the Shore... Pics Part 1...Bike Ride

I know, I know... Could it take me any longer to post pics from vacation? There are soooooo many and I'm finally getting around to looking through them all.
We went for a bike ride the 2nd morning we were there and stopped for the BEST homemade donuts. Holden loved it and so did Chase. Honestly, I think he was a little big for the kiddy seat, but oh well. Next year we told him he could ride his own bike.

Photo Booths

They are everywhere down here and I'm a little obsessed! I saw an old school one as we were leaving the boardwalk lastnight - I plan to check it out a little closer tonight.

Down the Shore...

and it's BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!
It's the off season down here so it's quiet and the beaches are empty.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Cousin!

We love you! Holden wishes he was there to eat your cake and Chase wishes he was there to play with your new toys!

** ignore how ugly your aunt looks - it's been a LONG day! :)

1st Day...

Chase started Pre K today! I can't believe this is the same little boy I dropped off for his first day of daycare 4 years ago! By far, the worst day of my life. Today wasn't so bad. He was super excited - although you can't tell from this picture - and very happy to be back in school.

DMX baby?

Holden started making the grunting sound a few days ago... Rob called him DMX ... LOL!

It's getting pretty hectic around here. Chase started hockey this week and starts Pre K Tuesday. We had orientation at his new school and there are only 12 kids in his class. I think he's going to be very happy there. School shopping has been fun! I LOVE school supplies and clothes so this time of year is super enjoyable for me. Thanks to Aunt Mary Jane, I didn't have to get Chase too many new school outfits (more on that later). We leave for vacation in less than 2 weeks and I can't wait!! I have alot to do before we leave, but I'm encouraged because in the end I will be spending a week down the shore with my family.

Aunt Danielle...

My BFF came to visit for a few days. She lives in the ATL so we don't get to see each other often. Her visit was such a nice treat, but much too short (as usual). We did alot of shopping, talking, eating, staying up too late and getting up too early. Also, she flew home in "Irene"... How stressful! Thankfully, she made it home safe and sound.

AND she's pregnant with her first baby... She's due in February and I hope to visit soon after "Poppy's" arrival. I don't know that we will fit in any shopping, but there will def be a lot of staying up late and getting up waaaaaayyyyy too early. :)

Holden... Lefty?

Holden eats - for the most part - with his left hand which has us thinking he could be a lefty.

Speaking of eating - this boy can EAT!!! Anything and everything. Thank God cause Chase still won't eat.

Future Preacher? ... I can only hope.

This was the best video I could get but prior to me putting the camera in his face he was REALLY getting into it.

Yesterday...

I can't even begin to tell you how much I love these boys!

Can you believe this is the face of a baby who had major surgery the day before? He's a trooper and doing so well.

Pray for Holden

My sweet, perfect baby boy had surgery today. He is doing ok, but is in some pain now that the IV meds are wearing off.
Please pray for my baby to not be in much pain, to sleep well and to heal quickly.

Back to Regularly Scheduled Programing Next Week

It's been a LONG week! Work was rough Monday and Tuesday and I called out Wednesday cause the baby was starting to get a cold. He was up ALOT Wednesday night and lastnight so we went to the doctor today and he has an ear infection. I pray tonight I get a solid hour of sleep.
Anyway, I will continue the week of Chase next week...
The pic above was taken the day of his Valentine's Day party at school. He's a stud.

The Week of Chase - Day 2 (a little late)

You became a brother December 17. 2010. At first, you didn't know what to do with Holden - touch him, hold him, talk to him.... In fact, I'm not so sure you liked him. Of course you loved him, but you didn't want to have too much to do with him. Now that Holden is bigger and doing more than sleeping and eating, you often find time in your busy schedule to play with him. You even let him play (chew) on your toys and today traded him your favorite stuffed Elmo for one of his new stuffed animals.
You are the best big brother!! I look forward to seeing you two grow up together. You look just alike and in my head when you are 25 and he's 22 you will look like twins. Maybe...