Christmas 2008

This year on Christmas Eve, we decorated the Christmas tree in the afternoon and had a nice lunch of bison roast, potatoes and vegtables before heading to 5:30pm Mass at Sacred Heart in Emporia. In the morning, the kids checked out their stockings and at noon we left for Overland Park. There we had a wonderful dinner at Janez and Ali's. After the kids were in bed, we headed over to Talk of the Town for their Christmas party and stayed WAY too late but had a great time with Janez and Ali and Jurij and Mel and the other party-goers. On Friday, we were off to Pittsburg. Saturday found us at Teta and Jimmy's for brunch with everyone. After Mass, lunch and presents in Chicopee on Sunday, it was finally back to Emporia. It was really a great Christmas and we were so happy to spend so much time with our family.

Miklavz Visits!!

Miklavz found us on Riley Ave in Emporia!! This year, he even had enough time to actually come into the house instead of just taking his cookies and leaving the gifts. Polona was scared out of her mind. Janko was suspicious. Matevz was the bold spokesman with eyes wide open singing and showing off the prayers he knows. He even wanted to call his teacher and tell her about the visit. Miklavz even remembered chocolate for mommy. [Unfortunately, oci missed the visit because he was still stuck at work ;) ]

November 2008

Where does the time go? It is already December 1 and the kids are getting ready for Miklavz (St. Nick) to visit and then Christmas. We had a wonderful 4 days in Pittsburg for Thanksgiving and celebrating Star Ata's birthday. We were also glad to finally see where Teta Melissa lives and works in Neosho, Mo. We spent Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend checking out the fish hatchery, downtown Neosho, and went through the beautiful Christmas light display in Carthage, Mo. on the way back to Pittsburg. This month was also marked by Anamarija learning to walk and getting more and more teeth.

Polona helping Star Ata with his presents.

Storytime

Polona skating with her friend, Amelia.

Halloween 2008

We had a great time on Halloween. The boys had their parade at school. After school, we stopped by Hopkins to see oci. The kids always love to go see where oci works. They loaded up there by going to each department. Next, we came home and waited for Gregor to finish up some last minute things at work. He joined us around 6:30 and we hit the neighborhood. Then we went to Matevz's teacher's house and trick-or-treated there. Our last stop was the two retirement complexes. The older people loved handing out handfuls of candy to the kids. Matevz was in a really good mood, so when Gregor took pictures he got some really good ones of him. All in all, it was a very fun time and they have enough candy to last them until at least Easter-especially after I ration it :)

Our busy bee all tuckered out! (But still holding onto her PINK pumpkin for dear life!)

Janko turns 6 years old!!

Friday was Janko's 6th birthday. We were so glad that Teta Melissa joined us for the weekend. Friday night, we had some cake. Saturday afternoon was spent at the local fishing hole. They brought back one catfish and one baby snapping turtle. Unfortunately for the kids, but fortunately for Gregor and I, the turtle escaped. After Mass on Sunday, stara mama and star ata and stric Janez, teta Ali, Ziga and Zala joined us for pizza and ice cream cake. October birthday season is officially over!!!

Polona giving her buddy Ziga kisses!

Janko and his cake.

Pumpkin Fun!

It's been a busy start to October! Pumpkin patches, train rides, birthday celebrations, and a trip to Chicopee have all helped the month to go way too fast. Take a look.....

Matevz at the pumpkin patch with his class.

Matevz and his buddies.

Matevz, Ziga, Polona and Janko waiting for the train to take them to the pumpkin patch.

Celebrating Anamarija's birthday in Chicopee with the ice cream cake!

Two brothers waiting for the train!

Anamarija turns ONE year old !!!

Receiving birthday greetings from stara mama!

The whole gang!

All clean!

Showing her dimples! Lahko noc!

Yesterday was Anamarija's birthday. We had a low-key day and she napped a lot. After oci got home from work, we had cake and ice cream. Her cake was really a pudding cake so that she could eat it easier since she still hasn't mastered chewing her food much.
I can't believe that it has been a year since she joined our family. Where has the time gone!?!?!? She is such a happy baby who, as one as our friends says, smiles with her whole body. She truly brings much joy to us all!