nickname update

So, I have a new name for JAC. About a month ago I tried Pippen, and he and his siblings loved it. It's so fun to hear him calling himself Pippen, and him calling the girls Lolly or Nani. The kid is talking up a storm, and getting into all kinds of trouble. He was sleeping when the others met Marin (Wren until I/we come up with something better), so I don't think he has any understanding of what this bodes, but he's very into babies right now, so I'll try to keep you up-to-date on Pip's progress.

Marin Linnae

I got a call at 4:00 this morning saying that Marin Linnae Carlson was born early this morning. Mom and baby are both doing well. She's been sleeping both times I've seen her, even with the hubbub of all the brothers and sisters this afternoon. Tracie said she's been really quiet all day and hopes that it lasts. So enough talk and on to the pictures.

Merry Christmas

We had sushi for Christmas, and in a complete reversal of the expected, everyone liked it except A. Thanks for the great idea Mom! I had a lot of fun decorating the house for Christmas, and the Swedish meatballs turned out all right, but needed more gravy (can you ever have enough gravy?). I love seeing the kids learning things and figuring out how stuff, including language, works. When I told the kids that the fish on the "sushi" was called Swedish fish, Lolly stated, that's probably why they're sweet (sweetish, Swedish).

And the stockings under the tree(s)

Thanksgiving 2008

Another Thanksgiving come and gone. I was lucky enough to have lots of family here. Mom came down with NB, Frankie, and Mugsie on Thanksgiving day and got to stay through today. Thanksgiving dinner was in Stewartville, but some time at my house on Saturday and Sunday too. Enjoy the pictures, it was sure fun to have everyone here, but we missed Dad.

Nerstrand

It was a beautiful fall weekend, so we decided to go to Nerstrand today after church. Enjoy some of the shots. Wish I could have got some video of JAC laughing as he crunched through the leaves.

Carlson family band

Back in August, Erm and I went out to Stewartville for a night with the Carlson's before Erm went back to school. In addition to dinner, we were able to enjoy a very exuberant praise band. Sorry for the weird eyes, red eye removal took out the red, but left them looking otherworldly.

kids

Went out to eat with TC and the kids on Tuesday and then they came back to my place for a little bit. Couple pictures of Lolly in her favorite hat. Nani is the most photogenic Carlson I know, but somehow I managed to get one that's not so great of her. Was trying to take a pic of all 4, but JAC was having nothing to do with that. You can see the results.