Putting up the Tree

The last couple years Bryce has struggled with asthma and allergy issues and it seems to peak in the fall but it also affects him in the winter after everything is frozen. It made us start to wonder if it could have anything to do with getting a real tree for Christmas every year. As you know, a real tree smells wonderful in your house but it is very fragrant. So this year we opted begrudgingly for a fake tree. Robb and I have never had a fake tree so it was a little sad but you do what is best for everyone. The fake tree was still huge and beautiful once all the decorations were on. It also was nice not having to remember to water it!

Abby and Emmy had fun unpacking all the decorations.

We have now reached a point with decorations that we had to put up a tree in the basement too so that all the decorations could go up.

The tree was beautiful all lite up. 

Thanksgiving with Mom and Dad

We went to moms house to celebrate Thanksgiving with her and extended family. Timmy was there with his new baby, Otto. He was adorable and everyone had fun holding him. We had delicious food and a great time visiting with family.

We made a quick trip up to Plainview to see Dad and Cindy before we headed back home. Lester, Cindy and I just happened to dress alike that day so we had to get a picture. Otherwise, I failed on the picture taking. We had delicious food and as always had fun chatting and the kids played in the tavern.

Thanksgiving with the Lutz's

This year we started the Lutz Thanksgiving off with family pictures. Susie had planned to do family pictures during the Husker bye week but after a weather cancellation there was no bye week that worked. It just so happened that we would all be together on Thanksgiving so we did it then. Family pictures with this many people is always a process. Trying to get everyone coordinated and matching without putting everyone in the same color. Aaron and a friend shot the pictures at their cabin for us. It was a bit colder than expected but we got through it. We were all ready for a Thanksgiving feast when we were done. We were thankful to all be together and thankful that pictures were over. Ha Ha.

Thanksgiving Dance Performance

Emmy’s class was one of the classes that got chosen to do their Thanksgiving dance at the Community Center for the senior citizens. Emmy was excited to get to dance in a recital! Their dance was super cute and they all did a great job! Steph has spent the night with us after an appointment so she was able to come watch her too. 

Friend Get Together

I have been missing my high school friends for a while now and the last time we got together Abby was a baby and Emmy wasn't even a thought. We have tried to plan things in the past and we just all have too many things going on. Even though we hadn't been very successful at getting together in the past I really wanted to make this work. We invited everyone over to our house for a supper on a Saturday evening. We tried to avoid sports seasons, holidays, baby births and bad weather. I would say overall we were pretty successful.

Sayward had just had this little guy 5 weeks earlier but she was determined to come. He was a joy to have and she let us all get our baby snuggles in.

Left to Right: Robb, Erin, Jenny Roeder, Jenny Jessen, Sayward, Brad, Amber, Tyler and Katie.

Jenny and her family

Katie and her kids

Amber and her family minus their oldest

Sayward and her family

It was so fun to see everyone that could make it! Amber Bramer had just had a baby the week before and Nicolette wasn't able to come due to health reasons. We will do this again soon hopefully. It was fun to catch up and meet everyone's family and kids. Abby ended up not feeling well so we had her stay in the bedroom for the evening so we didn't get the baby sick. Next time hopefully she can meet the rest of the kids too.

I am lucky to have friends like these! Years have passed and no hard feelings no drama we just picked up where we left off and had a wonderful time!