Making Muffins

Eli and Mommy whipped up a batch of carrot-zucchini muffins recently, and Eli proved to be quite the baking assistant. He most enjoyed stirring, pouring in ingredients, and tasting (of course!).


Stirring, stirring, stirring in my pot!


Tastes good! Don't worry, he's eating applesauce (one of the ingredients), not raw batter!


Crazy baker

Fun with Daddy

On weekends Eli turns into Daddy's little buddy. Daddy enjoys these special times, and Mommy enjoys a break (and then picks up the camera to document the fun!). Here are a few recent Daddy and Eli adventures:


Helping Daddy assemble the new train table


Coloring time


Two handsome sweater vest-clad guys, ready for church


Watering the plants


Playing in Eli's closet fort...which then inspired the following pictures...


Blanket fort in the family room


Everyone knows that forts are more fun to explore with a flashlight

Welcoming a New Cousin!

Happy one week plus one day to Eli's newest cousin, Isaac! Eli went to visit Isaac in the hospital, although Eli spent more time snacking on his cereal than checking out his new cousin. I'm sure when Isaac is more mobile, the two boys will be having all sorts of fun together.


Saying hello to sweet Isaac


Excited aunt, uncle, and cousin with baby Isaac


Back at Grandma's and time for some coloring


Swapping technology tips with Papa


The Breakfast Cowboy

Happy Retirement to Grandpa B!

In the midst of all the holiday celebrations, an additional exciting milestone was celebrated: Grandpa B retired after 42 years of employment at the same company. Before Grandpa began to enjoy his days of projects around the house (and hopefully some relaxing, too!), his company threw a party for him. Happily, Eli and his parents were able to attend to celebrate with Grandpa.


Helping Grandpa greet all his guests


Going on a tour of Grandpa's workplace


Being silly with Grandpa


Even the daughters-in-law participated in the celebration

Snow!

Eli was not so sure what to think about the winter wonderland that our backyard has recently turned into; however, he was a good sport about getting into all his snow gear. Eli and Mommy took a quick trip outside - just enough time for Mommy to make a snow angel and take a picture of Eli.


Ready to brave the cold


I think this snow thing is a little over-hyped.

Snow Day!

So Wisconsin is finally seeing some winter weather and Eli is getting his first glimpse of snow this winter. While the wind outside is howling and the snowflakes are flying, it is a good day to stay inside. Here are some recent pictures of Eli helping tackle some household chores: cleaning and cooking. (Really, he chose to do this. Look at the big smile on his face!)


Passing down a Brasel men trade (what a lucky Mom!)


Love to help!


Cooking up a storm


Safety first - use a potholder


Oh, it is so hard to get the meat and potatoes done at the same time!

Having a Whole Lot of Fun on a Half Birthday

Which sounds like a longer amount of time, 18 months or 1.5 years? Either way, Eli celebrated this milestone (or is it half a milestone??) with a usual day of fun activities. He met up with some friends at the Children's Museum in the morning, and enjoyed playing with new Christmas toys in the afternoon.


Piloting the rocket


Looking out at outer space


On the go


All aboard, Clifford!

Rose Bowl...at Least the Roses Looked Pretty...

Still feeling the weight of the sadness due to the Badger loss at this year's Rose Bowl, it helps to look back on happier times - here's Eli cheering on the Badgers early in the game. Eli thought it was interesting that Mommy, Daddy, and Eli all had Bucky Badger on their shirts. He had to go to bed before it was over...maybe the Badgers were missing his presence in the final quarter. At least it was an exciting game to watch and although the Badgers did lose, it is good that our cousins can celebrate a victory for their Ducks!


Good play!


Touchdown!


Happy Badger fans


Watching the game with Bucky


Snuggling with Bucky


Reading "Hello, Bucky!" during half time

Christmas, Part 3 and a Very Happy New Year!

Eli celebrated his third (and final, for this season) Christmas this past weekend. It was a long weekend filled with playing with Grandma, Grandpa, and his aunts and uncles, opening more presents, and eating lots of yummy food.


Playing with Uncle P


Reading with Aunt C


Merry Christmas...again!


Ready for stockings and presents fun


Helping Mom open presents


The popper is definitely a favorite item at Grandma and Grandpa's house


Having a snack with Grandpa


Cuddling with Bucky


Brand new crinkle-nose smile for a brand new year


Morning commute - back to work!