Henry and I left my parents house bright and early Wednesday morning, picked up a few last minute groceries, then headed over to the Zavoral's for a day of preparation! Henry was such a good boy that whole day, which gave Mommy time to visit with an amazing friend!
Joel, Allison, and Norah came out around lunchtime and spent the afternoon with us too!
Henry's got a little eye cold here but, didn't let that deter him from some serious cuddle time with Stella.
Besides a haircut last month, this was the only time I've ever been away from this little man...
Sammy meeting Henry(Ladies Man)
Cass, Beth and Sammy
It felt so nice to have an evening with Joel and other adults!!! I am so grateful that my Mom and sister Al were so excited to watch the kids! My Mom came and picked up the kids and Allison just as people were arriving for the party. Thank you SO much Mom!!
Tara and Sam
Melissa and Cass at dinner.
Andy, Stella, Sam and Greg
Games!!! I will say that the Skalets did not win any games and just so barely escaped with our dignity!!!
Apples to Apples!
In the kitchen slaving away..... :)
Beth and Cass- always great to see you gals!
The guys: Brad, Andy, Joel and Greg
The girls: Melissa, Sam, Beth, Tara, Stella and I
Hopefully this party was the first of many!!
The girls with their treat boxes and jars.
Hosts!! Thanks for hosting at your house Stella- everything was absolutely PERFECT! 
Henry tells us he approves of these two with lots of his signature joyful grunting!!
It's amazing how much happiness a baby brings!
Norah's listening to Great Grandma Lottie tell a story. Just look how attentive she is!!
Norah found those necklaces and fell IN LOVE with them!! Unless she was taking a bath, she pretty much wore those beads for every waking moment.
Aunt Allison took Norah outside after Great Grandma and Dorothy left. I think Norah really misses playing outside everyday.
I can only imagine what this cold air is doing to my skin!!!
My parents got us a snowblower for Christmas!! Joel was chomping at the bit to get outside and move some snow so, here he is! He really looks forward to clearing out our elderly neighbors' driveway when we get a big snowfall and of course escape shoveling. Imagine his surprise when we drove into our neighborhood in IL and saw mostly green grass!!! We left with about 8 inches of snow on the ground and returned to 0!
Henry was able to meet all 6 of my Mom's siblings and their families!
Whitney announced that she and her hubby Adam are expecting!!! So happy for them, Whitney will be an amazing Mommy.
Jessica and Devin with Henry (Ladies Man) Skalet.
Norah's spreading Christmas cheer.
Henry's first Christmas.
Jenny, Daniel, Joel, Joy, Tony and Keith- they had such a great time. Next time they go, hopefully I'll be able to tag along. An all day trip would've been hard this year since Henry's pretty much my shadow.... nursing every three hours!
Great Grandma Lottie's first time holding Henry! She couldn't believe what a big cuddly baby he is!
Henry showed off his lungs during the Baptism..... I think he was mad that we brought him to the frozen tundra THEN proceeded to pour cold water on his head. Sorry, bud.
The Welsh family with Henry! Thank you guys for coming!
My parents threw Henry a reception in the church basement after the Baptism. Everything was perfect. Great company, great food and great family. Thanks Mom and Dad!
