Christmas 2012 Part II

Hello Friends & Family--

Let's start with my side of the family...I'll save Chris' side for the next post. So, we headed to Nebraska for our first set of Christmas adventures. First up was Aurora/Marquette, NE! We enjoyed visiting with everyone and some good food too! I know Cam enjoyed himself...so many people to cater to him :) I don't think he knew what to do at first, but quickly caught on. He had everyone going to each room to look or play with something new. Told you he was busy!

Playing on the piano...after Great Grandma Mert said she never let the kids bang on the keys ;) 

Cousin Riley!

But why can't you take it out, Aunt Amy?

Spoiled little boy!

Great Uncle Mike was a big hit...he showed me how to use my tools!

 Next on our adventure was Ravenna, NE! Again we got to see lots of family! There's an adult/big kid gift exchange every year and Cam was pretty adamant about opening all those gifts. We've had our issues here and there about opening up gifts under Christmas trees. He's been pretty good, only a few had to be rewrapped. We again enjoyed visiting with everyone and another great meal! I only wished we weren't so far away so we could visit more often! This time Cam managed to take home a souvenir
from Great Aunt Teresa, one that I didn't find until we were back in WI :) I still need to get that in the mail too :)

2012 Family Picture. You'd be proud Dad :)

Happy! Well maybe not Keith...

Lincoln Logs! Yay!

Great Grandma Dee!

Lastly on our Iowa/Nebraska adventure was Waukee, IA. Cam enjoyed having the run of the house and once again was catered to by everyone. He's such a lucky little boy to have so many people that love him! It is going to be a bit confusing for him trying to keep it all straight when he's older :) 

More Biscuit books! Yay!

Great Grandma Norma Jean!

Smile :)

Cheese!

And I'm done. 

I LOVE videos!!

We only spent about a day and a half in each state. That's a lot of driving for such short visits! Plus we added in the pets and gifts to make one heck of a stuffed car. It's always worth it when you get to see your family though!

My Mom's side's Christmas was in mid January and we were unable to attend :( We certainly missed seeing everyone! One of these years we are going to get it coordinated to see EVERYONE!

A big thanks to all of our Nebraska & Iowa families! Love you all!


Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

Christmas 2012 Part I

Hello Friends & Family--

Happy Holidays from the Zimmerman Family! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and time spent with family! We sure did.

This was one of the photos on our Christmas card :)

Since we were going to be out of town on Christmas, we celebrated our family Christmas a little early. While Cam was napping Santa showed up and his little elves put together this! Cam has shown an interest in train sets when ever we see one, so Santa thought this would be a perfect gift!

It didn't take him long to get the hang of it!

There's a video of his reaction, but I'll have to do some editing to get it posted on blogger.




Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

December 2012

Hello Friends & Family--

Almost caught up! Finally.

Biscuit books are my favorite--even upside down!

December always seems to pass by too quickly. There is so much to do and so little time to do/see it all! I love the holidays, but they can be a little hectic too. There is so much planning and preparation that goes into a few packed days. Its all worth it though, especially watching the wonderment of a little boy.

Daddy I can help too!

We had our first BIG (like 18+ inches big) snowfall of the season. Sadly our snowblower had died last season and Chris had to shovel that all by hand. Cam and I joined him for a little bit outside. He loved eating the snow and refused to keep his gloves on. We haven't played in it much since then (or not at all) I have to admit I'm not a huge fan of getting all bundled up to sit outside in the cold. I do enjoy sledding though...we'll have to wait on that one though.

Snow tastes so good!

Sadly, we lost Chris' Great Aunt early in December (on his Mom's side). Once again to that terrible word...Cancer. I hope in my life time we will find a cure for this horrible disease. She was always so sweet and will be greatly missed.

Our Christmas Project...foam ornaments.

Look Mom it's snowing!

As most of you know, I am a Chapter Advisor for my sorority. I don't usually bring Cam with me to the house, but since it was going to be a short meeting I thought he'd enjoy himself. Not to mention the girls beg me to bring him all the time. He had a BLAST, he would run up to any girl and just sit on her lap or request to be picked up. He enjoyed showing them every bulb on their tree too :) If he wasn't so busy with exploring I think I'd bring him more often. Sadly I don't have any pictures.

Adding & taking off all the decor on the mini trees.

I'll have to do a separate post for our Christmas adventures...


Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

November 2012

Hello Friends & Family--

November was spent organizing the house, celebrating birthdays/Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas!

Cam went to his first big kid party for a friend's 4th birthday. It was at an indoor facility with lots of trampolines and swing sets. He enjoyed every minute of it too! I think the trampolines were his favorite. Gymnast like Mommy, maybe!?

Cam turned 18 months in October, but his check up was the first week of November. He had another great check up (minus the mini tantrums he had in front of Dr. E). Here's our stats:

Weight: 26 lbs 6 oz --> 75%
Height: 2' 7.5" --> 18%
Head Circumference: 49.5 cm --> 92%

He's still maintaining the same stats he has for most of his life. Thankful again for a healthy little boy!

We spent Thanksgiving in Monroe with Chris' family and we had a few visitors from Nebraska join us too--my Step-Mom and Sister! Unfortunately Cam came down with his first real illness around the same time. He spiked fevers upwards of 103 and just was overall pretty sick. He ended up having his first ear infection (one of those first you'd rather avoid). Thankfully with some antibiotics he was quickly on the mend. We were still able to enjoy ourselves though. We love spending time with our families!

I knew he was feeling sick when all he wanted to do was snuggle. He's usually too busy for that these days!

Sick but still a goofy little bugger!

While Cindy and Amy were visiting we took advantage of the family bonding time and headed to our usual tree farm to cut down the perfect tree! With my new tall ceilings this year I could get a bigger tree--insert happy dance here! And boy was she a beaut, Clark!

Aunt Amy and Cam watching videos.

Coloring with Grandma Ninny.

I ended up needed a few more decorations--oops! 

November also marked 19th months. I love watching him grow and learn. It's a new adventure everyday!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

October 2012

Hello Friends & Family--

What can I say the Holidays have come and gone and I got a little side tracked once again.

Back to October (this time an update on Cameron).

Cam experienced his first haircut on October 8th. I had my stylist Pam just give him an overall trim. While I could have waited on the cut it was definitely time to give him a trim. We didn't want him to be mistaken for a girl. He was so good (much better than I expected). His willingness may or may not have been due to his first experience with a sucker. A day of firsts ;) And our curls stayed in tact too!

Since October is Mommy's favorite month, we definitely had to paint a pumpkin! We opted out of carving this year, but we had a good time painting a small pumpkin together. He was actually quite clean, maybe a budding artist on our hands? 

When I began searching for the perfect costume I had no idea what I thought Cam should be. I wanted it to be unique and if I could get away from the characters I'd certainly try. I came upon this adorable garden gnome costume and ordered it right away. Next time I'll order closer to the date b/c the costume was a little snug :) How cute is he? I wore the beard for quite some time too! We didn't go trick-or-treating, but have big plans for next year. He was happy handing out candy (and promptly slamming the door on the kids). 

October also marked the birth of my HS best friends daughter! And a trip to Iowa to see ISU's homecoming game. My Brother and celebrated our birthdays (we are born on the same day--5 years apart). It was a big one for me...30! I really didn't mind, I think the 30's are going to be a great time in my life and I look forward to them. Now we won't discuss the 40's, thankfully I have some time there. See I told you October is the best month!

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

House Update (October)

 Hello Friends & Family--

Let's continue this game of catch-up into October.

October 1st was our first official day in our new house! We didn't have cable, internet or cell service the first few weeks, I don't know how we ever went without!  Let's just say unpacking an entire house with no music, background noise, etc makes it a little dull. Not to mention our house wasn't complete on move-in day. Lot's of workers in and out.  Stressful, nah not at all :) We survived and love our new home!

Here' a mini tour of the outside and kitchen. I'll have to work on getting more pictures taken (waiting on some new furniture to arrive).

View of the house after move in...this was prior to the finishing touches.

Fall 2012 picture after the paint and landscaping finishing touches!

Adding Christmas lights...a lot higher this year :)

The pantry/wine bar.

One side of kitchen.

Another angle of the kitchen.

Looking into the dining room.

                                               

                                                                 View from the Great Room into the Kitchen.

If you are wondering how the pets are getting along, you tell me? The fence is new as of December, and it was something that we discussed greatly. Knowing that the underground fence we purchased and never installed would probably not work with our stubborn huskies we opted for the rod iron fence. We only fenced off a portion so we could still have our large unobstructed yard/view, but enough (and by enough I mean A LOT of space for the dogs to run). 

Do you see what I see?

Exploring their new digs.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

Catch-up Time

Hello Friends & Family--

Yeah, yeah I know it has been awhile. OK a LONG time. To say I've been busy is an understatement. Yet I love this blog and the ability to keep all of our friends and family updated. So, I hope I can continue to play catch-up by the end of 2012. I know there isn't much time left as tomorrow is December 14th.

My Grandpa built me this bench :)

Well, I think I left off back at the start of September. The weather was still decent then (sure wasn't snow on the ground) and we were enjoying our time outdoors. So to finish off the month of September...

Cheese Days is a biannual celebration in Monroe, WI (Chris' hometown). This year I took Cam to the parade with Chris' Aunt and Cousin. He enjoyed the M&M's and the music the most, specifically the marching bands. Can you blame him!?

At Raisin' Canes...YUM!

September 17th marked 7 years of wedded bliss. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by! I can't wait to see what the next 7 years have in store for us! We laid low this year and plan on purchasing a new grill as Chris threw ours down the deck stairs at the old house. I think this was his way of hinting at a new one...he claims it was an accident though. Truthfully it was 7 years old, purchased just before we got married, so I say it is time for a new one!

Great Gumpa Russell & Cameron.

On September 26th my family lost a very important person. A very loving man and even more amazing Grandpa/Great Grandpa. My Grandpa Russell or "Gumpa" as we affectionately called him won his battle with cancer that day. While we were grateful for the almost 2 extra years we got to cherish with him on Earth it was not easy saying goodbye. It never is. Nor do I think it should be. Yet it's encouraging to know that he is pain free and joining all of the others that have gone before us (including 2 of his own children) up in Heaven. If you click on his name above, it will take you to his beautifully written obituary. We love you and miss you daily Gumpa (thanks for the word jumble the other day :) )

Always into something.

September 29th Cam turned 17 months (this was also my Grandpa's funeral). He was busy being a feisty little kid and spent 1/2 of the time outdoors with Grandma Ninny (thank you!). He did learn to love cereal outside of the cheerio realm thanks to our complimentary breakfasts at the hotel :)

All dressed up!

We drove to Nebraska on the 27th of September knowing that we had to move into our new home on September 30th. Do you see where I am going with this? Yeah, we drove a gazillion hours directly after the funeral to make it home in time to sleep for a couple of hours before loading trucks and hauling it into the new house. Thankfully, we have the most amazing friends that picked up our moving truck AND loaded up most of our belongings while we were gone. Yeah you read that right, they packed up the truck with all of the heavy stuff and moved the rest upstairs for easy moving. They even showed up on that Sunday to help us move it into the new house. Thank you just doesn't cut it. Blessed we are.

I think I'll have to continue with a part II tomorrow...this is getting long!

Thanks for continuing to check in with us.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron