1st of Many

At exactly 12:13 pm on Sunday, January 8th 2012 Reese Caroline turned 1 year old. It just so happens that her dog theme party started at the exact same date and time.

There were decorations,

the most delicious PUPcakes,

and dogs galore!

Our family and friends came to help us celebrate,

We ate,

sang Happy Birthday to Reese,

and then watched her destroy her doggy bone cake.

Mission: Accomplished.

Then it was time to open her many presents.

The day was great.
Wonderful memories were made.

The past year has been the best of my life.
It's all because of this beautiful birthday girl.

I can still hear some of us singing to her...
Hope you live to be one hundred!
Hope you live to be one hundred!
Hope you live to be one hundred!
And then one hundred more!

Merry Christmas Part 3

Our third, and final, Christmas celebration was in Tulsa with Joe's family. We stayed several days to visit with Joe's parents, sister, brother, and their families.

There were some interesting outfit choices at this year's Christmas Eve.

Joe and his brother, Bill, have a standing Bedlam bet every year. If Joe's OSU Cowboys lose Bill gets to pick out an outfit for him to wear. If Bill's OU Sooners lose Joe gets to do the same. This year they both had to wear something "special".

Joe's t-shirt he had to wear for the Cowboy loss in 2010. They only spend Christmas together every other year so sometimes they have to settle up for previous losses.

"Even Jesus Rocks the Crimson and Creme"

Bill's outfit he had to wear for this year's Sooner loss.

Someone was playing dirty.
I am SHOCKED that it was Joe.
Joe better hope the Cowboys win from now on or there's no telling what he'll be forced to wear!

Aunt Kerry and Reese looked beautiful in their outfits. It looks like they planned to be a matching, gold sparkling pair.

Dylan had a Christmas outfit, but didn't want to wear it. He wanted to be comfy in this instead.

Later he got even more comfy in this getup.

Reese was showered with gifts she loved.

Reese's cousin, Julia, spent her own money this year to buy gifts. She gave Reese two pairs of socks that she went crazy for!

Thanks Julia! You knew just the right gift to give Reese.

Reese enjoyed being around and playing with her cousins.

She also enjoyed Grandma Sander's musical animals.
She rocked out to them.

Aunt Kerry shared an apple with Reese.
Food is the way to win Reese's heart.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Especially Reese on her first Christmas.

I hope everyone reading had as wonderful of a Christmas as we did.

Feliz Navidad Part 2

Our second Christmas was celebrated with my mom, step dad, brothers, sister, and all of our children and spouses.

This year we decided to meet at a restaurant for dinner. This way no one would have to cook or clean up! It was a fantastic idea. Don't get me wrong. I love eating a nice homemade family dinner, but the clean up is the worst!

We met at Mushashi's, a Japanese restaurant where they cook right in front of you. Here are some photos of us there.

Reese's first balloon!

Happy bunch!

Reese admiring Aunt Kate.

After dinner it was time to meet at our house for the annual gift exchange. There were many delicious treats to snack on, game playing, and conversation.

Joe opening his cologne from my brother Bryan.

Reese playing with the wrapping paper, tissue, and bows.

Kate opening her movie night themed gift from my brother Kyle.

I received my sister in law's name this year.

I gave Amy leather gloves and a scarf. 

She seemed to like both.

My Mom and Don are so cute together.

Don't you agree?

Joe and I gave Reese a Jingle All the Way dog book.

Jingle responds to parts of the story by barking.

The more we read it, the more Reese enjoys it.

It wouldn't be a Christmas Party if Reese wasn't able to show her cousin, Karson, her walking skills.

I love Christmas and I love my family.
We came together to combine the two on this night.
This made me a happy girl.

Ho! Ho! Ho! Part 1

Our first Christmas celebration was spent with my dad, step mom, sister, and her family.

Reese received some great gifts!
Sesame Street's Cookie Monster was a hit with her.
She loves playing with this toy, but she's a bit of a cookie tease when it comes to feeding Cookie Monster.
Poor guy.

Her cousin, Ava, received Cookie Monster too.
She actually fed him the cookies. She laughed and laughed at the noises he made as he gobbled them up.
She's so precious.

Reese also received a piano walker which she is getting pretty good at attempting to walk behind. I am in no hurry for Reese to walk. She can take all the time she needs to master this skill. I'll be patient, promise.

Reese enjoyed spending time with her loved ones best of all though. She's like me in that way.

Papa Bear, Jackson, and Reese hanging out.

Reese with her Aunt Kate and cousin Ryan.

Reese reading Aunt Kate her favorite Dog book.

Nana Charlotte is a good snuggler.

Reese enjoyed having Ava there. She's more her size.

Luckily Papa was there or Reese would have starved.

Fun was had by all.
No Kloiber Christmas would be complete without a viewing of Christmas Vacation!

Here's one of my favorite scenes.
The turkey dinner scene.
This whole movie cracks me up!

We made it easy on ourselves and just ordered pizza.
It was certainly more delicious than dry turkey and cat crunchy jello mold.
The Griswolds should follow our lead from now on.