Hazel's first photo shoot (with Aunt Kate's point & shoot)

Welcome, 2011!

Griffin & SJ rocking out NYE hats & noisemakers

SJ waiting patiently for the clock to strike 'midnight'

the pre-requisite for the NYE party

SJ couldn't quite figure it out...

Photographic Evidence// Fun was had!

SJ & I splashing it up on Christmas Day

Hazel: the next fashionista of the family

We had a blast at the tubing park

Snow angels!

Snow family

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day!

Schaeffer Jo putting out cookies & chocolate milk for Santa / carrots for the reindeer

Our stockings were 'laid' by the fireplace with care

Santa still found us @ MeMa & Papa's ski condo

Tobi opening his firetruck Christmas morning

Lizzie & TinkerBell from Santa

Minnie Mouse suitcase for our Disney trip!

Ott Christmas 2010

Christmas hugs & kisses

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree

We're so blessed as a family--when I take pause to remember God's goodness to us, His great faithfulness and his abundant provision--there is no response but gratitude.

I wanted to give my (little) family the privilege of enjoying the true meaning of Christmas, and knew that getting the bulk of our shopping done early would be the only way. It was strange to have the majority of our gifts purchased, wrapped and under the tree by the end of the first week of December.

All of this said because nearly every day after the presents landed under the tree, we had a count-down to 'Christmas with Eli'. Schaeffer would get all of her presents out from under the tree, put them in a line, and repeat with all of Eli's gifts.

It is such a sweet gift to my heart as a mom to watch Eli and Schaeffer Jo be so much more than just cousins, but also best friends. Their love for each other is evident and it is great fun to watch them play together.

Christmas cookies @ GG's

Schaeffer Jo // Fashion-ista

Peeking at the beautiful Christmas candles at GG's house

Each December, one day is set aside to mix, roll and bake traditional cut-out cookies with Great Grandma Jean. Everything is homemade, except the sprinkles, and it is a labor of love for those we love.

It is one of my most favorite days of the year. As a child I didn't possess the sweet relationship that a tenderhearted and affectionate grandma can yield, which causes me to treasure each day spent together with my beloved Grandma Jean.

Our day begins with coffee, talking, buttery toast. Our 'cookie plan' is hatched, and we dive right in on our day's work. This year when all rolling, cutting, baking and icing was done, our yield was 15 dozen. Just me, Grandma Jean (87 years young!) a hand mixer and 15 dozen cookies.

Schaeffer Jo's Preschool Christmas Program

Mrs. Wodarcyzk reading Schaeffer Jo's class the story: Where Do Snowmen Come From?

With arguably the largest preschool posse' every seen, SJ couldn't contain her joy

both MeMas, both Papa, Griffin & I were all there for the big performance

Not even glitter in her eyes would steal her excitement!

"Hey, Hey, Hey, Santa's Coming from the Sky"

I'm not sure who would think that a three year old is capable of keeping an exciting secret like a Christmas performance, but needless to say, Griffin and I had a pretty good idea that there would be singing and a present--as she had told us every four minutes she was awake for approximately a month.

We had personally memorized all the songs they were singing--due to the incessant repetition--and knew all the details of the 'top secret' present (and card!) that she had hand-crafted.

Nonetheless, when Christmas program day rolled around, you couldn't have paid me to be anywhere else but crammed into that tiny classroom like a sardine. There's no denying the fact that SJ is a tremendously gifted firstborn-as she carried the entire class' rendition of Santa's coming to town (said like a true mother).

I'm thankful that all the grandparents were there with Griffin and me--it's a memory I'm so happy to share.

Merry Christmas!

Emma & Schaeffer Jo's Gingerbread house

working on the roof

putting the wreath over the front door

Earlier this week Schaeffer Jo and I had the great fun of having Emma in our home for the morning. The girls sweetly worked together to beautify their gingerbread house and made lovely Christmas ornaments.

The picture that isn't here--the one that will forever be in my mind--is of the two if them jammed in the bucket of the cart at JoAnn's. Too sweet.

Enjoy the pictures from our very fun morning together.

Introducing Hazel Ruth Austin!

Hazel Ruth Austin made her grand debut Thursday, December 9th @ 8:05am. She weighed in at 7 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches long.

What a tremendous blessing, a healthy baby girl, a beautiful niece! Congratulations Nikki, Josh and big brother Tobi!

Hello, love!

A true thing of beauty: a Le Creuset enameled dutch oven

My first batch of toffee in the 'new & glorious' pan

I would like to begin this post with this statement: there will be no pictures, comments or any content regarding Schaeffer now or in the duration of this post. If this is the only reason you (mom, dad, griffin) read my blog, click on to the next post. Thank you.

I'm in love with my Le Creuset. It is beyond a pot. It is a super-pot. It is something I want to use all the time, every day, never ever put away. Sleep in, if I could.

That's all.

Making Cranberries!

Making Cranberries with Grandma Jean (and Aunt Gayle who was noticably absent this year) has become a treasured tradition in our family). What exactly are we making, you ask?

It is a cranberry, apple and orange relish that is put through and old-fashioned grinder and has sugar added to be eaten alongside Turkey on Thanksgiving day. The Otts are crazy for it. Specifically my father-in-law. This and dill pickles. But, that's another story.

Anyway, so, this is the first year that Schaeffer has been tall enough and strong enough to do the crank--and while she was occasionally distracted by her shiny red tricycle that also resides in the basement--she enjoyed helping and had a great time.

Luminary Festival in Saint Joe

Griffin & Schaeffer Jo on the horse-drawn trolly

Looking at the lights on the bluff

Riding the trolly on Wednesdays in the summer after the brown bag concerts, bringing Annie-the horse-carrots, is one of our favorite things.

But, riding the trolly in winter coats, sipping hot chocolate, and popping in and out of shops decorated for Christmas is extra special. These are all the reasons that going downtown for Luminary Festival has become a tradition in our family--we don't mind braving the cold when we know a delicious cup of South Bend Chocolate Cafe hot chocolate is in our future.

Magical nights.