Happy New Year!

I think it's safe for me to speak for both Aaron and I, when I say, New Year's Eve isn't what it used to be!  Our partying days are seemingly behind us (or perhaps they are taking a long hiatus) while Aaron and I enjoy the more calm and rewarding joys of watching Auggie move into the new year.  I am comfortably snug in my jammies as I peacefully post on the blog, void of any regret or longing for smoked filled bars, headaches or hangovers.  My only wish is for 2009 to grant Augustus as much love and joy as any year can possibly afford...

Alright.  Brace yourself.  Aaron and I decided to try something new (or for Aaron, more accurately, nostalgic), a trip to The Organ Piper.  First I want to mention that when Aaron introduced the idea of going to this restaurant, he initially referred to it as The Organ Grinder.  I'm certain it occurs to you as you read this, as it did me, that organ grinder conjures up less than savory images for an eating establishment.  I was amused, and relieved, to discover its actual name, Organ Piper Pizza.   So here's the shpiel...Organ Piper Pizza has been around for 30 years and is loosely considered a Milwaukee landmark.  The atmosphere, at best, has a  definitive kitch or camp value...monster-sized organ, flashing lights everywhere, drums, cymbals and bells (all synchronized to heighten one's experience of the organ).  In short, Auggie loved it.  Done.  Mission accomplished.

So maybe Auggie didn't love it, immediately.  To be honest walking into this circus was notably traumatizing on some level.

While waiting for the best possible table, a booth nearest to the organ, Auggie sampled some games in the arcade.

Here's the mother of all organs.

Rudolph hiding amidst the pipes.

Handsome Toyntons

Kitch, maybe.  Delicious pizza, definitely!

We ended our rock star night with some ice cream at Cold Stone Creamery and a kiss for Momma.  Happy New Year!

The Big Surprise!

Grandpa and Grandma Toynton surprised Auggie with his very own operating vehicle!  This gift of wheels has turned into a Toynton tradition, each grandchild receiving a different motorized car around the age of 2.

Here are some photos of the unveiling on Christmas Eve at Auntie Michelle's house.

Grandpa Toynton trying to get it revved up.

And they said Great Grannies can't do off-roading!

Playdate with Gordon and Truman

Niccoli brought Gordy and Tru over to play yesterday (and exchange Christmas presents).  

Checking out Auggie's new digital camera from Grandma Kitty.

Niccoli and Auggie

Tee-Pee Time

Both boys received train tables for Christmas.  

Beautiful Niccoli and Truman.

I love Truman's new crop of "big boy" hair sprouting on the top of his head and his smile is to die for.

Auggie just can't get enough of cuddling Truman.  Who can blame him, Truman is such a wonderful baby!

Christmas With Uncle Paully and Aunt Vernie

This weekend we got together with Uncle Paully, Auntie Vernie, Ruby and Lucy at Grandma Kitty's house in Appleton.  I've officially lost track of what number this is on our extended list of Christmas celebrations.

Grandma Kitty holding Auggie's coolest present: an awesome hand-made bird (based on a drawing by Uncle Paully and made by Auntie Vernie)!

Uncle Paully sprinkled with three kids and a golden-doodle.

Blanket huddle.

Pondering Christmas cookies.

Christmas Day Brunch

My boys on Christmas Day!

Aaron, Auggie and I met Grandma Kitty, Grandpa Donnie and Nani Sue in Fond du Lac for brunch before opening presents at Nani's house.

Christmas Day Morning at Home

Aaron and I had Auggie to ourselves Christmas morning.  Here are some pics:

First Baseball Glove!

Piggy!

Fridge Phonics

 (great for entertaining kids whilst parents are cooking in the kitchen).

Christmas Eve Brunch

We met Grandpa and Grandma Toynton, Great Grandma Christine and the Fullertons in Delafield for brunch on Wednesday morning.  We had a great meal at the Andrew's Restaurant within the Delafield Hotel.  The top order of the day was the King crab and shrimp salad croissant sandwiches-delicious!

Aunt Michelle had a stroke of genius when making the reservations...she requested our own private room.  Not only was the room beautiful, but also instrumental in containing our rambunctious (and noisy) kids!

Auggie and Addison snuggling Grandma Toynton.

Cousin line-up #1

Cousin line-up #2

Cousin line-up #3 with the addition of Great Grandma Christine.

Early Visit From Santa

Bed-headed and crusty-eyed, Auggie crept out of bed to discover that Santa had arrived early Christmas Eve morning with the largest wrapped present he had ever seen!  See video at end of post (I apologize in advance for the kink in your neck as the video is formatted sideways making for very uncomfortable viewing).

Copious amounts of wrapping paper involved in this veiling.

Clickety-clack over the tower bridge...

Helicopter landing pad.

Christmas With Aunti Patti and Uncle Gary

We went to Madison this Saturday to celebrate Christmas with Uncle Gary and Aunt Patti.  We visited at their condo or "soup can" (as they lovingly refer to it) and opened Christmas presents.  Auggie was thrilled to receive a Curious George in swim trunks and goggles, a Blue's Clues DVD and his very own tool box.  Auggie played shy at first but he knew exactly where he was and who he was with.  Shortly after arriving Auggie roamed the condo looking for his "scooper", the scooper that Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary had given Auggie in the summer!  With no scooper in sight (it now resides in Brookfield), an impromptu visit to Target was in order.  Auggie now has his very own scoopers that will stay in Madison for future visits! 

Following the trip to Target, we lunched at Chuck E. Cheese.  This was a first time for Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary.   It's difficult to say who enjoyed the experience more, Auggie or his aunt and uncle.  

The Williams

Pedaling in circles...

Farming with Barney.

Air hockey with Aunti Patti.

Driving With Chuck.

For dessert we went to The Chocolate Shoppe which sits just below Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary's condo.  Here's Auggie playing with toys at his very own table while he waits for his Oreo cookie bar.

Holding hands with his Aunt Patti and Uncle Gary in the parking garage.  We had a wonderful time visiting, thank you!