Can't wait to hang it...

This zebra photo is the most amazing picture I have ever seen! Alan's Realtors are part owners of Pearson and Co., a really amazing furniture, accessory, and artifacts store in Legacy. On their grand opening I saw this picture and went wild! Alan being the conservative he is said, "keep dreaming"...well so I did keep dreaming and even went to visit it a couple times! The last time it was GONE! I went home and told Alan the sad sad news...to which he replied "who in their right mind would buy that?" Come Christmas I realized...HE WOULD!!!!!!!!! Yes, that's right...I got it for Christmas (very spoiled I know!). I was so excited and couldn't even believe my eyes. It is so gorgeous. These pictures are of it hanging in the store...Alan has yet to put it up at the house...it is quite the project as each of those pieces is individual...YIKES! Either way, I am stoked...plus, with that in my living room I get to go buy new accessories to add to the full effect! YIPPIE! Thank you so much ALAN! What an amazing surprise, you do such a great job with gifts! Love you!

Sugar opens a present

Christmas Day

My brother Ryan, Sister in Law June, and nephews Huston and Jaxon!

Jaxon was my little bud! We read all kinds of books!

Dad and Deb opening their gift from all the kids. We got them an outdoor heater for their new back deck at the lake! We'll be toasty warm even in the fall!

Opening gifts.

Cute little Jaxon face!

Huston playing with the new DVD player. He is such a funny little darling boy! Says the FUNNIEST stuff!!!

Jaxon posing for a picture...LOL look at his little hands folded on his knee!


A huge thanks to Ryan and June for hosting our Christmas while Dad and Deb are in "limbo" between homes. It worked out great. Had all kinds of finger foods and delicious treats! Played some really fun dice games and both Alan and I won some moola! ;-)
Thanks so much Dad and Deb for the gifts...our sweatshirts are really unique and we'll be sporting them on Thursday night for the game! I for one know just what I'll be spending my money one this year...a mat for the back of Sadie! That way nothing will ruin the carpet and Sugar can ride back there and I won't worry about it getting dirty! Alan has his eye on something "hunting/fishing" related I am sure...so know it will go to good use! We sure missed Jenny, Ross, Maddy, and Tim but understand they were all busy. We look forward to the next few months and your house being finished so we can see more of everyone! We love you.

Christmas Morning

Oh sooo happy to wear a Santa Hat! LOL

MMMM, I know there's something good in here...

The flash was bright so early in the morning...she couldn't keep her eyes open for the pictures!

This is what happens when you don't listen to Santa!

A SQUEAKER!!!!!!!!! Yippie...oh such a fun and SUPER LOUD toy! Good thing it lasts all of 6 minutes before it has a hole in it!

A big present...what on earth could it be???

No need to assist...I got this!


Well opening stockings with a puppy is quite hilarious!!! She is so funny to watch cause she needs no assistance! We had a riot watching her! Just love that little Sugarpants!

Christmas Eve with Mom and Don

The Holiday Table I put together for Christmas Eve at our house with Mom and Don.

The grilled shrimp cocktail (I must confess, I bought it at Absolutely Fresh Seafood cause it is the YUMMIEST...a bit prices so only for special occasions!)

Our light but festive dessert!

Sugar licking her lips cause she knows there is something yummy inside!

Just the cutest face ever!

More presents!!! Thanks G-ma and G-pa Larsen!

OHHHH a yummy treat! I know I can get it open all on my own!

Yep! I did it...no help from you silly humans needed!

A toy to tear up!!! YIPPIE Sugar has quite the love/hate relationship with squeaker toys!

PEACE OUT with all the remnants of her toys!

Mom opening her gift...can't wait for our Spa Day!

Get your hands in the air punk!

Sugar and Alan wrestling after opening presents!




Christmas Eve was wonderful this year! Mom and Don came over and we had a wonderful dinner! Caesar Salad, Grilled Shrimp Cocktail, Herb crusted Salmon, mini red potatoes and sauteed spinach, roasted brussels sprouts, bread, Alan's favorite Jello Salad, and pistachio pudding for dessert. Of course, lots of wine and champagne as well!
Thank you Mom and Don for the thoughtful gifts! Sugar "obviously" enjoyed all of hers...I wore my gloves yesterday and LOVE them...can't wait to spend my moola on something fun! We enjoyed just chatting with you guys and catching up...thank you for all of the positive energy you bring to our lives and for always being so supportive and proud of us! We really appreciate all that you do for us! We love you very much!

The Hans/Lackas family tree. I love coming home to a beautiful lit tree and seeing all the gifts under that will bring smiles to everyone's face!

I will be sad when they are all opened and we have our tree is standing alone!

But I am very excited to give our gifts...well AND get all of mine! LOL

Christmas with Ev

Grandma Evy with Lexi Lou! Both pretty in green!

Jackson loves to play with Sugar!


We had Christmas with Alan's mom Evelyn last night. She invited Sugar to come along...she was a very good puppy, especially for being in a house full of LOTS of goodies and treats at nose level! Ev gave her a gift and was uber impressed that Sugar opened it all on her own. No human help! LOL That little Sugarpants knows what she wants and will do anything to get it. She then played and played with her new ball on a rope toy. Although the ball is not quite complete anymore! LOL Delicious homemade beef stew and chicken noodle soup! We were all very spoiled as usual...I am really looking forward to my shopping spree at Oolala Boutique!

Thanks Ev, Travis, Lisa, Jack, and Lexi for all the amazing gifts...but most of all the gift of being blessed with all of you! Merry Christmas!
Love, Alan...Mandi...and Sugarpants!

Toys For Tots

This is our tree at work! We donated ALL of these gifts to Toys For Tots! The picture doesn't even do it justice! There were soooo many toys. I collected $1040 from my co-workers and purchased gifts. We had many others who brought in toys as well. I bet we had $1500 in toys. What an amazing site! So many children will be happy for the holidays!

A little Holiday Cheer

Sandi Mann and her daughter Renee

Cari Jo and Traci Sue

Julie, Kori, and Stacy --- obviously Julie was more interested in something on her right!

Julie and Kori!

Norma and I

We had a little Holiday Cheer last night at Fire Barn. We did a gift exchange with items from your house! No purchasing!!! Got lots of great things...it is true what they same, one person's junk is another person's treasure!

A day in the life of Sugar...

What a cutie pie! She usually rides in the front seat, but not when I am in the car...but she still tries to get as close to us as possible! She is such a fun baby!

She just couldn't go to work without taking Iggy along with her...what a co-pilot! LOL

Bringing back a goose bigger than she is! LOL

So proud of her retrieve!

One day of Geese on this years Canada trip.

SERIOUSLY! She is sooo funny. Can't stand not seeing what is out there when she's in the blind so she peaks her head out of it! So silly!

Sugar posing with her geese! What a pretty baby!