Merry Christmas!

Mom is a little late helping us post these pictures.  We had a wonderful holiday and hope you all did, too!

I (Evan) have been asking for this lego set for four months!  Grandma knows me well--she got it for me in early September before I started asking for it!

Grandma and Grandpa have been hard at work.  Grandpa carved these serving platters, and Grandma made the bowls for dipping sauce.  Mom and Aunt Katy are ready to entertain!  (And Mom eventually combed her hair if anyone is wondering.)

Reading our new books.

This picture deserves an explanation, but there really isn't one.  Grandpa had everyone laughing in his Santa get-up.  Aunt Katy has video, which she can probably use to blackmail him for something good--like the house.

Playing Guess Who with Aunt Katy, Elsa, and Grandma.

Opening our stockings on Christmas morning.

Trying out our new scooters from Santa.  We usually wear helmets, but it was so cold that Mom let us go without, just this time.

We wish your families a happy New Year!

LOVE these gals!

It is so rare for these ladies to all get together, and incredibly, this was done without months of planning!  We all met in Leavenworth for a fun-filled night of laughter, food, and joy.  Thank you, Jenny, for hosting us all--17 adults and 13 children, all under 7!  The only thing that would have made it more perfect would be if Mary, Bobby, and their girls could have joined us.  We sure missed you!

Janie and little Lily (wearing Janie's snowsuit from when she was a baby).

Abby, Kate, and Emma.  Abby and Emma ended up being two peas in a pod!

Katy and newlyweds Nicole and Greg.  They've been together for longer than Daddy and Mommy, and we are really happy for them!

Thanks to Jim for keeping the kids entertained for a good chunk of the evening.

What a special evening with incredible friends.  Thank you for taking time out of your families' busy holiday schedules to get together.  We can't wait to do it again, perhaps a weekend get away this summer?

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

We can't think of anything better than time spent in our favorite winter spot.  This was a last-minute, quick trip that ended up to be a great mini-vacation!

In one day we sledded, hot-tubbed, and snowshoed.

Our buried snow angels.

Lots of fun sledding.  No matter where we go, Dad and Uncle Joe can be counted on to make the best sled runs.

Packing snow for snowballs.

It's been way too long since we had a playdate with our favorite brothers.  As usual, it poured rain this morning.  You can predict the weather based on when Mom and Miss Dani plan to get together.  Luckily, they're getting smarter, and planned this day for indoors.  We can't wait to see Owen, Henry, Charlie, and even more friends on Saturday!

This is about as much energy as is in the house when these guys get together.  They have a lot of fun.  Wish we got Sweet Charlie in these pictures.  He's a bundle of energy, too, and as sweet as any boy you've ever seen.

Enjoying the remnants of the first snow of the season!

40 years

Grandma and Grandpa came home from Arizona just in time to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.  Grandma and Grandpa have a marriage based on love, mutual respect, and mutual admiration that is a strong foundation for our family, and a great example for us all.  We feel blessed that both sets of our grandparents celebrated 40 years together this year. 

This was the first time that the six adults had ever been out together without kids.  Though there were years of dinners, vacations, etc. with five adults, it hasn't happened since Daddy joined the family.  Wanting to take advantage of every moment, they all piled into Grandpa's truck to drive to the restaurant.  It was a fun start to a fun evening.

Oh Christmas Tree!

Goofing off with Oma

Washington, DC

Mom took a business trip to Washington, DC, this week.  She attended a good TBI policy conference, but her main goal was to meet this little cutie!  And it's always a bonus to hang out with Mike and Jenn.  Mom's stomach and cheeks always hurt from laughing after a night out with them.

Doesn't this look like it belongs in a magazine?

After working all day, Jenn prepared this beautiful dinner.  It was EVERY bit as delicious as it looks.  Obviously, this does not happen at our house.

Aunt Mary and Sean.  Three nights visiting with Aunt Mary is not enough.  Mom really wishes see saw this family more often!  But she had a wonderful visit and is figuring out how to justify the next trip!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving at our grandparents' house.  We had great weather and great company.  The only thing missing was the grandparents! 

This is how most of our pictures turn out these days.  We're still hoping to catch one of Nathan with his scary face.  It is a little scary, and a lot cute.

Do you think it gets windy up here?

Can't see the mountains, but the next day we were down the beach a bit, and it was clear as could be!

How did this branch grow this way?

Elsa is such a good reader now!

Mom didn't have her camera on the gorgeous day when we spent more than an hour watching (and listening to) at least nine sea lions frolicking right in front of us!  It was AMAZING!

You found us!

Welcome to Volume II of our blog!  After 5 1/2 years, we ran out of space on Volume I.  We hope our loyal followers enjoy this version, too!