"I'm like Dad now!"

T. taught himself how to snowboard off of the iceberg in the back yard. Look out world!

44 is almost 50

"Wow Dad, you're old!"-Z., mistaking 34 for 44 years old. S. sneakily unwrapped Dads gift while mom took the pictures and another kid(not sure exactly) blew out the candles Twice while we sang. Maybe having someone else open your gifts and blow out your candles can make your birthday not age you another year.Probably not. Probably adds a few weeks actually.
S. and T. play with their favorite baby Cousin S.. She got a sweet (and now, thanks to the kids, broken)kitchen for Christmas and was happy to share when we went down to do some more birthday celebrating.
Grandpas Salt and Pepper taking turns eating magnetic letters and giggling.
Z. is stoked to hear Grandma is having a Pizza making party. She took orders and made nametags. Uncle T.'s girlfriend ended up with a tag including T.'s last name. Good job Z., lets get them married.
January around here has been cold as usual but this year we have had a ton of fog(and awful air quality:( )which has been amazing to wake up to. The trees covered in frost are my favorite.

Happy Birthday Scotty!

I think he's 30 but i have a hard time keeping track of my own age , so im just not sure. Anyways, I'm glad to see that he lived to be so old and isn't even crippled yet(although he may argue that he is) from all the adventure. He used to be Escott, Scotto, and even Scotty Potty. I think forever to me he is Scotty. Love ya Scotty!

Smilin Ear to Ear

After 5 months of S.'s pain grimaces and whining she is reborn!
Okay its not quite like that but she is her old self again, it just took a 15 minute procedure to insert tubes and remove adenoids.
I just love Doctors who can fix things, so does S. actually, she is a model patient.
Now she can be a model near-2 year old. OWIE! Whine.... Whine..... Whine.. (before)


Help Me! Discomfort, Pain, Wahhhhh. (before)


This is my best smile with massive ear pressure. Owie, Cheese. (before)

So glad to have healthy ears on all the other kids, how'd we luck out ? Oh yeah maybe all the braces they'll be needing will even things up.

Will it Ever be warm again?

It's been just too many days of 15degrees for me.

Although the lights and bright gift wrappings of the holiday add some warmth I am totally ready to go outside without covering every inch to protect myself from frostbite.

I miss the sunny pink cheeks and short sleeves of warmer seasons.

Oh yeah, I miss my hammock. Its just not the same in the winter.
Anybody want to send me on a tropical cruise?

Christmas update

Wow most of us holding still, all in one place(that never lasts) for a Sunday Christmas shot.
Tunnel Joy.
Big Loud Red Truck Joy.
Lego Joy.
Dolly Joy.

We are blessed to have had each other for another wonderful celebration of Christmas. We are grateful for the Savior and the Joy we feel knowing him. We hope to have many, many more joyful years to come, with or without the toys.

Ho Ho Ho

So, you can never have enough Grandparents. This is the first Christmas we have been able to spend with the Merrills(as far as I can remember) as well as the usual crowd.
S. enjoyed Grandmas musical globe and toted it around till it was covered with playdoh and sticky finger prints.
T. never tires of the treats and especially loves to eat (and wear) chocolate everything.
N. impresses(?!) Grandpa with his indoor R/C helicopter. Watching mom untangle Z.'s hair from the blades was especially entertaining.
Z. turned her horse into a marionette of sorts, creative kids just need ribbon.