Winter Break

In the 2 weeks the kids had off school we've been busy! First a short trip to California for Christmas with my family. Then the Knowltons came out to see us for 3 days. New Year's eve brought Hartungs from Prescott and Vista to us for a fun celebration that ended with the stroke of midnight New York time. This last week has been one of setting goals for ourselves and trying to spend lots of time as a family (even though Har's had to work lots of overtime - a double edged sword).

Uncle Greg hooked Nash up with Finding Nemo on iPod. Chillin with his snacks and a movie!

After Christmas Eve dinner Dedan gets love on both sides from Grandma JR and daddy.

Grandpa Santa (aka Michael) and his "favorite granddaughter". Ok, his ONLY granddaughter.

Rachel after she learned to throw the football. It was quite impressive!

Caitlyn and Emma were so excited that we pushed the New Year's time up to 10 o'clock and ended the party early.

Happy New Year!

Emma's 9th birthday

This is the pirate ship cake Grandma JR came all the way from California to deliver.

Very nice, huh?!

The party girls. The boys didn't sit still long enough to have their picture taken.

Caitlyn and Emma met Taylor Swift, the new country singer, after a tree lighting at the outlet mall. On the way home Emma told me, "Mom, this was the the best birthday ever!" http://www.taylorswift.com

The Honor Roll!

Check out Emma's first report card from 4th grade. Three As and two B+s. Not only that, but she's "a wonderful person to have in this class." Can you see my pleased parent glow from there?!

Trick-or-Treat

Webslinger, Spiderman/Dedan, wore his muscles, but not his mask most of the night.

Nash, the horse, in his carriage.
The Pink Rockers, Emma & Aneleise.

Party of 20

We spent Saturday in Prescott where the Hartungs and Knowltons traveled from So Cal for a visit. Amy & Al hosted a visit to the Hertiage Zoo, tours of Embry Riddle campus and downtown Prescott, and a great program at church featuring their oldest, Caitlyn. Twenty people out to dinner even went well (Golden Corral buffet restaurant was yummy)! One of the coolest things of their visit was meeting the recently RM Lance's fiancee, Jessica. Welcome to the family!

SIX MONTHS OLD!

Sweet baby Nash is now 6 months old, but it seems like he's always been a part of our family. He seems to hit all the milestones well before Emma or Dedan ever did. After spending so much time on the floor at Great Grandma Jessie's he's close to crawling (too close for my comfort). He's got two teeth and at least one more pushing through soon. He loves to growl, give raspberries, watch Emma & Dedan, eat (both baby food & mama's milk), watch football, go for walks with mom, and chew on his own fingers. Big eyes. Sweet smile. He's adorable...people tell me that all the time...Seriously.

Family fun in Colorado

Dedan celebrates at the bowling alley. He also caught the biggest fish (a 3 pound carp) on one of the days they spent fishing. Overall, everyone had a great time in Colorado!

Our first night in Grand Junction we discovered Nash had got his very first tooth. It made him a little cranky as he met Grandma Ginny & Grandpa Harlan for the first time, but it didn't phase them at all. They jumped right in with the loving, kissing, and spoiling.

Spoiled Emma convinces Grandma to make her favorite breakfast. Have I mentioned that she's spoiled?

Emma, Briseis, Great Grandma Jessie & Dedan hanging out and having fun.

Emma spent lots of time playing handball against the side of the house and enlisting anyone and everyone that was willing.