Haiti

"Pray for the people in the village, and pray you won't shake their houses again and pray you won't shake my house either." Elena

Elena quote

"Mommy, how come you and daddy don't have any toys to play with in YOUR room?" Elena, Age 4

Hawaiian Day

 


Our kids had spirit week at school last week. Friday was Hawaiian day. I just had to snap this one of Elena and her sweet friend Lindsay.

Kenzie

 

 

 

 

We had a good time babysitting our neices the other day. Kenzie is just a doll and SO easy! Ross sat her down to watch a little football, and she got as comfortable an old man on Thanksgiving day.

The whole gang!

We got to spend New Year's Day with the whole family. And we thought - what the heck. We got everyone here. Let's attempt a picture! Even more amazing ... it worked.

Snuggies and more

I'll tell ya. The power of advertising amazes me. Somehow, Elena had herself convinced that she could not manage in this world unless she had the "snuggie" she saw on TV. And Ross believed her. So under the tree it went. And she sleeps with the dang thing every night.

Many other goodies under the tree - including gifts from our relatives in California. Thank you family!!

Of course, the biggest gift of all did not require a package, and it cost nothing. And this year for His birthday, we didn't make the traditional cake. The girls were convinced that Jesus definitely wanted a peppermint ice cream pie. Who could argue?

Squishy things

Tis the season for squishy gifts. Elena is so tactile!! This year, Sants brought her many thing that squish - including this chicken that lays a squishy egg. Other than the one squishy man she attempted to eat as a snack, Elena still plays with these items daily.

Christmas Eve 2009

God always works things out for good. And he shows us grace!! This year mom biffed it big time and forgot to take Emma to one of her drama club rehearsals. Because there were very few rehearsals, she ended up losing her spot in the Christmas Eve show for church. However, this allowed us to return to our childhood tradition of spending Christmas Eve at my Aunt Karolyn's house. We had SO much fun. And Santa is still visiting us on that night - just because!!! This year he came with peanut brittle and Jack Daniels chocolates. He's really stepping it up a notch.

We are truly blessed with a wonderful family and for that we say thanks.

Christmas Eve

Cookie making

I managed to find these ADORABLE aprons and hats for the girls (Lucy too, but she couldn't make this party). So of course, cute aprons call for parties!! We had lots of fun this day with our cousin Abby making cookies, a gingerbread house and doing Christmas crafts. I know I'm biased - but I'm pretty sure we have the most awesome cousins in the world.

Tiffany

I just had to share this picture of my wonderful friend Tiffany. She is looking extremely cute in my new fun chair!!

Christmas with the Williams clan

Here is another one of our favorite Christmas traditions. Every year, we get together with my childhood friend Sandy and the families and let the kids exchange Christmas presents. Then Sandy and I get to torment each other by trying to figure out who can produce the best white elephant gift. I must say, I think I am winning. I mean, the Irish doll with the extra long arm ... come on! The best year, however, was when I managed to produce a calendar with local artists posing naked with their cats (or something to that effect). They were covering all the "special" areas. But they were still naked - and NOT models. I'm not sure that one can be topped. And I don't evern remember what cause they were supporting with this calendar. Sandy?? Your memory is better than mine.

Traditions

Christmas festivities

A couple Christmas favorites ... exploring downtown Seattle (including a horse-drawn carriage ride this year!) and all the glorious lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens.

A Ferry Merry Christmas

Every year my dad and his "circus band" get the honor of playing on a ferry boat for Christmas. The boat is filled with clowns, pirates, musicians, and the guests of honor - mentally disabled kids and adults from around the Pacific Northwest. We felt honored to be "with the band" in order to enjoy this celebration.

A Ferry Merry Christmas