Christmas

We had a quiet Christmas. Got great gifts. The only ones we really had to open today were from Matt and Mickie and they were really nice. Thanks Matt and Mickie! Tanner especially loves his Tonka truck. He gets in the back and pushes it around. We got money and gift cards from other people so no surprises there, but that is totally fine. We got some things we've been wanting like a toaster oven and bowling shoes. Other than that we got our TV and entertainment center last month. We spent most of our day at Paul and Paula's with them and some friends from back home.

Mmm Fudge

He ate the whole thing, and really fast.

Grades are out!

And Nate got all A's. Well, and an A-, but that is still all A's. It bumped his gpa up enough to give him an academic scholarship. However, he might have to take 14 credits to get it and he might not be able to fit it in his schedule. So, we'll see, but it's still exciting. He's done so well.

Taking his own medicine

Got in on video

Tanner is feeling a little more brave now. I was doing something and noticed him trying to take some steps on his own, so I pulled out the camera. Watch how he tries to find his balance, and how long it takes. Don't worry the video is about 35 seconds or so, I think.

3 steps

Tanner took 3 steps today! I think it was a fluke, he hasn't done it again. He is 16 months, so he's gotta walk soon. It is kind of funny, he will brace himself against a wall or something then put his arms up in the air as if it is helping him keep his balance and h.e'll stand for a few seconds then fall. Even when he took his steps his arms were high in the air. Wonder if that will stick. That would be interesting. I will try and catch him on video.

Finally finished

Tanner's stocking took me a year to finish. It is cross stitched, and the most complicated one I've ever done. Guess I better start on the next babies now and maybe it will be done by next Christmas.

Correction

Nate wanted me to add this about the Smart Grant. He said it wasn't just given to him for being in the major he is, it was because he has a high GPA also and he is a full time student, which he didn't really need to be this next semester. He only needs 1 class and his internship. We were looking forward to more family time and less stress for him, but he is taking a few extras to get the grant. But his classes aren't all hard. He is taking an auto class for fun, well, and because it would be extremely helpful, and he will probably be able to do half his internship during Christmas break, lightening the load next semester.

Pays to be Smart

Have you heard of the Smart Grant? Well, I guess it is for certain majors, mostly really hard ones like engineering and sciences. Well, Nate's major has been Exercise Science but they switched the name of it to Exercise Physiology, so now he qualifies. He is given $4000 just for being in the major he is. That is on top of the Pell Grant. Such a blessing! BYU-Idaho and the Government have been so generous with us. We have received thousands of dollars from both places to pay for our school and avoid student loans. Once graduate school hits though there aren't as many opportunities for grants, just loans. Guess we'll put this money aside for later.

Sumo Wrestling

Kelly and I had the chance to see Sumo Wrestling. It was everything you could hope for. I've posted two videos that we took and a picture. The guy in the picture is named Manny "Tiny" Yarbrough. He is 6'8" and 740 lb. Yes I put in the right figures. He goes to a junk yard to get weighed. The videos are "Tiny" and another guy. Basically it is Big vs. Small. The heaviest against the lightest. I thought it was pretty funny. The other video is the championship for the competition. The Japanese sumo is undefeated and as you can see continues to hold that record. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed every minute of it. Kelly said at first she felt like she shouldn't have been checking out their rear ends, but you can't not look! Every time I see this I laugh. Hope you enjoy it as well.

Pray

Tanner is learning how to pray.

Allergy?

Nate gave Tanner some peanut butter and this is what happened just minutes later. Looks like he may be allergic. It has happened a few times before, but I never knew if it was the peanuts. Bummer huh? I love peanut anything.