HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2007 was a great year for us. We are hoping that 2008 will be even better.

Happy New Year to all.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve morning at the Powells of Alexandria, Pennsylvania

Down on the Farm

View from the front porch.

Snow melt

Visit to Ridgway

We made a Christmas visit to Ridgway to see Elias's great-grandparents. Here's a picture of Elias and his great-grandmother singing and looking at the Christmas tree.

Lucas and Jaime

These are my first cousins once removed--Jaime (on the left) and Lucas (on the right). Both gorgeous. If you look closely you will see Jenny doing something suspicious in the background, I don't know what. It was my first time meeting Jaime (and no, I didn't drop her, although it sort of looks like I might).

Two Hats

Elias's First Snowfall

Elias' first snow

It began to snow today and was cold enough to stick on the ground so Elias and I decided we must go out and play. This is really the first time Elias has experienced a snow shower.

Getting a closer look.

I think I can walk around in this.

Yes, definitely I can walk in this.


Hey look! Those are the tracks Uncle Mike made when he drove on our lawn at Thanksgiving.

I like snow.

Sorry Mom, I think I am going to stay out here for awhile.

If the snow keeps up, we are planning to go out later when it is deeper.

Lastly, here are pictures of our Christmas tree (the angel is having some issues).

Elias insists that it remain lit at all times.

Weekend with Dad

It wasn't a bloodbath (like for poor Tucker), but there was hot chocolate...

...and coloring!

Happy Halloween

This was Elias' first American Halloween experience. In Germany they don't really celebrate Halloween, so Elias got his first real taste this year.

Our little dragonfly went trick-or-treating for the first time. Unfortunately, we had a long day of driving back from a visit to Baltimore and then to pick up Matt at the airport, so this is how he looked as we started the night.

We went to a few houses and then we decided to trick-or-treat at the Juniata dorms. A few animal crackers and a dum dum lollipop later, this is how our dragonfly was doing.

Once he figured out that they were giving him food, he was ready with hands outstretched (a natural).

We got slowed down at one point in the girls dorm by a set of three way mirrors. Elias really thought he looked sharp in his costume. We agree!

Happy Halloween.

Two of Elias's Favorite Things

Elias loves to play outside. There is always something fun to do...


and chew... and climb.

Elias also loves to take a bath, which is good after playing outside all day.

He enjoys the crazy hairstyles.

But, he doesn't always like getting his head wet!

Elias Chatting

Here is video of Elias taken yesterday as requested by his cousin Jack.

Elias and the Pumpkin Patch

Grandma Annie came up for a visit and we took a trip to the pumpkin patch. Elias was thrilled! First there was a big haystack that Grandma helped him climb up.

Then we headed to the pumpkin patch where Elias inspected (thoroughly) many pumpkins.

He finally found the perfect one!

He seemed to be very happy with his choice.

He helped Grandma Annie with her selection and even offered to carry her pumpkin as well.

After pumpkin picking we decided to introduce Elias to the reindeer! Matt fed them and Elias tried to pet them.

Elias was so thrilled with his pumpkin that he played with it well into the night!

Elias at the Door

Taffy Pulling

Elias got a visit from his Aunt Megan and Uncle Chris. To give them that down-home Pennsylvania experience, we made taffy, just like when we were kids spending the night at Grandma and Grandpa's. The recipe is Grandma's great-grandmother's. I can't say we did it justice, but it tasted pretty good.

1st Haircut

Aunt Megan came for a visit and we decided that this was a good time for Elias to get his first non-Mom haircut. With Megan on the camera and Elias on his Mom's lap all went smoothly.

Here is Elias getting his first snip. He was soon able to witness what was happening firsthand after a bang trim.

The only scary part was the clippers! Elias did not allow the use of those. Mom was glad too.

Unlike his father, Elias likes a little hair gel.


Finally, here is a shot of a mullet free Elias.

Spaghetti / Hair Gel Anyone?