Happy 2009

So, it's almost the end of January and I'm just getting around to wishing everyone a Happy New Year. We've been busy and my blog is suffering. It's hard for me to sum up the past few weeks so I'll just post some recent pics of the girls instead. Again, Happy New Year!!!


Just an idea of HOW much snow we have
here. Ugh. I'm so done with it.


I leave Annie alone at the drawing desk for like
5 seconds and this is what I come back to.
I still don't know how she managed to do this
without falling on her face. Pure talent and no
fear is my guess.


Trying on mom's slippers


Sam & Rachel's first official sleepover.



Just wanted to remind myself of what IS
coming in a few months.

Christmas - Part 1

Ahh, back to work, back to regular nap schedules, back to chaos in the morning...great. We REALLY enjoyed our time off over the holidays. We slept in (when Annie cooperated), spent a large number of days in our PJ's and spent some much needed time together as a family.

We enjoyed Christmas three times this year w/ the Strangs, Lesters and ourselves. We spent the weekend after Christmas in Cascade with my family. My cousin and her boyfriend were home from San Diego so we were anxious to get back and spend time with them.

We spent Saturday opening gifts, eating LOTS of food and playing Wii. My neice and nephew got a Wii for Christmas and they brought it out to the farm so we could all play. Even Grandpa learned to bowl. I don't like to brag, but I did bowl a 267 and mangaged to beat my brother, husband and brother-in-law in that game. I totally rule.

Thanks to mom and dad for letting us stay a few extra days and especially for feeding us, not an easy job considering how much Annie eats in a day!

Grandpa doing what he does best.

Annie doing what she does best....sometimes.

Rachel playing Wii bowling

Scott's festive, and scary, holiday sweater.

Rachel's favorite...puzzles. Thankfully Grandma was

around to help.

Chritmas - Part 2

Our 2nd Christmas was our time at home. We woke up early Christmas morning and watched the girls open gifts. While Rachel was busy opening presents, Annie was busy eating a cookie that Santa left behind. She sat, by herself, for about 10 min eating that cookie. Nothing comes between her and food, especially food with chocolate chips in it!

Annie and her cookie

Reading the letter from Santa.

Santa even remembered Ruby, a new cat bed.

Christmas - Part 3

Our first Christmas was with the Lester family, the weekend before Christmas. We had it at our house and everyone arrived early so we could eat some breakfast and open presents. Unfortunatly the weather didn't cooperate with our plans so everyone had to go back home by mid-afternoon.

After we opended presents and attempted to clean-up the basement, Grammy and Papa put on an Christmas concert for us. Lori asked that they please bring their guitar and flute and sing songs for the kids, a tradition when Scott and Lori were younger. The grandkids LOVED it so it looks like we can carry on the tradition with our kids.


Encore Encore





Annie was fascinated

Rachel's gift, wrapped just for her by Papa

Papa w/ Ella & Annie

Annie and the bows she stole, I see a hint of guilt in those eyes.

Scott & Rachel took advantage of the snow and went sledding.