Christmas Fun

Our Christmas stayed in Arizona this year, as we had Grandpa Tuffy and Grandma Terry from Minnesota wintering here in Phoenix, and Grandpa Clarence and Great Grandma Jackie in town from Honolulu, and Auntie Heather visiting from Toronto, Canada. We celebrated our Christmas on Dec. 23rd so as to include Michael, who had to leave on the 24th on a trip. Santa was able to accommodate our needs and showed up a day early. We had a lovely dinner: Prime Rib from Von Hanson's, glazed carrots, cheesy potato casserole (hotdish for you Minnesotans), ceasar salad, and of course, Freddy's Lefse from Fargo, ND. (thank goodness they ship overnight). Nana Terry made Aunt Mitzi's Pistachio Ice Cream Dessert, too. Much wine flowed, many laughs shared, and God has blessed us all with our health, so overall, it was a very Merry Christmas. We missed our family members who could not be there with us: Love to you all....Auntie Barbara and Uncle Greg in San Francisco, Uncle Cory, Auntie Jenna, Cousins Jaida, Madyn, and Carter in Hastings, MN, Uncle Nate in Sartell, MN, and Godmother and honorary Auntie Stephanie in Eden Prairie, MN. The boys got very spoiled...even in a year where we tried to "tone it down a bit". We're in a recession, right? I'm off to clean out the playroom to make room for new toys. We wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year in 2009!!


Our Christmas card this year...hope you all received yours in the mail!

Ethan was excited and willing to sit on Santa's lap again this year, especially considering he got to tell him all of the things that he wanted. Of course, his requests changed from day to day, so he kept us all hopping.

Nana stops Ethan from sneaking cookies before Christmas Dinner!

Mommy and her boys all dressed up for church

Present opening day just couldn't come fast enough for two eager little boys.

The boys clean up nicely once in awhile.

Attempting photos with Grandpa and Grandma

We celebrated on the 23rd so Daddy could be with us. Michael left on a trip on the 24th. Grandpa Clarence, Auntie Heather, and Great Grandma Jackie were all in town, as well as Grandpa Tuffy and Grandma Terry. The boys were spoiled rotten...SHOCKING, I know.

Ethan's new passion...

Ethan has decided that he wants to play Hockey. We finally convinced him that it might be a good idea to learn how to skate first. He's managing to stay up on his feet longer and longer each week.

Ice Skating in the Desert? Who knew?

Michael has purchased a hockey stick for him...soon, we can attempt the "hockey" part.

Girls Trip to Mazatlan - December 1-6

These were the hilariously funny barstools at Senor Frog's Bar and Grill. Doesn't take much to entertain us old women.

Stacy Lesly, Jill Kaske and I got away for about a week and did some relaxing and sightseeing.

Jill and I are lifelong, childhood friends and it was nice to catch up and bond.

Halloween 2008

Grandpa Clarence and Great Grandma Jackie stopped by for trick or treating.

We like to gather with our neighbors Andrej and Aga and their two sons before going out together in our neighborhood. In case you're wondering, Stacey was a "Ceiling Fan" and Michael went as a Dad/Airline Pilot/ Husband. No Halloween Spirit. :(

Two scary skeletons (their new favorite jammies)

When can we go? When can we go? When can we go?

Bumblebee and Octopus Crime (aka Optimus Prime) - The "Good" Transformers.

Ryan's 3rd Birthday

Ryan chose a "Garbage Truck" theme for his party, so he LOVED his Garbage Truck gift.

We had some of our regular playdate friends over for pizza and cake

Great Grandma Jackie from Honolulu and Grandpa Clarence helped us celebrate

Godmother Stephanie spent a day and a half constructing the most amazing Garbage Truck Birthday cake for Ryan. It was truly a labor of love. We are grateful for her friendship.

Ryan and his Godparents, Uncle Nate and Auntie Stephanie

Stacey's Escape to Sedona with the Girls

Girls Trip to Sedona, Arizona - Escaping Life for Awhile

The view from the Cathedral in Sedona

Cocktails at Enchantment Resort

Sightseeing in Oak Creek Canyon

The sights while on our Pink Jeep Tour

A little piece of Heaven on Earth

A great time with good friends Stephanie and Susan

Our Latest Family Photos

We were very blessed to have the lovely and talented Caroline Reed take our family portraits last week. I am only sharing a few of our favorites so as not to spoil the surprise for our Christmas cards. Thank you, Caroline, for capturing our cherubs in a beautiful way. Check out more of her work at http://carolinereedphotography.blogspot.com

Up the Mountain to Cool Off!

We took a little drive up to Flagstaff a couple of weeks ago so that we could cool off from these triple digit temperatures. We're almost entering October now and it's still a high of 102.
The boys were absolutely captivated watching the "big boys" ride their bikes and do tricks at the bike park in Flagstaff.

We started to fly our kite, but after a few minutes, those storm clouds in the background became a bit more ominous. Ethan freaked out when he saw lightning and it was all over.

It was so nice to be able to play outdoors in that nice cool breeze of the mountains. We're getting closer to many playdays outside here in Phoenix...

The view from the bottom of the climber...

No, Mommy....don't help me! I can jump by myself!

Ethan and his new "cheezy" smile....he tries too hard now. Perhaps he's just sick of his mother always shooting photos. A girl can take a hint.

All 3 of my boys just a swingin'. All in all, an enjoyable trip up the Mountain. A change of scenery is always nice...Michael gets to have those every single week when he flies! It was our turn. :)

Boys and the Big Boy Toys...

My Honda has NOTHING on this John Deere tractor at Grandpa's house in Minnesota. The boys always find some "work" to do with Grandpa Tuffy on the tractor. We do have a 3rd garage available for something green to be parked. :)

Mom, When can we go Trick-or-Treating???

The begging has already commenced. WHEN is Halloween? WHEN can we go trick-or-treating? WHEN can I wear my costume out in the neighborhood? It makes me want to become a ghost myself and disappear for awhile. "Mommy, what are YOU going to be for Halloween?" I'm open to suggestions.

Singing in the Monsoon...

Ryan shows off his "umbrella skills" during a monsoon storm on August 26th.

When it rains in the desert, it's a BIG DEAL, so we get out & play in it (until lightening begins)

Splish, splash in the puddles!!! The rain feels so good....

First Day of Preschool at Bright Beginnings

Ethan started Pre-K on July 28th at Bright Beginnings School in Chandler. It's a fabulous program and we're so pleased that he got in there. It's also a charter school that goes through 6th grade, so he'll be able to stay there next year as well. He's loving his new friends and his teachers!

More shots from MN...

The boys splash around in chilly Maple Lake

Ethan catches "Willy Walleye", but he's too small to eat

Girlfriends Stephanie and Brenda came up to relax...

Our annual trip to the Fertile Fair - WOW! New motorcycles!

Ryan: King of the Sandcastle