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.