Happy Holidays!

I guess it's traditional for people to write an end of the year letter - but who are we for tradition?? At least we got family pictures taken (finally! And all thanks to Maureen!), and sent out two days before Christmas - really, we are ahead of the game! But as for a year recap - we have had an extremely busy, happy, wonderful year. In this last year, the boys turned 4, Bailey turned 3, Sierra turned 11, Olivia turned 10 and Dane just turned 14! We moved from Renton back to Seattle (YAY!), Chris got a new job, the kids started a new daycare and preschool, and I grew 4" ... just kidding - just wanted to see if anyone was reading. Oh - and we GOT MARRIED! We had a beautiful, wonderful wedding and a relaxing honeymoon. As for other things - we had a HOT and busy summer - we have already had some snow and ice in Seattle- and last week we had no power for a day after the wind storm. The kids couldn't understand the whole no power thing - they wanted to watch TV, or a movie, or play X-box, or get on the computer, or just turn on ONE light. At one point, Trent came running up with a VHS movie and asked me if it would work - I think he thought since it was the "old" kind of movie, there wouldn't be a problem! Other than all that - we are blessed to have Dane here with us - and he is THRIVING! We miss Sierra and Olivia terribly and hope to see them soon. Wyatt, Trent and Bailey are growing in leaps and bounds and are all as funny and wonderful as ever. Chris and I are doing really well - happy, healthy, and loving life every day!

Bailey, Trent, Dane & Wyatt

Wyatt, Bailey & Trent with Santa ...

wating for candy canes!

Getting all the kids to smile at the same

time was ROUGH!!!

What a fun morning and relaxing day!

Grandma Maureen and Aunt Megan came over to see all the new gifts the kids got!

Aren't Chris's new glasses nice?

Dane putting together Trent's big lego firetruck

Baileys likes her new doodle pad

Dane & Bailey having fun

Wyatt excited about his new batman tv!

Wyatt & Bailey seeking what's hidden under the blanket (hint: it's the kitchen!)

7am - all kids awake - a little tired, but ready to go!

A sneak-peek at Bailey's new kitchen!

Gifts under the tree waiting for the chaos of morning

Stockings hung on the bookshelf with care ...

Ah, the joys of putting the toys together before morning time!

Family dinner & gift opening at Todd & Stacy's

Tonight we all went to Todd & Stacy's for a wonderful meal of prime rib and twice bake potatoes - followed by incredible desserts. And, of course, a TON of presents for all!My three boys ...

Trent, our wonderful salad eater, came in for extra salad later then got a cookie - YUM!

Uncle Todd getting some one-on-one time with Dane's PSP

Amber checking out the calender that Todd & Stacy made for everyone - full of family pictures and memories!

Nick & Maureen opening a gift from ... hey - we know that picture!

Bailey loving her new clothes from KC & Mandy!

Abby, Bailie and Trent watching as Wyatt opens his My Twin doll!

A house full of family for dinner at Stacy & Todd's!

Bailie playing a good game of air hockey with Dane - only they were playing with about three pucks at the same time!

Taking a break from present time for a game of air hockey

Dane getting into his gifts!

Wyatt got some cool new high tops!

Bailey LOVES her new shoes!

Bailie, Bailey, Wyatt & Trent all getting gifts from Aunt Megan

Abby June devouring her candy-cane and ripping into present #1!

Abby, Bailey, Bailie, Trent, Wyatt & Dane waiting in front of the tree ...

Bailie, Abby, Wyatt & Trent checking out the presents

Hanging out with Holly & Ruby

Tonight Carrie had a winter solstice event at her studio so we went over and visited with Ruby and Holly for awhile - the kids all loved it. The boys think Ruby is about the cutest kid around - which is true!

You can't tell by the look on her face, but Ruby REALLY likes this cookie!

Trent & Wyatt with Ruby!

Trent was so silly - everytime I took a picture of him - he did a plie'

Holly, Ruby, Dane, Bailey, Trent & Wyatt haning out at Carries pottery studio

Today Dane is 14!!!!!

Today Dane turned 14 - crazy, how does time go by so fast? Dane decided he wanted to have a litte party - it was a lot of fun. He had some friends he has known since he was litte, as well as new friends from school

Nothing beats pizza, chips and cake!

Chris getting in on the gaming action

Lots of kids and dualing X-box games in Danes room!

Doughnut Time! Or is it Donut? Whatever, they are YUMMY!

Yum! Sprinkle donuts from Mandy!

Wyatt really likes his donut!

Trent enjoying his sprinkle donut from Mandy

Decorating our tree ...

... introducing Bailey - our littlest elf!

Wyatt getting into the decorating spirit!

The power is back on! Trent and Wyatt looking (& listening) very serious as they play on the computer

The night the lights went out in Seattle ...

On December 14th at about 10:30pm, the power went out during a STRONG windstorm. The next morning when the kids woke up - all schools were canceled, and - no power for the rest of the day! The kids were really good about the entire thing - I think they stayed warm by running behind me and blowing out each candle after I lit them! Thank goodness for the flash on the camera today - otherwise, all pictures would like like the one directly below!

This is the at the same time as the above picture -

without the flash!!! Nice candle in the background ....

Dane and I went on a walk as soon as

the power went out!