It's all in the chromosomes.....

When Amber and Zane were here she, Dalin, and Nikkie and I went out to see the "honk-a-copter" (see the pictures from the previous posts from Christmas). Much to our dismay...as we were getting out of the parked van we heard a tale tell hissing sound...yep...a flat tire. Knowing we had a honk-a-copter calling our names, which is FAR more important than any ole' flat tire, the pesky hissing was temporarily ignored and off we went. Hissing? What hissing? Returning to the car, hoping for a little Christmas miracle, the tire was ...alas...still sounding like a snake. We aired it up at the closest gas station and headed for Costco to see if anyone was there that could fix it for us. We parked the car and with Nikkie's help, Dalin did his Houdini thing and he was free- car seats are something these days - and we headed for the service door. Dalin seemed oblivious to the whole situation gleefully holding Grandma's hand as we approached the store. With a double take of the Michellin Man nobly standing guard an almost reverent hush coated his voice as he whispered in restrained yet quivering anticipation, "Is this a.....a.... TIRE STORE!?!?!" Good thing I had the door handle to hold on to...other wise I would have literally been rolling on the floor laughing!!! It has to be a guy thing.....


This next picture is just for Amber and Zane:

This is what I found after Ciara's bath....comforting to know some things never change!

The Glorious Chaos!!

Oh, we had so much fun at Christmas!

Papa reading "Seven" to Ciara


"Ummmmmm, Zane, I think that was supposed to be for Dalin."



Is this the cutest little angel??

Family fun

Dalin taking my picture with his new camera.

Happy little face!

I love the excitement! Can't you just feel it??

I think Jasi liked this one!!

These pictures are out of order but I couldn't get them rearranged - this was the big entrance!

Patiently waiting to go upstairs to see if Santa came.

Dalin and Amber were waiting too!

Thank you Zane and Amber for coming and joining us this year!

Thanks to ALL our family for their kindness and love and support!! We love you all!!!!

Christmas Fun

This Christmas Amber and Zane their little ones got to come to Montana. We had lots of fun with each other doing crafts, playing games, reading the Christmas story in the Bible and of course opening presents.

We made Rice Crispy Treat sculptures - this is Jasi's bunny


Jace, the eating machine was waiting patiently to "try out" the sculptures!


We even did some painting


Picaso Dalin painted a little bit of everything :-)

Flying High!

Our newest family member, Nikkie, was successful in her bid to make the Help Flight Team for St. Vincent's Hospital. We are soooo proud of her!! Dalin was waaaaay excited to go see her "honk-a-copter"!!

Amber and Nikkie


Dalin - in heaven


He smiled the whole time!

Christmas Concert

Jasmine had her annual Christmas Concert. She looked beautiful as you can see! The 4th grade class always gets to play their recorders. It was so fun and they did a fantastic job!




Waiting to perform!

10 Years Old!

My Doodlebug turned 10 on December 1st. My how time flies!! I love you Jasi!!

Announcements

As I was looking again at this recent picture of Amber and Zane and three of my angels, I began thinking about how the "announcements" of life are our mile markers. I was thinking about both Matt and Amber's engagement announcements and what wonderful people they both found. I was thinking about how they each have grown with their sweethearts. I was thinking about each of my angels and how excited I was at the announcement of each of their forthcoming arrivals. I love my family. I live for them and would give that same life for them. I am truly blessed.

Pumpkin Fun with Jasmine!

Jasmine and Chantile had a fun pumpkin adventure on Thursday thanks to gorgeous weather and no school! Here are some pictures Chantile sent me from their outing. Looks like they had a great time! (Ciara - Jasmine said today made her think of all the fun we have had on Halloween together and that she sure misses you!!)

What a cute scare crow!


Jasmine picked out a pumpkin for Papa and I as well. THANK YOU JASI!! We are going to carve them next Friday. I'll post pictures of that too!!



Just hangin' around

Jasi being ....... Jasi (I love that girl)

To the Bat cave!

Things That Make You go Hmmmmmmm

"Now why would you ask me if our water is OK?" Phhhhh ... ".....silly question....."

2nd Annual Piano Recital

Jasmine is in her second year of piano lessons and Chantile and I went to her 2nd recital tonight. She really is improving and it was oh so fun to hear her play. She is getting so grown up!! Love you, Doodlebug!!





So grown up!



My beautiful girls!!