As far as a quick update on us: every one is healthy and happy. Zack is still interviewing for jobs but pretty sure we are heading to Olympia, WA. We'll let you know when we've actually signed!
We are in the middle of winter in the high desert and yet, some days you wouldn't know it. One day we have snow and the next it is 59 degrees and we are out at the park launching rocket balloons. I think that one thing I will really miss about Denver is the weather. I don't even feel like I've hit winter yet. But, I am willing to trade the weather and head to the NW to be able to grow a garden and not have to put lotion and socks on everyone's hands at night.
So, without further delay...here are pictures from the last few months.
The kids were so excited to go out and play in our first big snow. Ashley's favorite part is eating the snow, Amber loves to make snow angels and Alex likes to throw snowballs!
Watch out, he is armed and dangerous!
In November I was able to head out to Washington and take Caleb to meet his Grandma during a trip I had to UW for the Sports Hall of Fame induction.
This is a picture of our boat reunion on the field at Husky Stadium. All but two girls made it to the induction.
Granny came and stayed with us the week after Alex's birthday. The kids loved having her.
Rewind. We attended a Halloween party at church. Ashley was our dragon, Alex the knight defending the fair princess (Amber), I was Belle, Daddy was the Big Bad Wolf, and Caleb was a leopard.
Caleb at 9 months.
So innocent...just wait...
Ashley in the snow.
Alex just loves the snow.
Alex got this mask as a reward for working on his writing. It immediately became part of his armor.
This year Alex decorated his own birthday cake. He had a great time and it saved me quite a bit of work. I think we shall make this an annual event. Didn't he do a great job?
Alex on his 6th birthday. What a haul!
We hosted a birthday party at the house. We had paper airplane contests and cupcakes.
I swear, I only left her alone for 30minutes doing a craft project at the table. She decided to turn the scissors on herself. I guess I should have realized that she really meant it when she said she wanted hair like Alex's.
I spent the next 45 minutes trying to remedy the situation. I think the outcome was good.
My parents and brother came for Christmas. Here is Papa covered in grandchildren.
In December we went to a fun day at the Hammond Candy Factory. The kids had a blast.
Alex emptying the dishwasher...or is he defending truth and righteousness?
This is Caleb's camera face. He does it every time the flash goes off.
I spent the next 45 minutes trying to remedy the situation. I think the outcome was good.
My parents and brother came for Christmas. Here is Papa covered in grandchildren.
In December we went to a fun day at the Hammond Candy Factory. The kids had a blast.
So, we walk up to Santa and Alex whispers to me, "He's not the real one..."
Ashley's favorite part was the train ride. She just loves trains.
Alex emptying the dishwasher...or is he defending truth and righteousness?
This is Caleb's camera face. He does it every time the flash goes off.
One of Alex's favorite gifts was this pirate ship.
During Christmas break we decided to try ice skating. Amber didn't do too well, in fact, she couldn't really stand...at all. But she was a good sport and hung out with Uncle Spencer and Papa quite a bit.
Alex, on the other hand, LOVED skating.
Amber was also a good sport when we decided to try skiing. How could we live in CO and never go to the slopes? Papa fixed that for us and took Alex, Amber, and Alida skiing. It was a blast. The only problem was that it was 21 degrees below zero. We didn't check the weather before we left. Even though we had to quit about 2pm because of the cold, Alex still asked when we were coming back.
Alex was in heaven on the slopes. He loved the challenge.
This is one of Alex's other favorite Christmas gifts: a rocket balloon launcher. We've had so much fun with this at the park. The kids all race around to try and catch the balloon.
This is the "I'm blissfully happy after skiing, when can I come back?" face.
Alex took this picture of Caleb. I'm not sure Caleb appreciated it.
This picture was taken at the 2009 Stock Show. Mickey this one's for you!
Zack let each kid pick a special activity they wanted to do at the stock show. Ashley, of course, chose the train.
There was a petting farm and Ashley was so scared of the goats. It was pretty funny (Zack couldn't resist taking a picture of it.)
Amber's special activity was riding a pony. She's recently developed a thing for horses.
What a bunch!
These were taken this weekend at the park. It was a balmy 59 degrees. Sorry to all you Ann Arborites who had a 30 degree below wind chill. We hope you are able to stay warm! (We almost felt guilty enjoying our weather.)
This was a great day for a snowball fight - watch out Dad! Actually, I think Ashley started the snowball fight.
Ashley and Amber are becoming the best of friends. It is really neat to watch them "bond."
Sad Amber (she insisted on posing sad).
Happy Amber. Hmm...can you say, "Drama Queen?"
Dr. Caleb. Any one sick? Like Father, like son.
Here's the camera face again.
So handsome.
At the park Zack and I asked our friend to snap a shot of us. I don't even remember the last time Zack and I got a picture together. Not bad, eh?
Amber loved her new princess CD player she got for Christmas.
During Christmas break we decided to try ice skating. Amber didn't do too well, in fact, she couldn't really stand...at all. But she was a good sport and hung out with Uncle Spencer and Papa quite a bit.
Alex, on the other hand, LOVED skating.
Amber was also a good sport when we decided to try skiing. How could we live in CO and never go to the slopes? Papa fixed that for us and took Alex, Amber, and Alida skiing. It was a blast. The only problem was that it was 21 degrees below zero. We didn't check the weather before we left. Even though we had to quit about 2pm because of the cold, Alex still asked when we were coming back.
Alex was in heaven on the slopes. He loved the challenge.
This is one of Alex's other favorite Christmas gifts: a rocket balloon launcher. We've had so much fun with this at the park. The kids all race around to try and catch the balloon.
This is the "I'm blissfully happy after skiing, when can I come back?" face.
Alex took this picture of Caleb. I'm not sure Caleb appreciated it.
This picture was taken at the 2009 Stock Show. Mickey this one's for you!
Zack let each kid pick a special activity they wanted to do at the stock show. Ashley, of course, chose the train.
There was a petting farm and Ashley was so scared of the goats. It was pretty funny (Zack couldn't resist taking a picture of it.)
Amber's special activity was riding a pony. She's recently developed a thing for horses.
What a bunch!
These were taken this weekend at the park. It was a balmy 59 degrees. Sorry to all you Ann Arborites who had a 30 degree below wind chill. We hope you are able to stay warm! (We almost felt guilty enjoying our weather.)
This was a great day for a snowball fight - watch out Dad! Actually, I think Ashley started the snowball fight.
Ashley and Amber are becoming the best of friends. It is really neat to watch them "bond."
Sad Amber (she insisted on posing sad).
Happy Amber. Hmm...can you say, "Drama Queen?"
Dr. Caleb. Any one sick? Like Father, like son.
Here's the camera face again.
So handsome.
At the park Zack and I asked our friend to snap a shot of us. I don't even remember the last time Zack and I got a picture together. Not bad, eh?
We were downstairs finishing up dinner when we heard, "I changed my diaper." Zack went upstairs. He came back, got the camera and went back up. Didn't she do a great job? Thank heavens there was no stinky in the old one!
