Moving Day

Hop, his dog and the kids

Thanks for all of the help moving.

Mom, Dad, Max, Amanda and Ryan B helped with all of the heavy lifting.

Amy S did us a great service by watching Emma...she was getting a bit too helpful!

Sold!

Her "John Hancock"

...the last time we moved in Aug of 2008

(discovered on the bottom of a moving box)

...and now.

It's 12:22 p.m. ...

...and I'm taking a break from boxes. Taking a break to write thank you notes with

my candy cane pen (with ink that smells like peppermint!), sipping my tall, non-fat, no-whip, two-pump mocha while glancing up occasionally to appreciate the progress we've made in turning this home back into house.

New Year's Eve 2009

We had a pretty quiet New Year's Eve. Jon, who is moving to Seattle,

came over for dinner and to bring the kids birthday presents.

He brought Emma a huge drawing pad and a big package of pastels.

I think he'll be missed!

Jon got Ryan a new bow target. He can't wait to try this out!

Me and Em's first collaboration.

Birthdays 2009

We started our festivities trying for a family photos. The kids were so impressed with my idea to try it without coats. :)

The kids with Hop, Nana, and Buddy

Aaahhhhh...

Emma and her Buddy

We were so glad that Violet could join us.

Max and Amanda made us homemade clam chowder, served in bread bowls. Yum!

Presents!

Emma wasn't getting the presents opened quite fast enough.

Max gave her a few tips.

Violet gave the kids a great gift. She took a plastic utensil box, taped together dollar bills equal to their ages. The package was wrapped with one end slit so a dollar stuck out. Once they pulled on the first dollar, they all came out.

Mom got Emma a new friend....Bella. She made her some clothes and a sleeping bag.

So cute!

Me and Dad.

(I get my smile from him!)

Nine!

Five!

(Photo taken on her actual birth date)

Christmas 2009

Mom and her helpers getting Christmas morning's breakfast ready

on Christmas Eve

Little Miss Enchilada Face

Blokus...Awesome Game!

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Christmas morning

Ryan's most often requested gift

Emma's most requested gift..roller skates

taking a break to play with Strawberry Shortcake

Dad deep friend three turkeys, one plain and to Cajun.

They were DELICIOUS! Not sure I can eat a baked turkey again.