Christmas 2010

Santa brunch a few weeks before Christmas. Jackson was talking Santa's ear off. I literally had to pull him away so other kids could get a chance to tell him what they wanted for Christmas. Julia had the opposite reaction. She tucked her head down a started to cry when I put her up in the chair. She was okay before that with walking around.

Christmas morning Santa brought several instruments!

Grandma and Granddad Rhamy picked out this puzzle for Julia.

Julia's opening the gift that Jackson picked out for her. Moon dough, which is a never drying playdough. But, it's extremely messy! It's already banned to the outside!

Hooray! Santa brought Jackson his violin. At first, he was a little upset that it wasn't a "real" violin. But, it has quickly become a favorite present.

Julia's 1st bike from Santa and Jackson has a real scooter. Both have been riding them around the house since it's been a White Christmas this year.

Safari exploring gear that is an incremental part of Jackson's wardrobe.

Cody even has a stocking from Santa.

Things I love....

I was lucky enough to catch this moment. I was just going through my pictures and saw this photo. It made me smile:)

Change in gears... documenting a near death experience

About 2 months ago, my husband went on a guys trip to Costa Rico with some of his high school buddies. One of them was turning 40 (as did Scott this year) and decided to take advantage to celebrate big. On of the adventures they did was white water rafting down the Rio Naranjo. Above, is Scott contemplating his decision to go. I swear I can see him thinking, "I rather be hanging out just drinking beer"!

And, now you can see why! It was a class 4 rapid in areas! None of these guys had rafted in many years, if ever! Scott said the guide gave them a look of "oh great" when he asked their experience levels.

I just want to yell "PULL" with the above shot. Scott is front left with biceps burning.

Scott told be to say "WTF"! They literally thought they were going to die. Apparently the raft went underwater several times! Glad I didn't know this as I was probably watching TV back home.

Scott, after the rapids, looks glad to be on solid ground again!

At Work...

This weekend I had my partner in redecorating crime come over so we could move, ponder, and attempt to recreate spaces in my house. It was so much fun! It's amazing what you can do with what you already have. You just have to move it around. We moved chairs, tables, and taped curtain ideas to windows. There was just the occasional yell for mom given that we did this with 4 kids under 5 in the house!

I came out of it with some many ideas and this urgency to find what I need. We later, with 3 of 4 kids (you know who was left at home), went to Izzie's furniture consignment shop. Early in the week, we had gone their to just see what they had and found 2 beautiful club chairs. At that time I wasn't in the market but now my family room chair is in the living room. I have a large bay window in my family room that I want to find 2 club chairs and an oval table two set in the middle with a lamp. The chairs were a pretty bluish green background with fine brown check stitched checks. Perfect to off set the dark brown rug and bring out different accent colors within the rug. Only problem - the fabric is silk! With 2 kids under 5, I don't think so! Needless to say, I'm still on the hunt.

"I'm like 4 and a half"

This morning, as we were watching Sesame Street, Julia was pointing out a baby. Jackson said, "Julia's not a baby anymore but she's still young." I agreed and told him that he was also still young. He really disagreed and said, "I'm old because I'm like four and a half". Well, who can argue with that!

Halloween Fun!

Jackson's saving the day and attacking the monster aka Uncle Eric.

Vampires!

Pirates!

Stormtrooper!

Fall time fun!

How tall are you this fall?

Carter's Mountain apple picking

If I could only get that one!

Jackson standing in a field of "olive trees". He loves them because Vincent Van Gogh paints them.

Just plain beautiful!