Happy Birthday Matt!!

I gave Matt perhaps the best birthday present anyone could ask for. I don't mean to toot my own horn here, but I think I did a great job. I provided him with the opportunity to watch the kids all week long while I took a trip to Reno. How many other people would have given such a thoughtful gift? So on the blessed day when Matt turned 34, he started out by not sleeping in and making his own breakfast, then proceeded to take care of any and all kid issues, feed them lunch (provided by Jen and Ben - thanks a bunch guys!) take the kids to the park and make his own meatballs for dinner. He got a little break with a man-date with our friend Aaron. Rachelle watched all the kids and those two went to see the new James Bond movie. What a day! So happy birthday Matt, you are the best! I really owe you :)

Christmas 2008

Family picture overload

So even though Kim was getting ready to close on their new house and even though she was getting ready to go out of town, she was so nice to take our pictures for us. I know there are a ton here, but all I can say is deal with it.

Christmas clothes

For some reason (me) we all wore "Christmas clothes" to church yesterday. Nina got a fancy new dress from Pam, the boys have their same outfits from last year(thank you to my friend for supplying them), Matt inherited his grandpa's pants and tie, and Cameron and I rummaged through our closets and drawers.

Nina has only opened 3 presents so far. Not too bad.


Howie was an obliging camera man.



We're in the process of replacing our family picture which normally sits under that little thing of berries. We're leaning towards the first shot, Matt's backside pretty much sealed the deal.

Driving me crazy

So here's the scene. Nina comes up the stairs with no pants or underwear on.

Me - Nina, where are your pants?
Nina - Um, I don't know.
Me - Did you go pee in your underwear?
Nina - Nope, I didn't.
Me - Why did you take your pants off?
Nina - I don't know.
Me - Go get your pants and underwear and put them back on.
Nina - Okay mom

Nina goes downstairs. I check up on her after a minute or so, still a naked bum.

Me - Why didn't you put your pants on?
Nina - A ghost took them.
Me - Nina, it's not good to tell lies.
Nina - Okay, sorry mom.
Me - Now where are your clothes?
Nina - I don't know.
Me - You can't run around naked, let's put some clothes on.
Nina - I already did.
Me - No, you are still naked.
Nina - No I'm not. I put my underwear on already mom. See?

I did not see anything.

Visiting Santa

We stopped by the mall over the weekend so the kids could talk to Santa. It was a pretty routine visit; nothing unusual, no weird reactions, no off-the-wall comments, no crying and it appears that everyone still believes. I guess that would make it a successful trip.

Welcome home dear

I'm surprised it hasn't happened sooner.

Some snowy fun

It has finally snowed out here! It seems like we usually get our first big snowfall before Halloween, but this year it didn't come until Thanksgiving. Everyone was excited to see the ground covered in snow and our kids wasted no time getting out and playing in it. Donovan was in charge of the activity for our Family Home Evening and he chose to have a snowball fight. The actual snowball fight lasted maybe 1 minute, then it evolved into snow soccer.

Howie was using a lacrosse stick to launch snowballs



A nice slide tackle by Donovan



The kids attacking Matt



Nina guarding their ammunition



Howie and his snow fort



Nina and our snowman



Now a couple of separate items. My brothers and I ran in a Turkey Trot in Highlands Ranch. We all finished the race, some faster than others.



And I love Rock Band. Our band was awesome, okay not really, but we had a lot of fun. I think the drums are HARD!