Day at the beach

So I got char a flip video for her birthday and today we decided to use it. We went on a family trip to Newport today, and took Maurnee along. It was a beautiful day for January on the Oregon Coast.

Christmas 2009

Christmas was wonderful this year. We had a great Christmas morning and a easy relaxing Christmas day. The kids didn't get up too early but after they did get up we opened our Santa gifts and then had breakfast. After breakfast we continued opening our gifts. We open them one at a time so that we can all see what everyone else gets and so that Christmas lasts a little longer. My parents had us do it the same way growing up and I was always glad to know that Christmas would last more that 30 minutes. Plus it gives the kids a chance to be excited for each other and to thank each other for their gifts.

Benson really enjoyed Christmas but I think his favorite part was the candy canes. You cant see it very well but Jut is using pliers to break Benson's candy cane for him. Santa put a notebook and a pen in each of the kids stockings and our girls love a good notebook. Alexis got a new addition to her Fur Real Friends collection, which she has been adding to since she was five. Natalie asked for an alarm clock which she got and it has been fun to see her start to use the independence it provides. We have had to shut it off for her a few times but she is getting better about waking up to it.


Ava is a big fan of Polly pockets and she got a large addition to her collection for Christmas. It is so fun to watch her play with them and use her imagination to give them life. Ava and Natalie both love princess and they have a wonderful time with Snow White and Spinderella. (that is how Ava says Cinderella, it is very cute).


Benson got two different toys that drive, he loved them until they started moving toward him and then he began to cry and run away. Benson loved playing with this hot seat, he sat on it for quite a while and would squeal every time one of his sisters wanted a turn.


After the presents had been cleared out from under the tree Benson decided that hiding behind the tree and playing peekaboo was a great idea. One of my favorite Christmas moments was Benson opening his first present. I loved seeing how excited the girls were for him to open his gift. Christmas is such a magical time and I am so grateful I have four wonderful children and an amazing husband to share it with.

We are so grateful to our Heavenly Father for the gift of his Son and for the chance that we have to return to him through Christ's sacrifice. We have been so blessed in a year that for many was one of great trial and we are especially grateful for each other and the love that we share.

Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve our good neighbor Ed that some of you have already read about in our Christmas letter came over so we could spend a moment with him before he took off to be with his family. Like always he spoiled the kids and gave them all a doll and a little spending money. Benson on the other hand got a little basket ball toy that he could play with. Ed figured that he was ready for a basket ball toy after Benson started grabbing the balls from Ed's pool table and throwing them at us.

Here is Ed Playing Santa Clause...

Next is the girls spreading reindeer food on the lawn, and Benson enjoying some Christmas Oranges.

The Thomas Christmas Party!!

This was the second year for our white elephant Christmas party. We expanded the invitation list and we had a great time. You never know what you might get when you open one of the gifts. We had everything from Oregon Duck gear to a dog fur hair piece. Thanks for all those who came and to those who couldn't be there, you were missed.

Ren brought a pair of his white silver tabs (they still have the tags on them, its a long story) and a broken X-box, Noah gave to coolest marshmallow gun I have ever seen and Brandon brought an assortment of Duck gear.

Rachelle made the dog fun hair piece and I must admit it was not a hit but it made for a good laugh. She and Jeff also brought an eclectic plunger a.k.a. a plunger with an extension cord glued to the end. Jeff opened the robe that he is wearing in this picture and he lounged around in it for the rest of the party. And as you can see Megan went home with everything she needed to be Santa's little helper. Good times. Thanks everyone.