Little Rascals

Everyone always tells you, "enjoy this time with your kids, because is goes by so fast." And it does, but sometimes it feels like each day drags on soooooo long and is never going to end. But these two provide lots of comic relief, which really does make life enjoyable.

Samuel loves hats and drinks.

I regularly find that he has put Mr. Potato Head's glasses on the back of his head by himself.

You don't want to laugh at them (because it just encourages them) and what they are doing is dangerous, but it is also hilarious and cute at the same time. Climbing in the washer and dryer and standing on the dining room table and trying to walk (not crawl) up steps are just a few of Samuel's latest tricks.

Dennison LOVES star wars right now and it cracks me up. I laugh when Mike gets assigned to be C3PO because it is about the farthest thing from his personality (useless endless talking) and when Sam gets assigned R2D2 because it really does fit him (little noises, not words, zooming around getting into trouble). I of course always default to the only girl, princess Leia.

Although he is a wild man at home much of the time, in primary he is a little angel. He gave his first talk in primary and Sunday and did a really great job. We are so proud of him.

This is classic Dennison, need I say more.

A Luau in February?

...I say, "Why not?"

After self diagnosing my self with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) I thought that I could shake of some of the doldrums in the dull grey months of January/February by planning and hosting a fun party for Mike's family. Although we get to see them at a monthly Sunday dinner, we rarely play host and invite everyone to our house for fun. I got a great deal on pork shoulder and I thought, why not have a luau and serve Kalua Pig? We decorated with tropical sea life, made some really good food had a great time.

Samuel and Dennison dressed up as surf bums and Mike donned a classic Hawaiian shirt and grass skirt.

Dennison offered our guests a traditional Hawaiian greeting with a lei, an "Aloha", and kisses.

We had a "Hula" hoop competition and we had lots of great sports who participated. Ella and Kristine were the big winners of the night as the hula-hoop co-champions. We also did a limbo with the kids and it was really fun. Debbie was the limbo queen, her balance and flexibly were amazing, way to go Deb!

Putting the BLAH in BLOG

Well, I am way overdue for a new post, an entire season has almost passed and some of our readers could probably care less about what we did for Christmas last year. However, I do have a pipe dream of someday putting together a book from this blog so I will include some of the happenings from the past couple of months for history's sake.

A conversation overheard at our house.

" What are those cracks?"

"What cracks?"

"Right there, those cracks on your face?"

"They're wrinkles, you get them from having children."

"Look mom, you have 'em too."

Thank you Dennison, for observing that we have passed our prime.

Christmas Vacation 2010

The last few weeks of December were jam packed full of all kinds of adventures. Below are some photos and quick captions of the highlights.

Zoo lights with Aunt DeNae.

Cousin Sophie's wedding and a visit from DeNae and Grandma.

Christmas party at Nana and Papa's.

A surprise visitor to our house.

Through security and onto a plane to grandmothers house we go.

Meeting cousin Esme and crazy aunt Eve.

Mmmmm...hot chocolate.

Trekking around to find the perfect Kentucky Christmas tree.

Aunt Emma and Dennison bundled up....it was sooooo cold!

Setting up luminaries on Hawthorne Lane for Christmas Eve.

Scrub a dub dub dub!

Christmas morning mayhem!

A documenting photo of a rare white Christmas in Kentucky after a round of B-Ball.

Big Bone Lick state park had an awesome display of life size ice-age mammals.

A herd of bison at Big Bone Lick.

Giant icicles hanging on the limestone.

Watching Eve and Emma play a little high school hoops. And Eve even made a buzzer beater 3 pointer, way to go Eve!

Back in the car...again!

A stinky game of cards at the cabin.

Our sentiments exactly, Abby.

Knocking down some clay pigeons.

A wagon ride in the snow.

Sammy loves getting tossed around.

An escape to a cabin in eastern Kentucky.

A definite upgrade from four years ago.

DeNae passing down some of her tree climbing skills to the next generation.

A Dennison brigade across the river.

It was fun to get together with the family over the holidays, we hope you all had fun too!