A Happy New Year to all!

 
 

It was merry!

 Cookies and milk for Santa.
 Oats for Rudolf and Company.
 A set of real tools from Grandpa.
 A "toomongous" pirate ship from Cousin Campbell.

 Dress up from Grandma Marlene.
 Toys and books for Emers.

 Santa came to town.
 Dinner for 20. Cozy!
 

Grandma makes it to the Farkel Championship. Tim wins again. A very "Good" Christmas! Thanks all, for more special memories! Only one tired police dog is disappointed in the way things turned out this Christmas...a story I'd love to tell but won't. Tee hee.

She is so cool!

Ryker and Emerson are sitting on the floor today and Emerson lets out her longest and loudest burp to date. "Mom, she is so tool!" Ryker says proudly.

Christmas and cruise albums will be blogged just as soon as I get a minute. New toys are interfering with productivity around here.

our cruise through the caribbean was great fun. the islands were beautiful. the beaches were breathtaking. the company was superb. the weather cooperated. the kids behaved. all in all...a very good time!!! will post more pics later - MUCH later. things are about to get a little bit hectic around here with just a few short days before the holidays.

...so be good for goodness sake!

Ryker has been quite concerned about the possibility that Santa won't make it into our home. You'd think the makers of the gas fireplace might have considered Santa in the design process! Ryker was assured that Santa would use his magical powers to squeak in through even the smallest hole but is now concerned that there might be magical bad guys out there who can do the same. Oh dear. I think Daddy is going to have to use his magic spray to seal up those ity bity holes and perhaps we'll hang a special key on the front door that only Santa knows how to use. Ryker asked Santa for a computer, calculator and real dirt among other things. That last one is going to be a real toughie. Don't know if we can afford real dirt. :-)

Ryker loved Frosty until we found ourselves basking in 70 degree weather. Speaking of warm weather...should be packing for that Caribbean cruise right now. Always thought I work best under pressure. See you all when we get back!

Happy Birthday, Babe!

The tremendous amount of planning and work paid off...Ryan's 30th was a huge success. Eatza Pizza (Ryker's choice) is one classy place for a party. A hostess cupcake, complete with candle, topped the whole thing off in style. Sorry honey! The one bright spot was Andrea rocking Dance Dance Revolution. I'm not entirely sure that I approve of another woman buying my hubby briefs (you know who you are) but they do look pretty hot on him! Grin.

a lot to be thankful for...

...like uncles, aunties and cousins! Thank you, Doug, Jill and Rex, for a wonderful Thanksgiving. Still working off that feast, matter of fact! Ryan is sorely disappointed that he missed out on the brussel sprouts. Maybe next year. Even Emers tasted a little turkey. Look forward to watching Ryker and Rex wreck a little havoc in the years to come. :-)