Playing in the snow

We got more than just a light dusting of snow!

We dug out the winter gear. Thankfully there were pants to fit everyone.

The kids loved playing and pulling each other in the sleds. And they warmed up with hot chocolate and chocolate-chip scones when they came in.

Small spaces

Millie loves to sit in containers.

She packs up her dolls and they climb in to any available basket or tub. 

Braces!

We have entered a new era as both Nora and Henry start having some orthodontic work done. On our first visit they made a scan of Henry's mouth in order to make his space maintainers and measured Nora for braces. He was pleased to learn that he didn't have to have spacers put in as was originally planned and could have popcorn for a few more weeks. He will have four teeth taken out next month.

On her second visit Nora had braces put on her top teeth to bring them a little closer and make room for a tooth that is coming in crooked. They are supposed to be on for six months to a year. So no gum or chewy candy for this child.

(And no picture of her with the new braces, but they look good on her.)

Winter cozy

This little one loves reading as much as the rest of us.

She made herself a nice little nest by the fire and looked through a stack of books.

2013

January

February

March

April 

May

 June

 July

August

September

October

November

December

Christmas Day

The kids get their stockings first thing.

 Millie embraced the holiday spirit and was eating her chocolate before anyone noticed.

 The rest of the day was spent eating, opening presents, and enjoying each other's company.

Christmas Eve

We kicked off the day with gingerbread pancakes, blueberries, and whipped cream. Anja and Liisa planned an elaborate scavenger hunt for the kids with a "Twelve Days of Christmas" theme.

After a simple lunch we met for coffee across the street. Monnica and Scarlett joined us.

We went to the Christmas Eve family service at the Lutheran Church again and came home for a make-your-own nachos bar. Which was new to us this year, but is now a firmly established tradition. It was easy and tasty and went swimmingly except for the one pan of nachos that I upended in the oven.
The kids opened their gift from Grandma.

Around here the presents don't show up under the tree until everyone is asleep, except for the ones the kids give each other.

Carefully staged to avoid the eyes of any curious people popping out of bed.

The Christmas Program

The big kids were in the church Christmas program this year. It was a perfect production. There were verses said by different kids punctuated by carols. They had four weeks of rehearsals during Sunday school.

My angel was being a bit of a stinker about having her picture taken.

 Nora had a speaking part and did well, no rushing or mumbling.

Everyone in the play did a great job and it was such fun to watch.We are thankful for the time and effort put in by the adults to make this happen.

Tamping down the leaves

We got a new garbage can for yard waste and the girls helped Mark fit more leaves in.

It was such a warm day. It's hard to believe that it's mid-December.

Making cinnamon rolls

Cinnamon rolls are a fun Advent Sunday breakfast. Henry is spreading the filling for the giant ones we will bake tomorrow.

Update: They were good, but the middle is hard to get cooked all the way. A cinnamon wreath might be better.

Joulutontut

We received a package with handmade Christmas elves from Finland. We love them!

Thanksgiving Feast

The Tacomans joined us at Mimmu and Iso's house for our traditional festive lunch.

Sandwiches and pie for dinner. Her Christmas tree was already up and decorated which gave the event a little extra sparkle.

Turkey Trot 2013

Cold and foggy and rather miserable this year.

Penny especially did not have any fun.

A cozy spot by the fire

 This is my favorite place to sit and read.

Helena loses her first tooth

And poses for a goofy photo to prove it.

Road trip to Idaho

We were there for Halloween so there was lots of dressing up in Grandma's costume collection. These were both made by Aunt Cindy for her cousins. 

One of our audiobooks this trip was Where the Red Fern Grows. "It wasn't impossible even though it was a long way from the Snake River Valley in Idaho," the narrator read as we drove through the Snake River Valley. There is a statue of Billy, Old Dan, and Little Ann in front of the Idaho Falls library because Wilson Rawls lived here for a time. We stopped by after the library trick-or-treat for a photo.

With cousin John and cousin Abby (and Billy and the dogs).

There was pumpkin carving at the house and a harvest festival at the church (Penny loved the bounce house) and lots of candy.

This little ladybug took some unassisted steps while we were there.

We got to press some cider with Mark's aunt and uncle and some of the cousins using his Grandma's cider press.

A fun-filled visit for sure!

Taking the Christmas card picture

I like to start this project as early as I can, because I  know that it is rarely a straightforward process. I tried one Sunday morning before church and was not successful.

The best expressions ended up in pictures that were much too dark or only had four out of five kids in the frame. Part of the problem is that group pictures happen so rarely that I forget all my tricks between sessions.

Ah, well. At least there's time to try again.
Our second session produced a winner, but there were about a hundred rejects.

These poor kids look miserable, but they recovered quickly.

Aunt Pat visits

It was so nice to have Pat come to visit us! She came with a car full of treasures (art, rock collections, books, dress-up dresses!) and stories and time to spend with us.

We went on several adventures to nearby nature areas that we hadn't visited yet. The weather is definitely colder now, a parka is not unwelcome in shady places or early in the morning.

One of our trips with her was to the McNary Wildlife Refuge. We spotted a coyote in addition to the birds.

 It was a beautiful morning for exploring.

 We are so glad that she could be here with us!