Proof for grandma that E is still safe

photo posted from my iPhone

Phone Picture of the Day

La Fortuna waterfall. Costa rica has given us beautiful views, helpful people, more curl in our hair, a few rainbows to drive through, and PLENTY of rain up here by the Arenal Volcano.



photo posted from my iPhone

Jungle Cat

We came across this wild black panther. The kids have tamed it and it is quite friendly now.



photo posted from my iPhone

The Adventure Awaits

Like Susan on 34th Street, Emerson must have asked for a BABY BROTHER for Christmas, because that's what he got (I asked for the house in the country, but I'll give Santa some time). I had an ultrasound on Christmas Eve and found out I will now be outnumbered in the house by three. There won't be nearly as many preparations for #2 as there were for #1. We don't have to build him a room for starters, and his older brother will be able to share everything as they will both be spring babies. There will be two years and one month between them after baby boy #2 arrives at the end of May. Emerson was ecstatic when I asked him if he wanted a baby brother; however, I think he believes a "brother" is something good to eat. He said, "Bruuuher!" and ran into the kitchen chanting, "Aaaah bruher, aaa bruher" (I want brother). It was a rather disappointing moment.

We are excited to welcome little brother, who is currently the size of a cantaloupe, into our home and look forward to seeing the similarities and differences with the boys. I only hope I can keep up with all three of them!

Once there was a snowman . . .

A Christmas Post

A Homemade Christmas

Brace yourselves, this blog is going to get a bit Little House on the Prairie-like to you modern day folk with your fancy high-tech gifts. The following are a few of our "made with love" gifts this year, from a last-minute play kitchen made in Santa's workshop the night before Christmas Eve, down to the wrapping paper (I know, many of you are calling me cheap right now and I can take it).

He pretended to eat the felt cupcake and nodded his head while he said, "Mmm, MMmm". I sure am going to miss this little fella' when he grows up.


I had to take a picture of the worn out daddy on Christmas Eve. He fell asleep with the drill in hand after completing the last couple details on the kitchen. Our Christmas celebrations, which go on for a few days, were full of wonderful food, traditions, gifts, and surrounded by family and friends. Emerson was lucky to be spoiled with love and gifts by his grandparents. I always get sad after January first comes around and I take down the Christmas decorations. It feels like I'm taking down some of the magic that serves to cause us all to have hearts full of kindness and generosity. New Years comes and with that, an awareness of how to make "me" better with resolutions, new gym passes, and an entirely different focus than of the month before. I need to find a way to bottle up some of that magic that affects us all as lasting as my peach preserves and use it all year long. Anyone up for some canning? After all, people need to be taken care of and loved all throughout the year, not just at the end.

I hope you were all able to share time with loved ones, laughed at good jokes, and had bellies full of Christmas fare. May we all carry on into the new year with just as much spirit and joy.

Ho Ho Ho, Who Wouldn't Go?

I don't have any pictures to show you showcasing the Christmas decorations around my house customary to most blogs, but I do have a couple phone pics of a child freaking out with Santa Claus. We are too cheap and impatient to wait in line to sit our kid on the mall Santa's lap for a picture, so we've managed to run into him a few times around town. I was curious to see how our energetic and always outgoing one-year-old would handle the nerve-racking experience. I showed him one picture of Santa a few weeks ago and since then I hear, "Santa, ho ho ho" every time he spots him. What is it that is so intriguing and captivating, yet terrifying at the same time about the man?
After a light-viewing trip downtown last weekend, we stopped in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building to warm up with hot chocolate and gave our little guy a chance to meet the famous Mr. Claus in the flesh. He walked right up to him and slowly touched the hand Santa held out, but that was as far as his comfort level would allow.

The approach:


Getting close enough for a picture was apparently TOO CLOSE!



Another try at the local rec center's "Swimming with Santa"



Again, TOO CLOSE!


The sudden panic attacks on both occasions didn't stop Emerson from smiling, waving goodbye, and then gibbering about Santa in his car seat on the way home.

My Little Vintage Football Player, Circa 1920

Here is little Ferris (one of many nicknames) on Halloween. He wouldn't smile for any of these pictures. I think he was trying to maintain an intimidating look to match the costume. Way to get into character little guy!


Playing Veterinarian at the Petting Zoo

Here is little Ems with his poor victims which he made sure to get up close and personal with for examinations.
Taking vital signs and checking for any abnormalities in skin and fleece.
Checking the condition of the horns
Examining the ears

Finally, checking the
musculoskeletal system, strength of the spine, and endurance level of the animal.


Halloween Night
Trick-or-treating went a little something like this: With confused looks on their faces, we told Emerson and his friend Kate (both a year old) to knock on the doors of neighbors' homes wearing costumes and holding buckets shaped as pumpkins. To add to the confusion, we weren't entering the homes we visited, just standing outside waiting for goodies. Emerson of coarse marched right through every door that opened. They got used to the idea of filling up the buckets with treats, which got a little heavy for them and ended up being dragged on the sidewalk. By the end of our short trip down the street, which seemed to take much longer with the pace they were going, we knew it was time for quits as they sat down on the doorsteps. They had a successful evening of looking adorable in their costumes and trick-or-treating. Emerson was oblivious to the fact that his parents would take his hard-earned candy from him at the end of the night.
Sharing the bench with Kate for a little duet.

JR carved a pumpkin. Dressing our son up and a carved pumpkin was just how festive we got this year.