Goodbye, 2008!

Some random pictures from the last week or so of 2008. My aunt Anita and her family visited from Saskatchewan for the week. They didn't stay with us, but we got to spend lots of wonderful time together. I worked every day they were here, so the photos are rather lacking. Please forgive me. Our little budding bookworm.

Jackson and Dane enjoying some snuggle time toghether. You can't tell by Dane's expression how enthralled he was with Jackson's company. It brought back memories of when Mike and I were first dating, and Jackson was just a bit older than Dane. At that time, he was Mike's little shadow, and now our little guy is following him around. Time sure flies. Another reason I posted this picture is to show the beautiful quilt our neighbor (and occasional babysitter), Allysa, sewed for Dane for Christmas. Pictures of Nora's quilt later on.
Linnea and Nora enjoy some time together.

Alissa (not the neighbor but my cousin) helps Dane shoot some pool.

A more typical scene of Dane and Jackson wrestling.

Piano lessons from Laura.

A Christmas day swim with Daddy at the Lake Las Vegas resort.

I couldn't resist this picture of Dane so anxious to play with his new "Cars" bath toys. His hair shows the effects of his stocking cap.

Carter and Dane- two cute buddies in their cute pj's reading books together.

Dane was so proud of this little trick he pulled with his crayon in his straw one evening while we were eating out.

Santa's cutest little elves

We want to wish everyone a safe and warm Christmas with their loved ones.

Almost

On Saturday, we still had this much snow remaining in the mountains near our house, but it has since melted. Nearly a white Christmas this year. I never realized how pretty these mountains were until they were blanketed in white.

"I Must Be Dreaming of a White Christmas..."

The snow started falling this afternoon and just kept falling. It had even started accumulating down in the valley by the time I left work early this afternoon. I pulled the car into the babysitter's driveway, put it in park, and then slid back down into the street. Rather surprising! After a long, slow drive and some alternative routes because certain streets that had just a bit of a grade were too slippery, we made it home to this pretty view.

Dane was excited to get out and play...
...and throw snowballs at Momma!

The branches of one the trees in our backyard were very heavy with snow, so they created this fun tunnel for Dane.

The temps weren't too bad, so we took a little stroll.

Nora was all bundled up tight and slept most of the way.

Dane and Daddy made this snowman when we got home.

All cozy and warm in bed this evening.

Our most recent official measurement near our home was 8 inches! It has stopped momentarily, but we may still get more tonight. Schools are cancelled tomorrow, but work is not. I'd better get to bed- the drive in the morning could be long!!

6 months

Our sweet little Nora turned 6 months old today. She had her check-up and shots, and was a real trooper for everything. Her little chubby cheeks are a bit deceiving- she only weighs 14 pounds, 9 ounces (25th percentile). She is 25 1/2 inches long. Just waiting for some little bottom teeth any day if the drool is any indication!!

Grandpa and Grandma visit

Grandpa and Grandma arrived Monday evening. They are currently visiting some family in Arizona but will be back again next week sometime. It has been lovely to have them here. Dane enjoyed staying with them during the day on Tuesday and Wednesday and having them all to himself. Mommy was thankful to come home to homecooked meals!

A special treat that Grandpa picked out for Dane.
He loves his new firetruck.

Dane and Grandpa wore each other out during their days together. Though Dane still really needs his naps, he has gotten to the age where he has started resisting them. His very wise Grandma (who once had a little boy very much like Dane!) told him that he did not need to sleep, she just wanted him to watch Grandpa to make sure that he slept. This is how we found him 3 hours later when we got home from work!!

Growing girl

We can hardly believe that Nora will be 6 months old on Tuesday already. She has learned so many new things recently. She is quite entertained with her toys. Where's Nora?

She had her first rice cereal a week ago. She wasn't so sure at first, but she's loving it now!
She has discovered her cute little hands.

She's trying so hard to sit up on her own.

And she's rolling all over the place. The other day I put her on the floor in her room with her toys while I worked on some laundry. Soon she had rolled over to the doorway so she could watch me walk back and forth.

Love you, little peanut!!

Busy boy

Building towers at the table.

Raking leaves with Daddy.

The mind of a 2 1/2 year-old

Dane asked me to sing "Frosty the Snowman" tonight before bed. So I sang. I got to, "Frosty the Snowman was a fairytale they say..." and Dane interrupted to tell me, "Snowmans don't have tails, Momma."

I have many new pictures to post, but I also have clothes to fold, bottles to wash, a dishwasher to empty, and a bed calling my name. Maybe later...

More cute kiddos

Mark, Anna, and Morgan had to return to Washington today after a fun week together. Here are some more pictures of the little ones taken during their time here.

Dane tunes up the Hummer for Morgan.

Her little hoodie even says "My Peanut."
Morgan decided that Nora should wear the fire hat.

Nora pulled it right back off!

Out for a stroll.

Building.

Eating nuts with Daddy.

Pretty Morgan.

Sleeping Beauty.

Vikings Fans

Our lineup of Vikings fans this weekend.

Cheerleader Morgan.
The littlest fan- can you tell her Daddy did lots of shopping for her last time we were in Minnesota?