Merry Christmas!

Well, the countdown to Santa has finally come down to 1. Emma has been patiently working on counting backwards for the last month and is so excited for Santa to come to our house tonight. (okay, I am too, I will admit it)



Tonight will be spent getting for Christmas day and packing to leave for Warroad on Friday morning. Tyler is making a quick trip to his Dad's house to do Christmas with them and then heads back up to Pine City on Christmas day with Grandpa Ray, Uncle Jeff, Vanessa and Grandma Sharon.


The weather is looking like it will cooperate so travels should be good for all. All the presents are wrapped and all that is left to do is set out a plate of cookies for Santa and a few carrots for Rudolph.



We wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you enjoy your time with loved ones. I know that I am looking forward to soaking in all the cute smiles, excited eyes and exclamations of the gifts that they knew Santa would bring them (oh, and I'm looking forward to 11 days off from work, that was on my xmas list.)

Happy Holidays!

Dear ol' Gunner...

I thought since Gunner was one of the stars on our Christmas card this year that I would add a little insight to the personality of our dog on our blog.

Here are a few pictures of me trying to rest on the couch after the kids were in bed. Gunner, LOVES to curl up next to anyone. Most nights he is my foot warmer while I sleep and yes, during the winter months, I let him. Kirby on the other hand does not enjoy his dog's love for him and will kick him off the second he attempts to jump up on his side of the bed.

As you can see, he is pretty much laying right on top of me and doesn't have a care in the world that he's in some awkward position.


Here he finally gets comfortable which means that I had to move so he could be comfortable.

Gunner turned 5 years old this month. He is a really, really good family dog. Emma and Logan are constantly dressing him up, taking away his chew bone and whapping him on the head and Gunner just takes it. Tyler will get in one of his 'moods' and decide that he needs to wrestle Gunner and Gunner plays along while still remaining tough. I don't think we could ask for a better family dog.

Happy Holidays from Gunner........

Happy Anniversary!

Dec. 14, 2002: A winter wonderland wedding was planned. Ice candles were made, snow on the ground was anticipated and a cape to wear for the cold weather was rented. Reality: 60 degrees, the sun was shining that day and there was not an ounce of snow on the ground. It was still a beautiful day, the goal was accomplished and the night was danced away.

Fast forward 6 years:
Dec. 14, 2008: A dinner date is planned with baby sitter ready. The snow starts early in the day, the rain starts late afternoon and the temps slowly drop to somewhere around 5 degrees. Laundry, house cleaning and entertaining the children occur. The call to cancel the babysitter goes out, take out Chinese food is brought home. The 6th year anniversary is celebrated at home, with the snow and wind blowing outside, and cards are exchanged after the children are in bed. Happy Anniversary!

Flashback to Christmas last year.....

I just ran across our family photo from Christmas last year and thought I would add it to our blog. I always think it's so interesting to see how much you can change in a year, especially the kids! The anticipation of Santa coming is slowly growing at our house. Emma thinks that the more snow we get, the faster Santa will arrive.

We hope you all are enjoying getting ready for the holiday parties, exchanging of gifts and planning out when you will be able to spend time with family and friends.

Logan's song.

Well, Emma had her 30 seconds of fame and the feedback has been that the video is working for some so.....here's Logan's claim to fame!

He has created his own school bus song....turn up the volume and listen closely.

Welcome......snow.....

Well, I suppose it was going to happen sooner or later huh? Emma, Gunner and her Dad enjoyed a few minutes out in the snow yesterday afternoon. One trip down the hill in the sled, one trip around the house being pulled in the sled and one snow angel and Emma was ready to come in. I enjoyed all the action through our dinning room window, that was close enough for me.

Emma's Thankful Song.

Okay-something new for our blog! I am going to attempt to put on a video of Emma singing her 'I am thankful' song. I hope it works, it's pretty darn cute!