Sing-a-long

Tonight we really missed having my mom with us at the annual Messiah sing-a-long. Caitlin, Brooke and I sat in the back of the church and tried to find our pitches... but we did not do too well. The volunteer orchestra was pretty small this year, but ended up getting through every piece with no major disasters. Kent and the band director from Chelan played their piccolo trumpets and sounded pretty good.

Brooke had a fun time playing with the pages of music. She was my official page turner, although we need to work on reading the music...

Brooke looks up at her Auntie Caitlin... she's probably thinking, "is this how the Messiah is supposed to sound?"

It's getting cold at night, so we tried out our warm snowsuit. When I bought it a couple months ago I was wondering if she'd ever be big enough to fit it. No problem here!

A Kettle Falls Thanksgiving

On Wednesday Kent wrapped up the craziness of school and we drove the four hours to Kettle Falls. Brooke was such a wonderful traveller this time, sleeping the entire way there and back at the end of the trip. We had time to reflect this weekend on what we are thankful for and family came out on top! Brooke is going to be so blessed with so many wonderful caring people in her life.

Bing, Britta, Uncle Bob, Brooke, Annie and Kent all ready to eat Thanksgiving dinner. The food was amazing (thanks to Britta)! Brooke enjoyed watching everyone eat and even stuck out her tongue at us a few times. Next year she'll be enjoying the meal along with us!

A four generation photo: Baby Brooke, Father Kent, Grandfather Bing and Great-Uncle Bus.

We got a chance to visit Kent's Uncle Pat and Aunt Polly in Chewelah (thanks again for having us!). We were also happy to get a chance to see Kent's cousin Kim from Hawaii and her two darling children. In the photo above, her daughter Olivia got a chance to hold Brooke. Being around lots of kids and family made me a bit homesick of my large family in Alaska. Although, since I've been in college all the "little" ones have entered high school and college, AUGH!



We had a great relaxing break from football games, concerts, phone calls, and email while we were in Kettle Falls. It's so great to have the time to lay on the floor and play with those you love!

Bing and his neighbor Bruce spent quite a few days in the last week logging his property. After the installation of solar panels on their roof and a windy summer, they realized the benefit of having a tree-free space around the house. Now from the guest bedroom and then porch there is a beautiful view of Lake Roosevelt. By the way, notice the snow!

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!

Today we left the unfolded clothes on the couch, the dirty bathroom floor and the random papers scattered about to find snow. It felt so good to get away, even though it was only a few hours. We drove up Blewett Pass and found the road that we usualy xc ski on. Brooke *sort of* witnessed her first snow (although she didn't touch it or probably see it). This was a first for Maisy also, but she didn't really notice it because she was chasing and chewing on Cassy the entire time. Before we know it, we'll have a new chore of shoveling and snow blowing!

Cascade v.s. Cashmere

Number 2 ranked Cashmere played number 8 ranked Cascade in Wenatchee on Saturday. This was Brooke's first band trip! She traveled along with a few freshman boys in the school van with Kent and I. She was very flirty with the boy sitting next to her in the van... he almost blushed!

It never warmed up all day and the wind got going by the third quarter so we spent some of the game in the warm van. I thought Kent looked really sharp in his Norwegian sweater and hat from Scotland... but I'm partial to Scandinavians! :)

Above: the Cascade Kodiak crowd (lots of red).

Below: the Cashmere Bulldogs crowd (see the orange).

The rival bands came together at the end of the game to play for the crowd. I was so happy to see my past band students; and was a little embarrassed when they asked/forced me to conduct a song. I really don't want to step on the toes of the new band director; but I also miss seeing these students I spent four years with! I got so many hugs from my past students that I was almost in tears. It's too bad that you don't realize the effect you have on students' lives until you leave. This makes me realize that I want to teach middle school/high school again some day!

Cashmere ended up winning the game 31-7 so they are off to state semi-finals next weekend.

A Look Back...

We got our prints back from River Street Photography a few days ago. We are already enjoying having these photos in our house. She was two weeks old at the time and now it's hard to imagine that she was that small! She was six pounds that that point and now is probably close to twelve. A few days ago we went in for the first installment of the "baby plan" which captures a photo from 3, 6, 9, 12 months at the major milestones (holding up head, sitting, standing while holding on, and walking). It's hard to imagine that all that development happens in one year!

We Have Found Our Voice!

... and our hands!

Goofy Girl

Bath Time

Saturday Hike

Even though we didn't get out of the house until 1:30pm, we still had a chance to drive up to Mission Ridge Ski Area to go on a short hike. It wasn't too cold and the ground was not very muddy so it was a good short hike.

Cassy led the way in the woods. She is quite the explorer and is much smarter about the woods than when we first got her from the Humane Society. Maisy tries to follow Cassy around, although she can be a little more timid.

I look down and this is what I see! Socks are a great mitten for little hands! I was sure huffing and puffing up the trail with the 12 extra pounds! I felt pregnant all over again.


Maisy and her new look! Nice and trimmed.

Taking a little break with Maisy.

Out for a Jog

Caitlin and I went on a jog (very slow, sorry Caitlin!) today along the Wenatchee riverfront. We used the stroller and it worked pretty well. I'm trying to run a little more and so far I've run 2-3 miles with no problems. I'm going to try and work on my distance (and then my speed, or lack of!).

Who are you looking at!?!

Look at me hold up my head!