Finn loves to go places and always grabs some kind of outdoor clothing when he notices his older brother and sister getting ready for school. Today he grabbed a bag and said, "Bye!". He's growing up too fast!

The first graders put on a wonderful dance presentation for parents. Kent and I enjoyed watching Brooke and her friends dance thirteen different dances!

The kids had some great moves!

One of my favorite parts of late winter/early spring are the "warm" afternoons in our backyard.

Oliver found a nice spot on the top of the snow fort to finish his lunch.

The only part of this season that I hate is all the mud!  Finn discovered stomping in muddy puddles and as you can imagine, he loves to splash!

Every day after school Oliver grabs a snack and heads outside. He needs the time to move and be free after a long day of kindergarten. Last night he headed out again after dinner and was out rolling around in the snow until 6:30pm, then coming in soaking wet and dirty... and when we reacted to the condition of his snow gear he said, "What?!?" 

Our 17 month old sweet boy!

There's my girl!

Finn laughing about how cleaver he is (to take off his boot by himself).

"Augh! Augh!" (I'm out here in the middle of this snow field, someone help me!)

Climbing boy! He's really starting to get into things! His other favorite outdoor activity is finding things and putting them in the dog door. Today we discovered leaves, a plastic baseball bat, a dog leash, and a ball all laying on the inside of the door.

Kent brought out his crampons and let the kids try and them on and walk up the side of their snow cave.

Oh my, this fashionista! We headed out to the woods for some fun in the snow. A fire, smores, dogs and kids all playing in the snow made for a fantastic afternoon.

Finn just loved all the pathways, and with that warm puffy snowsuit he didn't  have to worry about getting hurt if he slipped!

The whole group hauling in the gear... the kids are ready for a snowball fight!

Oliver (and the guys) enjoyed the deep snow by jumping down a hill and landing in the soft powder.

My beautiful boy Oliver!

Cheer Camp

Brooke had another great time at cheer camp this year! 

Christmas and Finn's Baptism

Everyone was in Cashmere for Christmas! 

On Christmas morning, the kids waited patiently for Auntie Caitlin and their grandparents to come over so they could open their presents!

Brooke was proud of the puzzle wreathe ornament that she made in first grade. 

Oliver enjoyed building his new LEGO set.

Kent and Bing used the new meat grinder/sausage stuffer to make the korv.

On Christmas Eve we enjoyed a traditional Danish meal and on Christmas Day we hopped over to Norway! Potatoes, korv sausage, lutefisk (from Rob Swanson, hand delivered from Alaska!), peas, cream sauce and hand picked Alaskan cranberries!

On the Sunday after Christmas, Finn was baptized at Celebration Lutheran Church by Pastor Dave Haven.

Finn was quite verbal as we conducted the service. He spotted the drum set and was saying, "Boom, Boom!". He also noticed the little kids in the front row and said, "Baby!". After he got the holy water on his head he started saying, "No, no, no..." and fake crying. It's a bit more challenging baptizing a one year old than a little baby!

Oliver asked what a "bath-tism" was and his Grandma Carol explained that Finn will become a child of God. Oliver replied, "He already is a child of God!"

Finn entertains Brooke and Oliver with a game of peek-a-boo!

Finn's sponsor is Auntie Caitlin (or "Nee-Nee") whom he LOVES!

This year we decided to stay at home for Christmas. It turned out to be the best decision! We had tons of snow and things to do to keep us in the Christmas spirit.  Grandpa John and Grandma Carol drove all the way up from Southern California to be with us. It was a great time!

We have had drought conditions the last few years, so we welcomed the foot of snow we received so far!

Brooke and I went to the local theater to watch The Nutcracker with a live orchestra for the first time. It was a great show and it was nice to spend time together.

Oliver and Brooke had some new friends over to play. What a fun group!

I got them to stop chasing around the house for a moment so I could snap a photo.

In the past, Brooke and Oliver have had no interest in meeting Santa, so we were surprised when they decided to go sit on his lap at a community pancake breakfast! Finn wasn't too pleased with the idea of sitting on a strangers' lap.

But he had no problem wearing Daddy's old hat and showing us his hip-hop self!