Maddie

The person in our family that will change the most this year is Maddie. Just this month she has added a few words to her vocab: "Potter," "HELP!" (which she uses when she wants out of her high-chair or her ipad program gets stuck), and the sounds the letters "t" and "o" make. Sunday she recognized the pictures on the wall at church and labeled the people in them perfectly.

Her favorite past times are washing dishes, coloring, holding her baby, and playing ipad.





I simply love the fact that she fits in the sink. And that she never goes to nursery -- she sleeps in my arms instead.

Reading List

Although I have not been blogging, I have been reading. This month I read the last three books in the Percy Jackson series and completed the History of Joseph Smith. Perhaps I should also add that the children and I have read Juney B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentine and Ramona and her Father (Maisie calls it Lamoni and her Father). My hope for next month is to read a historical non-fiction.

Seattle-ites

We have a children's board book all about Seattle. It lists many interesting places to visit and enjoy. Ergo, I have always had on my list of places to experience: Ballard Locks, Burke-Gilman Trail, Lake Union, Space Needle, Experience Music Project, Pike's Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Zoo, and Gas Works Park. After this trip (and including the many other Seattle vacations over the past 10 years), only the Experience Music Project has been left unturned.

This post then, is merely pictures of famous Seattle sites, yet note while looking that the children loved each one famously.












Our Seattle trip was perfect.

Happy Birthday to Me, #30

What a day! This morning we played in the Seattle snow; this afternoon we took the BOEING tour. This evening went to dinner, to the skate deck, and enjoyed birthday cake. I don't mind being 30. What a decade the 20's were: I spent everyday married, 50 months pregnant, 60 months nursing, which leaves 10 months to be me. No regrets. Well, just one. I wish I would have learned more.




(Where is Nick? Nice camera, Austin!)
Oh yes. Maisie said to me last night, “Mom, I am going to give you the best birthday present, ever! I am going to let you nap! I’ll wake you up when it is time to make breakfast.”

Merry Christmas

What a splendid Seattle Christmas day!
Last night we enjoyed a huge feast, complete with smoked prime rib. Then we acted our the nativity.

New jammies.


Our children didn't awaken until 7:30 am, and they were quite deft in opening their packages.




Our rainy morning turned into a pristine afternoon. We headed to the Mukilteo beach to skip rocks, play in the "sand" and enjoy the day.




I know Jesus Christ lives. God be thanked for His matchless gift.

Christmas on Killarney and All of the Folks are Home (well, almost)

Tuesday night Mom and Dad hosted a family Christmas party, and we joined in the fun and the jigs and reels. I never did have time to kiss my beau while cuddling under the mistletoe, but I did have time to sing, laugh and revel in the holiday spirit.








Revel we did. However, we missed the Atlanta Guymons, Idahoan Nelsons, and the Virginian Guymons. Merry Christmas!

This Christmas

Simply a December post to fill in the missing holes. As you can see we've been very busy.
Andy sang with his entire soul during his 1st grade gingerbread musical.



Maisie and Nick love to jump in the snow.

The Voice Male concert was also a highlight. Did you know Phil died this year?



Ashley, Mom, Cherie and I received pedicures.


Jim is now an Eagle Scout!


Sunday morning Austin and Meg are always critical to our success; last week was no exception.