Ringing in the New Year

The girls posing with Auntie Jelinda and Uncle Everett.

Gimme more pears!

We were pretty relaxed this year. Just a traditional Friday evening supper of haystacks then a long evening of stories, play time, talking and a violin recital from the girls.

A Visit From Some Special People

Grandma introduces Taylinn to little Zacchaeus.

McKenna updates her journal. (A six-year-old that keeps a journal!)

Annaliese shows off her mad reading skills.

We are so stoked to have the family down from the Arctic, and the Montana clan here as well. What fun we will have!

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Trying to sit on my own.

It's more fun sitting with grandma.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Love.

Ezekiel is Six Months Old

He's now up to 18 pounds and 28.5 inches long.

Image via Creature Comforts.

Our First Christmas!

The boys waiting for the green flag.

So... um... is this what I'm supposed to do?

I like this whole presents thing!

Zeke in the aftermath of it all.

Just sittin' with his loot!

On a Date With a Bear

Teasing Zeke with a forbidden piece of pizza.

We got to swing by Sweet Basil Pizzaria tonight and use up a gift card. (I'd recommend a slice of the Margherita any day.) It was such a treat on a cold winter evening!

Ezekiel's Story Hour

Nothing better than cuddling up with daddy for story time. He is usually quite enthralled with the pictures or trying to put his feet on the book, but cameras always distract him.

The Little Reindog

We finally relented and got out our tiny Christmas trees for Ezekiel. I guess we thought he wouldn't notice if we didn't decorate, but he keeps staring at the trees in other homes, so I guess he was noticing. Couldn't resist making him wear these little antlers though...

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Our little Christmas elf has apparently already outgrown the elf hats.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Q. What does a dyslexic pirate say?
A. "RAAA!

Surprise!

He was actually surprised.

Asher entertains Ezekiel with a game of peek-a-boo.

Superhero undies. Enough said.

For Robb's 30th birthday, we threw a little surprise party for him at Clarette's. Gene had the hard part, luring him there, and pulled it off perfectly.

Date Night

We saw The Nutcracker tonight at the Walla Walla Symphony. My favorite part was the tiny little ballerinas from the local dance school. Oh, and Rachel's amazing, fur-collared coat. Gorgeous! Thanks for an awesome evening, you two. And thanks to Aunt Pat for taking care of the little one.

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Having powered through a church business meeting, Ezekiel was ready for a good nap. He decided to get started on the walk back from the church.

Bottoms Up!

Poor Ezekiel, not even six months old and there are already naked pictures of him on the internet.

A Quick Trip

Our spy mirror at work on the way to Portland.

Trevor and Gina have their first dance.

Can I hold her hand forever?

We made it over to Portland for Trevor and Gina's Saturday evening wedding. It was a beautiful sunset service in a classic Portland setting. Congrats you two!

There were so many old friends there and even more new little babies. Ezekiel spent the evening drooling on and sleeping in Robb's arms.

Gimme Food

Still clean. There was a bath and wardrobe change after this.

If they won't give me more, I guess I'll just chew on this.

Our small foray into the world of cereal and a spoon was far too exciting for Ezekiel. We couldn't scoop it into his mouth quickly enough and he couldn't spit it out quickly enough. Messy, delightful fun.

Proud Auntie

That's right, those two little cuties with the violins are my nieces. Last night they played the national anthem at a Lady Griz game and I couldn't be more proud!

Ezekiel Photo of the Day

Who is attacking whom?

Snowman Massacre

Wisely staying inside where is it warm.

Robb and Dave turned their creative energies toward some front yard snow sculpture. Apparently they've been reading a little too much Calvin and Hobbes.

Walk in the Park

The snow keeps coming down, so we decided to go for a little walk out in the beautiful whiteness. Zeke spent the whole time trying to catch snowflakes in his mouth. His cheeks get so delightfully pink.