Firemen

The other day we drove into our neighborhood after school and noticed a firetruck in front of our neighbors house. The kids were excited at the possibility that our neighbors house might be burning to the ground (it's always nice to realize that you've taught your children compassion and sympathy). But they were sorely disappointed when they were told it was just a two year old locked in the car. What rotten luck! (Again with the worry, compassion, sympathy. And the little girl was just fine for those who care which apparently aren't people living in my home.)

Although we had to deal with such disappointment, the day was saved when the firemen saw 2 boys standing there staring at the truck in awe. They let them put on some hats and sit there for awhile til the firemen had to leave on another call.

Here are a few pictures taken from my phone.



It is now Bryce's life-long dream, as of a week ago, to become a fireman. We shall see buddy. We shall see.

Nothing Like Granny

We don't live by any grandparents. It really is pretty sad because the kids love their grandparents on both sides. But we've been fortunate enough to have some visits and more are coming our way.

Erik's parents came back in September for an 8 day stay. His mom, Valeni, then told us in December that she needed to use an ticket and that she was coming at the end of December for 4 days. Of course those four days were probably the rainiest and coldest since our time here in Arizona but oh well. She made it fun to be inside while it rained and the kids had fun showing her all the things they got for Christmas.

Here are a few snapshots of her visit.

In front of our orange/grapefruit tree

And I'm there too.

Makayla got a life-size baby lovingly named Kathleen (family name).


Gingerbread houses were made.



And so were gingerbread shacks.

Out to eat at Joe's Farm Grill. A must when visiting Gilbert.


And snuggles whenever anyone wanted one.

We had so much fun with Valeni visiting. We also had an interesting New Year's Eve together. There may or may not be some video footage of a certain person acting in a way that made me wonder if that Martinelli's sparkling cider was spiked. But we'll keep that under wraps for now. :)

Welcoming A New Year

I thought I'd do one last post on how we spent our last day of 2010.

We bowled like we've never bowled before. Well, we've actually never gone bowling as a family before and at 50 bucks a game we never will again. So here's to a first and last bowling outing.

Bryce is always great with moral support.

We hiked on trails that we've never hiked before in weather that is not up to our Arizona standards.



But the view was worth it.

And here's our little reminder of what lurks around here in this beautiful state. Lovely.



And Makayla didn't want to let you all go into 2011 without a hug.

Happy New Year everyone!

It's Christmas Time!

We had fun Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Our Christmas Eve was a bit unorthodox with a hike in the mountains (Erik's idea)

and our Chinese dinner (my idea).

But we got back to traditions with our treats of peppermint bark and fudge

and Christmas pajamas.


And on Christmas morning, everyone opened their Christmas cereal to eat


and then there was the all important business of ripping into the goods that Santa brought.


We were fortunate enough to have Erik's sister Kirsten and his cousin Mike celebrate Christmas with us. I didn't force everyone to go out to eat Christmas day (mostly due to the fact that most places are closed on Christmas) so we cooked up a feast.

We hope you all had a very merry Christmas and the best New Year!

The Story Of A Girl And Her Would-Be Cat

There once was a girl who didn't have a cat.
She begged and she pleaded but dad would have none of that.
"They're dirty and smelly. They scratch and they claw.
Go over and make friends with the neighbor cat I just saw."
So off she went to pet this cat of which dad had spoken,
but the cat ran off and she was left hurt and heartbroken.
Everyday the naughty little cat would stop by
and everyday the sweet little girl would cry.
Then one day, the little girl had a plan.
"Maybe he'll come to me if I cover my eyes and stay as still as I can."
The cat came by looking for far away attention
and the little girl decided it was time to put her plan to action.

She crept on over trying to be as still as can be,

covering her eyes so the little cat wouldn't see.

She saw her mom standing at the door and got all excited,

for this was as far as she'd ever been invited.

She said,"Mom! Come look! The cat is right here!"
Only to turn around and feel utter despair.

The cat got all huffy with the little girls commotion
thinking "I'll not stick around. What a thought! What a notion!"

The girl was taken back, totally stunned.

She looked at her mom and thought "What have I done?"

This time the little girl didn't cry and go to her mom wailing.
She marched over to the wall and proceeded with screaming and yelling.

She said, "Come down little kitty! Come down right now!
It's easy enough, you know how!"

But that grumpy old cat just sat there that day
thinking "When, oh when will this little girl go away?"

But that little girl would not go away on this day.
Just yelled and yelled, "Come down! Come down I say!"

The little girl finally turned around in defeat,

and walked to her mother with her sad little feet.

She sat and looked on at the cat who sat with such pleasure
and thought "Maybe I'll try one more yell, you know for good measure."

"Look little kitty I've had it with this mess!
Come over here right now and end this distress!"

She pointed out the cat to her mom as he sat on the wall
and proclaimed "Some day I'll pet that cat! Someday I'll show you all!"

Her mother just looked at her smiling and said, "Oh honey."
The little girl said, "Stop laughing mom. It's really not funny."

But this tale hasn't ended, no not in the least.
With this cat coming over looking for a bird feast.

The little girl has plans, you can plan on that.
She definitely has plans for her would-be cat!

Note: We've been reading and watching A LOT of Dr. Suess lately. :)