Christmas past; New Year's about to pounce upon us. This if Friday, 30 December 2005, with me getting in my last minute notes before heading off to work. Mom left long ago to go to the Temple in Lake Oswego where she has been asked to work once per week. This is kinda a trial run for grandma who will be "home alone" until Peter and Anne arrive somewhere around 1030 this morning. She should do well as she knows how to run the chair lift to go up and downstairs. She forgets sometimes to swing the chair the right direction, but, with a little coaxing, or time, she can do it. I think, however, she will sleep long into the morning as that has been her modus o.

Brent and Buffy arrive this weekend, too. We've kind of had a split vacation with some of our family here for Christmas and others for New Years. Normal stuff for a family so spread out. We're appreciative for their visits. Wish Tom, Tracey, Hayden, Danica and Mike could have made it this year, but, hey...we missed a lot of family events too. Mom is going back to visit with Tom and Tracey and family...Mike is coming here in Feb-March. So, looks like we'll see all of you in the Dec-Feb timeframe. Not too bad.

Tonight we're off to Mama Mia with some of the family here and one of the doctors from my clinic (and his wife). I believe we're going to Bennetts for the New Year's Celebration.

Anyway, just a short note to tie Christmas into New Year's. I love you all, Dad

Isaac 

Parker and his sheep 

Taylor and his gold 

Morgan and Sadie before the Nativity 

Not the best picture, but some beautiful nativity angels... 

We missed you all this Christmas but are glad that you all seemed to have a great time. The pictures look cute, we'd love to see more from the rest of you! Our Christmas was great, it was anything but quiet with the number of noisy toys Hayden got! I don't think I've ever seen a kid more spoiled and more in love with all his gifts! Thank you so much for sending such great things for Hayden and Danica (and Tom and I too for that matter!!) We feel tremendously blessed this year and are so grateful for all that we have. It's been fun to have so much family together time with just the 4 of us. However, hopefully next year we can spend the holidays together with some extended family as well. We did get lucky enough to spend Christmas dinner with the Debaltzo's. They have really helped make our time out here in Ohio so much better. I don't know what we would do with out them and their hospitality. The kids are so great to play with Hayden and go out of their way to make him happy. Tom and I really enjoy the break and the chance to visit with Dennis and Lexi and to feel a part of a big family celebration. We have spent every major holiday with them this year and it's been so great for us! We owe them a huge THANK YOU!

Well I best finish this and get ready for the day because Tom wants to brave the crowds and try to return a few things. Of course most of what I bought him needs to be exchanged...oh well, I knew that would be the case because he is impossible to shop for since he not only buys it all for himself but he's also so picky! At least it's the thought that counts and he got to open gifts! Enjoy the post holiday fun and keep in touch!

Tracey

Danica in her Christmas dress

Hayden loved all his presents!

Baby Jesus with Mary and Joseph (just in case you couldn't tell!)

Hope everyone had a great Christmas! Love you all! 

As promised...Sadie and Morgan at Morgan's 4th Birthday party. What a pair. 

For the sake of those who are not here with us in Vancouver, I thought I would do a short posting. Last night we had a great Christmas eve including Ellery and Leann and Teri and Ron....LeAnn orchestrated the dramatization of the Christmas Story with Mike participating via the internet as Gabriel. I will never forget the angels on the landing...Brooke, Ellyn, Morgan and Sadie...all real angels.

The roasts are in the oven, potatoes baking, Dad and I just got out of the hot tub...and Marnie, Kim and Treven are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Dave, Adina, Brooke and all of their kiddos so that we can open the rest of the gifts. Santa came for the three children(?) here. I've decided Santa will come until they have children of their own...It was kind of a rush getting to church since Dad and I slept until 8:30...I had to be at church early for a last minute practice of the choir...and, of course, getting ready now includes getting Grandma ready and she is not hurried very easily. We made it though and had a good program at church. Since then I have been working on the latest puzzle, snacking and getting dinner ready.

I need to go down and get the table set...I wish I had to set eight more spaces....Mike, Brent, Buffy, Tom, Tracey, Hayden, Anne and Peter (I figure I wouldn't have to set a place for Danica yet) Merry Christmas...and we love you all!

Mom

You have to have Google Earth installed. Use this link:

Santa Tracker

Merry Christmas all!

I love you guys.

Mike

For Christmas Cheer

If you are experiencing any Christmas duldrums, please click on the link above.

I got the 360 in the mail! So, considering the circumstances, my Christmas is looking joyous. It is an incredible piece of hardware. Thank you Mom (and Dad).

I have to go to a Church Christmas Party tonight. Our branch and the Korean Ward are getting together for this. That ought to be interesting. Our branch president thought it was a good idea, and I would share his opinion, if I could also speak Korean like him!

For tomorrow, please hold the Christams events until I get home from Church. Around 8pm your time. So that I can do the web cam thing and be a part of it. Thanks.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Mike

Snowy River in Leavenworth, Washington 

Having too much fun in Leaverworth/Plain 

Cold Snow off the branches 

Mountain Springs, Leavenworth/Plain, Wash 

Two horse open sleigh Plain, Washington