Christmas 2011

I'm a bit behind on posting our Christmas fun while we were in SLC, Utah.  But, if I'm going according to how I work these days, I'm right on time- being about a month behind. 

Anyway, we had no shortage of fun with our families over Christmas and we have pictures to prove it!  So, I'll let them tell the story....they do it more justice than I can with words.

Put on your seatbelt, this is sure to be a long ride...

The end!

UPPP

JR was diagnosed with a BAD sleep Apnea.  I think he has had it ever since I married him, although I don't think I'm the attributing factor.  ;-)   I hope.   Ten days ago he had a surgery called a Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).  Poor kid-

Miserable probably is not a sufficient word for what occurs after they cut out giant tonsils with a root system that was deemed by his doctor to be the equivalent of a giant iceberg-large on top, but nothing like the base of it. Not only did she cut out his tonsils, but she removed his uvula and part of his soft palate as well.  So, miserable is probably too soft a description for his discomfort.  But, he has been a pretty good sport about it all.   Here's to hoping it solves his apnea!

Doernbecher Radio-A-Thon

 Poor Benny looks like such a bruiser!  He pulled a solid, wood table down on his face, resulting in a swollen eye a WWF wrestler would be jelous of.

Today was 99.5 The Wolf's Annual Hunt for the Cure Radio-A-Thon.  Grace was an honored Co-Host and LOVED it!  Throughout her experience with Cancer, she really felt the need to give and be proactive rather than caught up too much in her own discomfort.  It was one of the things that humbled us most as parents.  So, today- from the perspective of one who battled and beat Cancer she shared who story of her month and weeks long hospital stays but focused on all the fun and good memories she had at Doernbecher.  Kids are amazing aren't they?  They see the good in situations rather than the bad.  Perhaps that is why they come out so refined instead of bitter.

Grace was able to raise LOTS of money for our favorite hospital and even answered a few of the calls herself!  She's got star quality, I tell you.  Expect more from Grace.....lots more.

Some catching up....

 It was Tanner's year to hang the star

We went to go see the steam engine. Ben called them the steamies. He was so excited when he say the huge plume of steam. When the train started we were covered in steam and all Ben could do was smile as it rolled passed us.

 For all of you who know Eva, you know she loves Ballet, but hates attention. Every time she would look at me and see I was taking pictures I would get the evil skunk eye.

A beautiful and tasty Thanksgiving Dinner

Some videos of Grace's soccer skills

Baby Ben is two!

It is a bittersweet day when your baby turns two.  Ben has been nothing short of a blessing in our lives.  I knew before Ben even entered our home that we would be having a little baby boy named Benjamin Nicholas.  In my womb, he rarely moved.  That always worried me because my other babies were so active.  But, then I realized that he would have a calm spirit.  Ben is a listener, an observer, and has a joyful nature.  Ben knows how everything ticks and has a keen intellect.  Ben has a smile that can melt any heart.  He loves to snuggle and just wants to be near his little family.  He is happy, has a witty sense of humor, and is quite capable for a two year old.  He surprises me with his resourcefulness.  Benny LOVES Thomas the Train, still loves Hoops, books, TREATS, and being outdoors.  He loves singing songs, reading, drawing, and dancing.  He came into this world in a miraculous way, and I have no doubts his life will be full of wonder.  We are absolutely IN LOVE with two year old Benny!