First Encounter with Snow

We decided to take advantage of the blizzard and see what Ethan thought of the snow. He actually didn't have much of reaction...which was kind of disappointing. His snow suit sure was adorable, though!

Blizzard '09

The blizzard this year has been absolutely crazy! All the Interstates, Highways, and airports have been closed for days, and I have to tell you, it's really irritating. We were supposed to leave on Saturday, but will not be able to get home until Tuesday. Thank you, Mom and Dad for living in the middle of nowhere.

Aside from the annoying travel arrangements, it was nice to feel the peace inside a house surrounded by crazy wind and snow. I forgot how much fun storms are. Below are some shots from our house.

Christmas Morning

Ethan's first Christmas was low-key and so much fun! We didn't even start opening presents until around 10 - which is how it should be. It won't be too long before Ethan gets up at 5am wanting to open gifts.

Ethan couldn't care less about his present.

He didn't mind playing with the wrapping paper though.

Christmas Eve

I was so excited when I bought Ethan's Christmas Eve pajamas! I decided he should be Santa - you know, since he has the right figure for it. It was so adorable!

I think he looks like a Vegas Santa Claus with the buttons undone.

He was so mad we put his hat on.

He like the wrapping paper hat on his head way better.

Girls' Night

I have so much fun with my mom and sister. I wish we all lived in the same town...also I wish my parents didn't live out in the middle of nowhere - but that's another post entirely. We took many pictures, but I was told not to post some of them, so I've included just two!

Happy face! I was much happier than they were (obviously).

Angry face! ..Mom just looks like she was squinting.

Dancing with Grandpa

One of my warmest memories as a child was dancing with my daddy. He would blast Billy Idol or Pat Benatar, take my hands, and dance with me. I felt so special during those moments, and I'm so glad Ethan has that opportunity.

Dad bending down so Ethan can stand up.

Ethan had an absolute blast! - And I think Grandpa did, too.

Life in the SD

We have had so much fun in South Dakota! Grandma and Grandpa are thrilled to have their children and grandchild for a visit, and we are excited to see them as well. Below is the start of our adventures:

Grandma getting cuddle time in with Ethan. He's very stingy with his hugs, so this is hard to do.

We made coconut kisses which were so good! Let's just say they weren't around the house for very long..

We also dipped chocolates, which was more work than I anticipated. We made orange and mit chocolate, and those too are also not in the house anymore!

Like Grandpa, like Grandson

People are always commenting on Ethan's natural mohawk (which we love). I didn't realize this, but I guess my dad had one when he was a youngster! We decided to get some pictures of Ethan holding a picture of my dad at his age.

First Plane Ride

We decided to spend this year with the Olson family in South Dakota, which I have been very excited about! As Christmas fast approached, I started to get nervous, trying to mentally prepare to be the slowest person in the airport, as well as the person on the plane no one wants to be near.

Two days before our trip, Ethan got an ear infection and went on antibiotics. If anyone has had kids on antibiotics, they probably know a very common side effect is diarrhea! Yeah - this made for a much more entertaining trip than I originally anticipated!

Ethan playing on the plane. He was a total champ! This was his second outfit of the day, as he peed all over the first one.

A picture of the blow-out he had on our very small SkyWest plane from Salt Lake to South Dakota. I had to take him into the tiny bathroom and try to change him! Oh wow - that was so difficult! I had to put paper towels down on the toilet while trying to maneuver the diaper bag, making sure he wasn't playing with the nasty diaper. We are definitely NOT looking forward to flying back to Oregon.

Love the Bathtime

Ethan still loves bathtime, which means we do too! First, it's so great to see him so happy and smiley. Second, it means bedtime is soon! I used to think bedtime was just for the kids, but I have come to realize it is just as much for the parents' sanity.

Nick's b-day Party

This Saturday Lexie threw her husband a surprise birthday party, which ended up being more fun than I've had in a really really long time!

Ethan all bundled up. He's smiling in this picture, but he actually hated this fuzzy get-up.

Check out that huge bow on Lexie's shirt! Priceless.

Billy and I cheesing out for our Christmas photo. Pretty special, huh?

The birthday boy was required to wear reindeer antlers, which went will with his ugly Christmas sweater.

This was the best game I have ever played!

I was Queen Spatula, which is fitting because I actually AM a queen.

In the game you draw rules, one of which was that Lexie had to have her elbow on the board at all times.

Nick's dinosaur birthday cake, which was so amazingly good!

We had a white-elephant exchange, and Kyle got a bow sling and a half-naked action figure.

Kristi got my gift, which was an ugly pink ballerina nut-cracker with "2008" printed on it.

Gingerbread

I have never made gingerbread cookies on my own before, so I invited Mary-Anne over for this baking adventure. I had no idea how much work went into gingerbread, so I'm really glad I had someone to help who knew what they were doing.

Posing with our cookies. I'm like a proud grandma in this picture!

Not my gumdrop buttons!

First Presents

Grandma Boaz sent her presents this last week, and we decided to have Ethan open his very first Christmas presents! As you can probably imagine, he had no idea what was going on, but we had a great time documenting it!

This is Billy's bow-tie from when he was a kid. Doesn't he look so mischievous with it on?

Examining his loot.

Ethan trying to eat his present - of course.

Ethan has started to smile for the camera, which is so adorable. The only problem is that he also anticipates the flash, so he closes his eyes!

Ethan getting into the Christmas spirit!

Watch out - He's sad

Ethan's pouty face is so cute, we just had to catch it on camera. There is a video that accompanies this, but I don't want everyone to think I'm a bad mom. I figured I'd just include the pictures.

Look at that crocodile tear!

Didn't know it was possible to stick that lip out so far.