Exercise is good for the soul

Scott got a new exercise bar. The kids love to help him exercise.



Megan likes to exercise also. She even grunts and makes faces as she does. She is actually pretty strong.

Newest Family Member

Meet Brian!

Okay - I didn't choose the name. Scott started calling him that so Adam did and I can't get Adam to change his name. He is so cute and starved for attention I think. He follows me all around the house. Not sure what kind he is we got him at the Humane Society. We thought it had been long enough without a dog. The kids were acting afraid of dogs they met especially Megan. She was to young to remember Buddy. They both are getting used to Brian. Adam will even play with him. I have almost taught him to sit today. We think he is about 2-3 years old so he hopefully is out of the puppy "chewing" stage. We even think he is already housebroken. He hasn't hiked his leg up on anything in the house yet! We took him for a walk yesterday and he did so well on a leash. When we let him off the leash while we were at the park, he stayed right around us and didn't run off. The kids don't bother him. If he gets annoyed he goes to another spot. Here are some pictures of our first day with Brian.

Well, I can't get my upload pictures button to work so when I do I'll post the rest of these pictures. Sorry.

Christmas

Christmas this year was the best yet. All of my sisters were home with their families. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve. Everyone came out to our house. We played games (of course). We had soup and sandwiches for supper (of course). Then we went to church (of course). Funny thing this year - so many people were confusing me and Carmen. So many people came up to me and said how much we look alike. After church we had Christmas with my side of the family. It was so much fun with the kids this year. I just smile thinking about it. Everything was exciting to Adam - even clothes!



Christmas morning was so wonderful. It was just the four of us. Their little faces looking at all that was under the tree and that Santa had eaten his cookies and drank his milk. These are the moments I want to remember forever. Megan went right along like she knew what she was doing. She just watched Adam and did everything he did. I just can't say enough how cute they were! I know they are my kids and I'm a little prejudiced.... Oh yah - I finally got a new wedding ring after losing mine in AZ. Its so pretty!

Later Christmas day we went to Scott's mom's house. Its always crazy fun there. We had a good dinner and then opened presents. Megan got a doll that makes sounds when you put the pacifier in her mouth. She also starts to close her eyes and it looks a little creepy. After presents we played games. We had so much fun.



Then on Saturday we had Christmas number 4. We went to my parents for our extended family gathering. The weather was so nice. Here is Adam, Sylvie, Aunt Mandy and Uncle Jeremy sword fighting in the front yard. Somehow Uncle Jeremy won this battle. I was so happy to have both my sisters here. Its so great to see them and spend time with them. It was wonderful to have Grandma & Grandpa there too.



A finally, just barely in January, we had our final Christmas celebration. Scott's Dad came down. He had some problems before and couldn't come any earlier. But we were glad to have them here. Max, Megan and Adam are seen here opening up an Elmo chair for Megan. I think all the kids helped all the kids open their presents. And that concludes our many Christmases.