The Christmas Tree

This is our Christmas tree. Our favorite ornaments are the two angels pictured here. One is Mike's and one is Angie's. We received them as children and are exactly the same except for the name engraved on them. We discovered we had the same ornament our first Christmas together. They are now placed side by side each Christmas. Also pictured is our Nativity Scene. Mike's Mom made the ceramic figures and Mike made the stable in grade school.

More Polar Express

Receiving the bell from Santa was certainly a hit as well as picking him up at the North Pole.




Snowy photos at Snowbowl.

Christmas Tradition #2 - The Polar Express

We started the second Christmas tradition last year when we drove to Williams, AZ to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole. This year had the added bonus of SNOW! Patrick loved it, but hated the cold. He tried making snowballs and throwing them at us. Before our train ride Patrick had a chance to get his picture taken with Santa. We boarded the train about 8pm for our departure to the North Pole. On the way The Polar Express was read. When we arrived at the North Pole, Santa boarded the train and visited each car passing out bells to every child. (Angie got one too!) We sang Christmas songs on our way back to the depot and were served hot chocolate and cookies.

Christmas Tradition #1 - Zoolights

As a family - we have our own little Christmastime traditions that we have been keeping up from year to year. One of them is Zoolights. The Phoenix zoo does a really nice light display every year.


























This year they handed out prism glasses that made the lights look something like the picture shown here.


Dobby, Papa, Nana and Auntie Mel all joined us this year. Patrick and Papa even got to ride the merry go round.

Another Sigh of Relief

We had a very detailed ultrasound (lasting almost 1 1/2 hours) showing that we have a healthy baby for what the ultrasound shows.
Thanks to all of you who kept us in your prayers and thoughts. We were very glad that they were able to squeeze the ultrasound in before Christmas as this good news will make it a lot easier to celebrate the holidays.

On the lighter side - we can now say the baby is a boy. Use your own imagination for the picture below that confirms.

We are not sure of names at this point so feel free to post your suggestions here. How about Hobert Obert . . . ??????

A day at Yellowstone.

Remember me talking about those fond memories growing up camping. I thought it would be fun re-create one of those days here. These photos are of a day we had in Yellowstone in the early 70's.

We started the day by putting on our bell bottoms to go fishing for our food for the day:


Unfortunately, a bear chased us away:
So instead, we went for a hike. Where were were stalked by a group of shirtless hippies:

After all that excitement, it was nice to sit back in front of the fire with a smoke and s'mores:

As you can see camping was always an adventure in my family. More to come . . .