Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from this monkey and me!

Movin' In

Some of you have not seen our new digs. You really should come to see them in person, but in case you are house bound, here's a sneak peak. If you are not house bound, you should be coming over yourself soon....please.

Joel has done a lot of this lately.

with a lot of help from family and friends.....

Progress

Our Future Fire Fighter and Truck Driver: Ethan

Our future chicken hunter: Bryce

Our backyard

We have big plans for our backyard....we'll see how much of it really happens, but with Dad's help it has already come a long way.

Yoga Mama

Next time we talk, ask me to tell the story of my yoga class....(it includes being the youngest in my class by 30 years, a fainting instructor, a nest, and a worm).

We announce the coming of our firstborn

We don't know whether he looks like a "Dave", a "Buster", or maybe we should name him after his father, best known as "Tucker". (see archives, 6/11) If you have an opinion on those 3 names, please vote. (I don't know where you will vote, but try to do it since voting is fun)

Joel and the other Carnies

The fair is a lot of fun with 2 boys under the age of 3. This weekend Joel and I went with our parents and nephews and niece to the Allegan County Fair. Life is really getting good now. 

Who wouldn't be this happy to go sheep riding on a beautiful fall afternoon?

Portland, OR Roadtrip

This past weekend we visited this gorgeous place among others: Multnomah Falls. It is the second highest year-round waterfall in the nation. The water of the Falls drops 620 feet from its origin on Larch Mountain.

Our Salt Lake friends who are now our "Portland friends": Trevor and Amanda.

Not to leave this story hanging...I'll finish it later....but I'm going to bed! This is just a sneak peak into part B of this story: Joel's windsurfing prowess.

Rochester Roadtrip

I recently went to visit our friends, Kelly and Peter, in Rochester. I slept about 9 hours on a 10 hour train ride.

Kelly and I just chilled out all week, sleeping in, drinking tea, eating her great cookies, going for walks.....it was really like staying at a Bread and Breakfast place for a week, except it included all 3 meals and had great company.

The four of us met in Chicago and hung out for the weekend. Here's the guys eating breakfast in the hall, since we girls were too grossed out at 9 a.m. to smell Gino's East pizza for a second time in 12 hours.

This is what people look like in Chi town these days, in case you haven't been there recently.

The place is still nice and all, I'm not telling you to not go there.

But I would tell you to not go here: the oldest Farmer's market in Chicago. (Do go there if you like tacos and imagine that a Walmart outdoors would be nice)

Superman Saves the Day

Thanks to Superman, ya'll are spared of more scary dog pictures....for now. May I introduce: my favorite Ethan.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

Our friends, Jon and Janna, introduced us to our new home team: The Indians. The $1 hotdogs made it a great night, not to mention that they won the game. (and yes, I did decide to wear a shirt for this special occasion, you just wouldn't know it from the picture)

Indiana has officially been introduced to Joel's expertise in style. Baseball caps at a baseball game are so out.

I Said, "SEND ME YOUR COOL PICTURES TO POST!"

Or Else....

This past weekend, Joel picked up a new hobby: playing stickers. Hannah and Lydia were great instructors on the joys of sticker collecting. Looks like the joy part of the hobby wasn't contagious.

Beach Therapy

Sun, sand, and sisters are a great encouragement to the soul.

Randy, Darrel, and Joel in a competitive game of paddle ball.

Bryce is entertaining even while eating yogurt. It doesn't take much for him to be cute.

Squishing together to eat breakfast out of the rain.

Here...

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?

If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.

Now...

Sorry folks! We never intended to bring a blog into existence and then have it be boring. But what do you want, pictures like this? Please send us cool pictures to post if you don't want to look at ours anymore.

New Views on Today's Hike

lotsa kids.

Scenic places to fish....

Things to look forward to....

Cheap medication available....

Back Home In the A/C

Enjoying technology in the coolness of Indy.

A bonus of the midwest: water. This past weekend we visited family and spent a day on "Fish Lake".

Good-bye Salt Lake

This past Sunday at 8 p.m. we finally rolled out of our driveway. All of our Salt Lake belongings, 3 bikes, and our skis were packed into this little roadster.

...Not sure why we're smiling about leaving. I think that's just what we do in front of a camera.

Somewhere in Nebraska

Along our journey, we created sheet tents to stay out of the sun and stay cool.

Here's our friend, Aash. We visited Aash and Rebecca in Iowa after our day in Denver with my friend, Kristine. Tragically, we don't have any pictures of Kristine. Sorry, I know, you're missing out....shoulda been there, I guess.

Home Sweet Temporary Home

We'll be in this crib for a short bit. If you like muggy hot weather, traffic, and not much to do, please visit. If you don't, please invite us to come visit you.

Torture

Packing kills brain cells. See you in a week.

Last Hike

Yesterday we timpanooked up Mt. Timp.

Good-bye Docs

Last night we had a going away party at Log Haven. Just one year ago we were at the same location for the welcome party...nervous and trying to look good. It had a whole different feel last night! Each resident was "saluted" by the class for something they'll be remembered for. Joel was saluted for always being ready to have a good time, bringing his kickball to most parties, and being a kid at heart. (I think they've captured him well)

The View from White Pine Lake