5 Years

Happy Anniversary to us!

Popsicle Fun

Cabin

We are fortunate enough to have a family cabin here in Utah. Jamison's first visit was last summer, and he talked about it ALL winter. When we finally were able to go this year, he was shaking with excitement.

I have many, many fun memories of the cabin as a child. As an adult taking children, I've realized that it is more work for me. But seeing the enjoyment on Jamison and Vivienne's faces makes it all worth it.

Next time you see Jamison, ask him about the cabin. He can talk about it for a while! And Vivienne learned to say "river" and "rock" last time we were up. Can you guess what her favorite activity is?

Hair

So, I got a major haircut in May:

Vivienne did not want to be in this picture.

A Special Kind of Party

This might sound morbid to some of you, but I assure you it is not.

For the last 8 years, my immediate family has celebrated my grandfather on the day he passed away (death day). Or more affectionately known as "Grandfather's D-Day Party."

We have a big dinner with all the foods that remind us of him. Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese, cheetos, canteloupe, watermelon, diet Dr. Pepper, Fresca, etc. (Yes, we usually have tummy aches the next day.) While we eat, we go around and share funny/sweet memories of Grandfather (or for the in-laws, memories of their own grandfathers). And it is not uncommon that we are all laughing so hard we can't talk for 5 minutes. After dinner we have the traditional screaming contest (usually won by my dad) followed by Grandfather's favorite movie, The Music Man.

I look forward to, and enjoy, this party more than most other holidays we celebrate. Yay for Grandfather! He was tough as a boot!

V Update

Vivienne

Age: 21 months

Disposition: happy, cranky, silly, mad

Likes: anything outside, animals (specifically dogs), food

Dislikes: being told she can't have candy

Favorite food: anything

Favorite activity: being outside, playing with dolls

Goals: learning new words

J Update

Jamison

Age: 3.5 years

Disposition: "I'm really good at sharing my food with the other kids"

Likes: "making cookies, animals (specifically cats), puzzles, singing songs"

Dislikes: "Vivienne"

Favorite food: "peaches and apples"

Favorite activity: "watch Super Why"

Goals: "do better at games and fix stuff with Daddy"