A little cheese if you please

I just got back from Arizona. A welcome change in weather compared to good old Minnesota. I was fortunate to get to be with several folks from around the country and have a week to learn more about being a good leader...Let's hope the sun didn't damage my brain cells too much and I can bring back some stuff that I learned. While I was gone these "cheesy" pictures were taken. Bryn has been working hard at pulling herself up. Unfortunately, one of her favorite places to do it is in the bath tub.

Kate, Jack and Bryn had a babysitter last weekend for my work Christmas party. The babysitter taught Kate how to braid her hair. Now she is beginning to be a pro.

Jack has a great love for puzzles. And he is really quite good at them. A little cheese for you!

As I said, the standing up has just started. I know she is 13 months and all, but give her time. I don't want to have to get the gate out for the stairs quite yet. Happy weekend.

Walkin' in a winter wonderland...

So this year we timed the trip to and from Bismarck just right (at least as far as the weather is concerned). We made it back Christmas Eve in time for dinner and presents. Here are some snapshots from the week. I wish I could say this was how happy Bryn was all week. She was great the first night and not until the last night was she back to her cheery self. We still love her.

The gift opening began. Kate and Jack were excited to get some new games. I was a little bummed that they made noise and required batteries.

Kate and Jack loved everything they got. Lots of fun stuff from grandmas and grandpas and all the relatives.

Bryn got a little more into the opening as the night went on. She really was excited with all of her fun little toys. Once again, noise makers and batteries.

Dig in.

Cool.

We got up Christmas morning to go to church. It worked out great. We were two minutes late and they ushered us to an open seat. Here is a quick family photo at the end of church when we got back home. It felt a little like the paparazzi as there were three people snapping photos. Who would have guessed this was such a good lookin' family.

They do actually like each other. I know, crazy.

Papa Bob was about the only one who was able to make contact with Bryn at my parents house. My mom had back surgery so she had to take it easy. I think Bryn filled the time and helped with the recovery.

Jack was in heaven. He had four boys to wrestle with. His face was red pretty much the entire night. Thanks Bunny, Dewey, Quarter Cup and Scooby for keeping the boy busy.

So the kids got a Wii for Christmas. This was funny to watch the dancing happening in the living room. Yes, I was a part of it but none of those photos made it to this blog.

Our last full day we took in the sledding hill. It was fun for all. Even when Krista and Jack went over the huge bump and nearly went home with a concussion.

Grandpa Myles spoiled the kids by pulling them back up the hill on the sled. Much nicer than me!

The three sisters (check out the gal in the purple).

Everybody got a chance to go down with Kate and Jack. Grandma Maureen stayed back and played with Bryn (thanks!)

This is our second annual High Voltage picture. Chere and I find it funny that this is at the top of the sledding hill.

Family photo minus one. Our last trip down the big hill was a four-some.