Bro Christmas Party 2009

A developing annual tradition amongst my best friends from the past 20 years is a Christmas party hosted by Matt and Nicole Lazzeri. Luckily with our relocation this past year, we were able to attend and catch up with some of the fellas and their brides. (Mitch and Lori, you were both dearly missed, so glad to catch you in Seattle over Thanksgiving.)

It is amazing how the composition of the broship has changed in the past four years. Four years ago I was one of two married bros and none of us had kids yet. Since then nearly all of us have gotten hitched and by this time next year most will have either their first or second child. About the only thing that hasn't changed is that Tom Haws is still the funniest man alive and is still without prospects of marriage. (For any ladies that are interested, I would be more than happy to set something up. In addition to being funny, he is gainfully employed, has a broad knowledge of hair products and can show you around the gym [just don't ask for leg advice, he last did a leg workout in 1993]).

The Bros Christmas 2009

The M'Ladies

(Is there a better looking group of women anywhere that has either had a baby in the past thirteen months or will have a baby in the next five?)

Kevin receiving BOTY 2009! Kyle gave a great speech stating Kevin's many merits making him worthy of the the title "Bro of the Year". On a sentimental note - Kevin thanks for being such a solid example to the rest of us in how to face adversity head on and make the most of it. Kyle thanks for reminding us of what is "behavior of exceptional broness".

BOTY Hall of Fame

K. Rice '73 - 2009, Beast - 2006-2008, Eggs 2005, T-Cox 2004

It should be noted that Brooks hasn't won, yet. He is BOTY eligible in 2027.

I love that while Kevin looks legitimately happy to hold Brooks in this picture, it pales in comparison to the sheer joy he gets from finding a mini keg of Heineken in his white elephant box.

Thanks for a memorable night! On a second sentimental note - we count you among our greatest blessings and are glad that we could get together.

Genevieve's Christmas Program

Genevieve's Christmas program was this morning at her preschool. The program consisted of a few songs sung by the children and some cookie decorating. She wasn't so into the singing part as much as the interpretive dance that she worked in. We apologize for the jumpy camera (we really don't intend to cut our daughter's head out of the frame). Becca was trying to hold still while laughing at G's expressiveness. While we are grateful to have the event on video, it hardly does justice to how fun it was to be there live.

From the looks of it, we will have a very happy girl on our hands once dance classes start early next year.

Disney on Ice

A friend of our called Dave with extra tickets for Disney on Ice. I don't think Dave even hesitated; what a dream for his little princess! Genevieve had a wonderful time, dressed up in her princess clothes, meeting the princesses before the show, watching so many Disney characters on the ice, and playing and dancing with her friend. Dave even said that it was pretty neat. It was a fairy tale night for sweet G!

Thanksgiving time

Genevieve had a great time at school preparing all sorts of decorations for Thanksgiving and fall. It was so fun I had her pose by her gallery on the fridge. I think my favorite is the turkey hat on her head!

When I arrived to visit at her preschool Thanksgiving Feast, this is what I saw: Genevieve trying to feed everyone else her pumpkin pie. I don't know if it was more of her wanting to share what she didn't like or if her mothering nature has transferred from her baby brother to everyone else. Either way, I ate her pie. Yum!

We met up with my parents and oldest sister's family in Seattle for a wonderful weekend of turkey, visiting, and fun. Brooks enjoyed meeting some of them for the first time, and we wished we could all live closer to one another. Thank goodness for airplanes.

Dave has decided that Brooks has met his future wife. We met up with one of Dave's buddies from growing up for lunch and met their darling baby who was born two weeks before Brooks.

They seemed pretty disinterested in each other, but we'll see if the romance blossoms!

Hanging out

Here's a bit of recent activities at our home. Brooks is still growing, a happy and healthy boy that his sister loves to dote upon. She would like to hold him more often than permitted, as his weight is heavier than she realizes. But here is a happily supervised shot of G holding Brooks. They both light up around each other!

Brooks in the Bumbo seat. He's beginning to get the hang of it, but he isn't wild about sitting for long and not being an involved part of the action. Isn't that the case with most kids?

We put him in the Jolly Jumper on Halloween for the first time, and he loved it! He seemed to instantly enjoy the ability to move, turn, and control where he looks. Now, when we begin to put him in it, he immediately begins trying to jump before his legs are even through it. With his kicking little legs, he gets some great air. We love our cute boy!

Halloween Celebrations

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. In my home growing up, it was always a special holiday as it reminded my parents of the time of year when they first fell in love. We always had a lot of fun with decorations, carving pumpkins, and fun parties. I am glad that my husband is willing to adopt these traditions in our home. Genevieve, Dave, and I carved pumpkins one night after Brooks went to bed. Genevieve helped as much as possible, and we all had a great time.

The finished products: Becca's, Genevieve's, Brooks's, and Dave's pumpkins.

We attended a fun chili cook-off and trunk-or-treat at church where the kids go from car to car for candy. I dressed as the Bermuda Triangle with items that constantly get lost, Genevieve was her favorite princess Ariel, and Dave (who's not so into costumes) was simply a masked goblin.

Can you tell Genevieve was excited for trick-or-treat below?

In Genevieve's mind, certain holidays are not complete without decorating cookies. We missed our regular group of friends from the mountains, but invited some preschool classmates and moms over to join us. It was a hit, - and a very fun, sticky mess!

Our favorite "pumpkins".

Snow White in her "carriage", off to trick-or-treat at a few neighbors' homes.

Snow storm

This is what arrived at our house a couple of days before Halloween. It wasn't the first snow of the year, but it was definitely the biggest thus far. We were supposed to leave town for Halloween weekend, but flights were cancelled and we were snowed in. So we made the most of it, by playing in the snow, keeping warm by the fire, and even starting our Christmas carols early. We had a lot of fun!

You wouldn't know it, but the most of the snow was up to my knees; Genevieve's weight just doesn't sink down all of the way.

Our mini snowman; it was too cold to build a full-sized one without my missing gloves that were still packed away. I told G she'd have to wait until Daddy got home. :)

Brooks & Genevieve

I love watching Genevieve and Brooks as their friendship develops. There is no doubt that Genevieve loves her brother and that Brooks loves her. He is quick to watch her every move and give her a smile, while she loves greeting him after every nap and quickly attempts to calm and help him when he needs it. I can't wait to see how they continue to love and play; they make me smile every day. Oh, the joy of siblings!

Dr. Genevieve and patient Brooks. I couldn't believe how calmly he lay there while she played doctor (supervised, of course!) with him. Notice the shot she is giving him in the head; not a lot of medical training, yet.

Playing dress-up with her brother. I'm sure it's more fun than paper dolls.

Our cuties, we love them so much!

Daddy Daughter Date to the Circus

The circus came to town in October, and Dave decided it was a good opportunity for some great father-daughter time. With pizza, a giant lemonade, a light-up magic wand, and great seats to see all of the animals and show, they had a fantastic time. Genevieve told me several times in the following days that her daddy held her tight whenever she got scared; daddy hugs are the best for that. Thanks, Dave, for being such a wonderful dad!