Elayna decided to try her hand at Photography. It's really fun to see her view of the world. She's actually quite talented and we will display ehr pictures at the next art show in town. We think she's a prodigy!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Christmas with Grandma and Grandpa
Before Grandma and Grandpa left for Ohio to spend Sophia's first Christmas there, we had our own little Christmas with them in NH. Laynie got a real taste for opening presents! G & G gave her 5 socks that didn't match (which were really cute and warm), a couple of books, and a Raggedy Ann doll which she carried around all night! Of course, we all gave each other books (which is pretty typical for any holiday in this house). This celebration happened right after we got our power back so it was great to spend time in a lighted room.
Getting ready for Christmas
This year was Elayna's first year of anticipating Christmas. She learned about Santa Claus and knows that he brings presents. She helped make cookies, decorate the tree, and put up lights. And, of course, she wanted to open the presents WAAAAAAY before Christmas. Here she is looking really cute in her snowsuit:) This was the same snowsuit from last year. We realized it was a little too small and went and got her snow pants:)
Tormenting The 4-Legged Children
Yes, even our dogs think they're princesses (Thanks Mimzy!). Sarah loves being a ballerina princess. And obviously, Duncan thinks Jasmine is the best princess around.
We do not condone harming pets in any way!!!! (But doesn't she look cute in a tutu?!?!?!)
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
The Ice Man Cometh
This past winter we had a huge ice storm right before Christmas. It left us without power for 7 days. We were able to run the power (but not the heat) in the clinic so we could see patients. We ran an extension cord up to the office where we have a wood stove so we could keep patients on fluids and warm. The house stayed warm by the three wood stove. We played cards by candlelight (which was great!) Alli stayed over for a few nights instead of being at home in the dark and we played dominos or cards nearly every night. We used water hauled up from the pond to flush toliets. We took showers at Alli's and Thann's house when they got power back. All in all it was a pretty cool experience (other than hauling all the wood and water). We spent a lot of time together as a family. It was interesting to get a very small feel for how our anscestors did things. We heated up hot chocolate and soup on the wood stoves and we melted ice for the dogs. We do have gas stoves so Grandpa was able to cook by head lamp and candles. We listened to the radio a lot (mostly Christmas music). We had it easy compared to people who had to water their many horses three times a day. Some people were without power for weeks. While it was very nice to be able to take a shower, it was a great experience to have gone through. Here are some pictures of the beautiful ice.
Laynie and Sophie
While we were at home in Ohio, Laynie got to spend some quality time with her little cousin, Sophia. She wasn't quite sure what to think of her. But, they had a good time poking at each other. And, or course, Laynie thought Sophie has the best toys.
Trip to Toledo Zoo
In November, Laynie, Grandpa, and I got to go to Ohio to visit our family there. While there, we made our normal trip to the Toledo Zoo. The three of us went during the day and were about the only people there. The polar bears were very active and jumped at the glass right in front of Elayna. We also got to watch the elephants playing with their toys. The zoo keepers were cleaning their home so they had food hidden all over and we got to watch the elephants throw barrels and toss big tubes to get their treats out. Laynie wasn't quite sure what to think. After we finished at the zoo during the day, we met with Uncle Wayne, Aunt Devon, and Sophia to go back to the zoo for their huge light display. It's very impressive with millions of lights and great Christmas music everywhere. Laynie had a great time looking at everything!
For anyone who's been to this zoo, you know that this statue has been there since at least the 1930's. Grandpa had his picture taken on it when he was a baby, Mom had her picture taken on it when she was young, and now Elayna joined the club. Although, it was really cold on our hind end:)
For anyone who's been to this zoo, you know that this statue has been there since at least the 1930's. Grandpa had his picture taken on it when he was a baby, Mom had her picture taken on it when she was young, and now Elayna joined the club. Although, it was really cold on our hind end:)
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