MOM: Loves sending Christmas letters
ALL: Who doesn't love cookies?
BOYS: They just like to get dressed up for fun!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Its COLD -- Now what?
So - what does a family of "unique" individuals do when the temperature hasn't been above freezing and all our "outside" clothes are wet?
RYAN: Invites everyone and their relatives over to eat Chicken Nuggets!
KATE: She stays cute
MOM: What else -- she reads
TYLER: Gets frustrated and then overdoses on sweets
COREY: Nothing -- he couldn't solve this with a guide book
RYAN: Invites everyone and their relatives over to eat Chicken Nuggets!
We are SICK of diapers!
So -- Laura has embarked on the thrilling exercise of training our last child. Since Laura has spent so much time lately in the bathroom with Kate - we couldn't resist the picture!
SNOW?
It never snows in Spokane. Much to our surprise -- that changed last week. It was hinted at several times and we had even had a trace over Thanksgiving but this week it was for real. It snowed all day Wednesday and set a new record of over 18 inches in 24 hours. We got twice that in CDA. We spent Thursday shoveling and playing and then back to work on Friday. The roads are slick but clear but it's so cold that this snow is going nowhere! More pictures soon!
Corey's Wardrobe Issues
Well -- when Laura called me at work and told me she had gotten a call from Corey's bus driver, I new Corey's antics had finally caught up with him. Was it the smart comments? The constant badgering over which radio station? Or maybe picking on some smaller six grader over the back seat? Heaven knows Corey has had it coming for a long time!
To my surprise it was something totally different. You can imagine my surprise when I learned the driver had call to let us know that Corey was not going to be allowed on the bus any longer unless he was dressed properly. Our oldest son had been "sneaking" to the bus stop in his shorts and no coat when it was below 10 degrees outside! Our shock and horror was quickly redirected from the driver (who had the GALL to point out we might not be dressing our son properly) to Corey. Mom was embarrassed and I was surprised that even Corey could be that crazy. Coming from someone who didn't like to wear long pants too often himself I thought I could relate but Corey (as usual) had taken this to a whole new level.
Laura asked if we could skip YM's and resolve the issue. I escaped early but after helping a friend and a late call from my boss - we didn't get out early. In the end - Corey spent just under half of my 401k (okay -- not what it used to be) and had himself a new coat, sweatshirt and two pairs of jeans! He even promised to wear them! 
So -- my wallet is lighter but Corey is warmer and the bus driver will again let Corey ride. DISASTER averted!
So -- my wallet is lighter but Corey is warmer and the bus driver will again let Corey ride. DISASTER averted!Monday, December 1, 2008
Parents Party in Hawaii
As we just saw our first snow of the winter last weekend, our hearts return to a warmer memory Laura and I had this summer. Due to some great wheeling-and-dealing by Laura, Laura and I were able to run away for a week to Hawaii.
Now I'm sure Laura will remember some different things than me but I'll put in a few highlights I remember and then leave Laura to fill in her thoughts later.
We left on Sunday and headed for Seattle. I was super excited because I was going to see my buddy Mikey in Seattle who I had not seen in a long time. We made good time (thanks to books on tape) and had a great night with Mike. I stayed up way to late talking with Mike but who cares -- I'm on vacation. Early flight the next morning was long but we had great seats and made it. With the long flight and busy weekend, we just checked in and relaxed for a while. Late that afternoon we took a walk on Waikiki beach and saw our first Sea Turtle (Laura squealed!). We enjoyed just walking. The beach was beautiful and the water was so warm! We walked until late and then called it a day!
The next day was my favorite (at least the first half). We booked a tour and got to go out and swim with the dolphins and turtles. Here is the boat we took:
This was an amazing experience. There were probably almost 100 spinner dolphins that were just kind of trolling in a general area. They would come swim fairly close and even jumped some. My favorite part is when I got away from the group and as bale to get in with a group of dolphins -- literally swimming with them (until my legs gave out) and was within arms lengths of almost 10 dolphins. I was in heaven. We also spent a while watching 3-4 turtles and had some very up-close experiences as they surfaced. It was my first time in a snorkel or warm water and I was the last one out. I would still be there if Laura hadn't yelled at me to get out! Laura fell asleep on the way and then we decided to take the rest of the day off and just sleep. We had a nice dinner and a long walk on the beach and loved it!
The next day we decided to kick back and try the Polynesian Cultural center. We had made the decision to get out of Waikiki but had to kill another day so the tour was it. We took the morning slow and hopped on the bus at lunch. The drive over was fun and the guide was great. It was pretty hot but we had a good time walking around the center but the Luau was the best part. All the food we could eat and we made a pretty good dent! Then a really nice show that evening but before it started -- Laura got in some of her favorite activity:
We got home late but had fun! The next day we hoofed it back to the airport for a rental car and freedom. We had to get out of town and we headed for the other side of the island. We grabbed some snorkels and fins and drove. The place we wanted to snorkel was closed (full for the day) so after some Taco Bell (I made Laura) we drove. It was fun just to drive and look. We ended up on the other side of the island. We rented kayaks and paddled out to a bird reserve and hiked and swam. It was a lot of work but is was a blast and only a few people. Then we paddled back and just goofed around. After a small issue with our B&B, we moved north and got a hotel.
The next day we drove back around the island and spent the day at Hanama (SP?) preserve. This is a secluded bay where only a limited number of people can come each day. We had a great time snorkeling and laying out on the beach. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a recommended restaurant. The highlight for Laura was that we found out the Clinton's had eaten at the restaurant and we got to sit and the same table for just a minute. If the waitress had been nicer - we would have eaten at the same table! I was crushed (NOT!) 
Now I'm sure Laura will remember some different things than me but I'll put in a few highlights I remember and then leave Laura to fill in her thoughts later.
We left on Sunday and headed for Seattle. I was super excited because I was going to see my buddy Mikey in Seattle who I had not seen in a long time. We made good time (thanks to books on tape) and had a great night with Mike. I stayed up way to late talking with Mike but who cares -- I'm on vacation. Early flight the next morning was long but we had great seats and made it. With the long flight and busy weekend, we just checked in and relaxed for a while. Late that afternoon we took a walk on Waikiki beach and saw our first Sea Turtle (Laura squealed!). We enjoyed just walking. The beach was beautiful and the water was so warm! We walked until late and then called it a day!
The next day was my favorite (at least the first half). We booked a tour and got to go out and swim with the dolphins and turtles. Here is the boat we took:
This was an amazing experience. There were probably almost 100 spinner dolphins that were just kind of trolling in a general area. They would come swim fairly close and even jumped some. My favorite part is when I got away from the group and as bale to get in with a group of dolphins -- literally swimming with them (until my legs gave out) and was within arms lengths of almost 10 dolphins. I was in heaven. We also spent a while watching 3-4 turtles and had some very up-close experiences as they surfaced. It was my first time in a snorkel or warm water and I was the last one out. I would still be there if Laura hadn't yelled at me to get out! Laura fell asleep on the way and then we decided to take the rest of the day off and just sleep. We had a nice dinner and a long walk on the beach and loved it!
The next day we decided to kick back and try the Polynesian Cultural center. We had made the decision to get out of Waikiki but had to kill another day so the tour was it. We took the morning slow and hopped on the bus at lunch. The drive over was fun and the guide was great. It was pretty hot but we had a good time walking around the center but the Luau was the best part. All the food we could eat and we made a pretty good dent! Then a really nice show that evening but before it started -- Laura got in some of her favorite activity:
We got home late but had fun! The next day we hoofed it back to the airport for a rental car and freedom. We had to get out of town and we headed for the other side of the island. We grabbed some snorkels and fins and drove. The place we wanted to snorkel was closed (full for the day) so after some Taco Bell (I made Laura) we drove. It was fun just to drive and look. We ended up on the other side of the island. We rented kayaks and paddled out to a bird reserve and hiked and swam. It was a lot of work but is was a blast and only a few people. Then we paddled back and just goofed around. After a small issue with our B&B, we moved north and got a hotel.
The next day we drove back around the island and spent the day at Hanama (SP?) preserve. This is a secluded bay where only a limited number of people can come each day. We had a great time snorkeling and laying out on the beach. On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at a recommended restaurant. The highlight for Laura was that we found out the Clinton's had eaten at the restaurant and we got to sit and the same table for just a minute. If the waitress had been nicer - we would have eaten at the same table! I was crushed (NOT!)
Our last day we just explored. We started with a quick trip to the temple and then explored
BYU Hawaii. Then we drove all the way up the north shore and stopped wherever we wanted. I loved watching the kite surfers (I'm trying that next time) and Laura loved the lunch place we picked. We stopped at this great beach and snorkeled, swam and just relaxed. On the way home we stopped at a shrimp shack and then headed back.
Sunday it was off the the airport. We got there way too early and had plenty of time to shop and just hang out at the airport! Way fun! Long flight home and then crashed. We slept in and then had to hit IKEA in Seattle before it was time to head home!
Lets just say it was great to get away and just as great to get home and see the kids again!
Halloween Hotties!
These are two good looking dudes!
Corey and Drew decided at the last minute that they did want to go to the school Halloween dance. Thank goodness that Drew had an outfit to match the outfit Corey pulled out of his Dad's closet. Together they tore up the middle school. Corey reported that he actually made eye contact with 2 different girls and actually touched one (even though it was only an accidental bump at the drinking fountain!) Mom gave him a 10 minute discussion on "remembering who you are and what you stand for" and then spent most of the night worrying about her baby. She may be having a problem with Corey growing up.
I just hope Corey remembered to put Dad's shades back in the truck!
Just some fun pics
No comment needed.
Ryan with a healthy lunch.
Tyler already has a way with women!
Ryan goes GQ
Just cute Katie
We always know when Tyler is hungry!
We always know when Tyler is hungry!
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