The holidays are over and 2009 is finally here. It looks like it’s going to be a very big year. In nineteen days Obama takes office and we’re all very hopeful that under his leadership we’ll get this country turned around. Lindsey and I are very much looking forward to seeing the year progress.
We had a great Christmas and spent lots of time with family. Lindsey’s parents and my sister, who has been busy with grad school this past year, came to town. Despite all the snow and ice we managed to make it to Lacey for Christmas Eve, and then down to Vancouver for Christmas Day.
It was a squeeze fitting everything into our AWD Subaru.

Santa visited us on xmas eve.

The cousins.


Avery loves his garbage truck…

and the hat Nana knitted him.

With “Asheee”



Avery climbed out of his pack ‘n play and carried the tool set upstairs.

Today we took Avery up to the Cougar Mountain Zoo to see Santa and his reindeer. It was a great day to visit because with the snow there was hardly anyone there, and it felt like we were at the north pole (only with tigers too).
Avery was indifferent to Santa, but did get close enough for a few pictures. Santa looked a bit older than two years ago when Commodus visited with him.
The reindeer were a big hit with Avery. We fed them apples. The one with the biggest antlers tended to get most of the apples, but we tried to be be fair.

“Yes Santa, I’ve been good this year. I’d like clothes and jewelry.”

“Trucks and diggers for me, please.”


Psssst, little boy, give me some apples.



Throwing apples.

Ever since we returned from Hawaii we’ve been stuck inside. There have been a few days without snow, but for the most part of the past week there has been snow and ice. I’ve been getting a lot done at work since many of my co-workers aren’t making it into work, which translates into fewer interruptions. Since I work from home I can’t really use that excuse 😉
Lindsey and Avery made it to playgroup this week in between snow storms, but aside from that and a couple errands they haven’t left the house. We took Avery out in the snow a few times. He doesn’t like to get down in the snow, but he does enjoy dancing around in his snowsuit and rubber boots.
We’re expecting a big windstorm in a couple hours which is likely to knock out the power. On the news they’re saying we could be in the dark for up to three days. Fortunately, we’re more prepared than we were two years ago. We invested in a generator, so at least we’ll be able to keep the espresso machine running. Whew.
Avery likes loves Elmo.