Family pictures

Why we always wait until December to take family pictures is beyond me. But, the top item on Robert's Christmas list this year was a family picture. Of course it has been a year and a half since he has seen us (of course the kids have all grown and look older but I think Steve and I look younger...don't you!). This was our lovely experience trying to take pictures. The camera is on a tri-pod with a timer. So after I push the button...I have "jump into" the picture. It took a few times to get Sam to look at the camera. When we finally got him ok...Mark had to do the peace sign! Then, Sam took off just before the camera took the picture...It was a crazy night.

Oregon

One of the afternoons we drove up to the lake near Baker City and walked around. Of course the temperature was probably below 35F. This is Steve and Sam admiring the view.

More snow pictures

Snow in Oregon

We went to visit my sister, Shauna and her family in Oregon for Thanksgiving. It took us a whole day back in California to thaw out...it was so cold up there. It had snowed earlier that week and enough stayed on the ground that the kids were able to go sledding at the golf course. The kids had a great time visiting their cousins and we really miss having them close by.

Sam's birthday

For whatever reason, the video is not attached to the other post so we will try again. A description of what this is about is in the next post. I had to really edit the video to make it small enough to put on the blog. This went on for a good 2-3 minutes. Listen closely for the YMCA music and watch his reaction when it stops.

Sam's 2nd Birthday

Sam is 2! He had a great birthday trick-or-treating. Grandma and Grandpa Gentry, Grandma Bowen, and our friends, the Sellers came over Sunday evening for cake, ice cream, and presents. The video here is him with a card Grandma and Grandpa Gentry got him. It is one of those cards that sing when you open them. We laughed for several minutes watching him. It took him a minute to realize the music was from the card. Then, he would start singing and dancing and his hand movement would close the card, making the music stop. He would just stare at it not understanding. Then, he would open it and the music would start. It was hilarious. Watch his mouth...he is singing along. Hopefully the video works because it is precious!

Freshman awards ceremony

Hannah and Rebecca were both recognized for great grades the first quarter of their freshman year. I got video of it but this is my first time posting video so we will see how it works. In case it doesn't...Hannah has a 4.0 gpa and Rebecca has a 3.67 gpa. Both outstanding!

Soccer

Hannah and Rebecca just finished their season and took 1st place. They had a lot of fun although they missed most practices because they were the same days as their volleyball games. Their team won 8 out of 10 games and tied the other two. 7 of their wins were shut outs. Hannah is in the process of trying out for the school soccer team. We will know the end of this week if she makes it...although we are pretty sure she will.

Emily's team also had a great season also. They won 7 of 9, tied 2 and had 5 shut outs. They have play-offs this weekend. She has been lucky to have the same coach for 4 years. She got recruited by a comp coach (competition league that travels) but we are not ready for that commitment yet but it was an honor to be looked at.

Pumpkin Patch

We went to the local pumpkin patch with Mark's class. I was not thrilled personally as I have been there every year since Emily was in kindergarten but the kids had fun. It was Sam's first pumpkin experience. Have you noticed Mark's smile? He is at that age where all his smiles are that cheesy grin.

The rest of Halloween

Here are the rest of the Halloween pictures. Hannah was Tinkerbell...Emily a butterfly...and Mark a skeleton.

Halloween

The first Halloween that Sammie had an idea of what was happening...and his 2nd birthday! We are celebrating the birthday on Sunday but he went trick or treating and loved it. Sam is the spider...Mom is the web.

Family Time

On Sunday's, we like to have some family time. We love our Sunday afternoon walks (when the weather and allergies cooperate) and we also love game time. Tonight we played a few rounds of Phase 10. We have to give Sammie some cards of his own so he feels part of the game!

Rebecca

I mentioned earlier that I would get a picture of Rebecca at volleyball...so here you go. It is not the best but the lighting in gyms is horrible for picture taking. She is loving the sport and is happy with her decision to return to the freshman team for the rest of this season.

Reachel's Senior Pictures

We had fun this spring and summer doing a series of photo shoots for Raechel's senior pictures. Far from professional but a lot less expensive!

Miss Em

Emily went with me this summer to help me with taking Raechel's senior pictures. This was a quick snapshot I took while we were out. I am jealous of her eyelashes!

Volleyball

Hannah started on the freshman volleyball team but was moved up to JV to cover for some injured players. She is not getting as much playing time but learning alot. Rebecca was also moved up to JV but recently returned to freshman in hopes of a little more playing time. I will post her picture next week (since I don't have one yet!)

One tired boy!

It was a crazy morning...business phone ringing, cell phone ringing, house phone ringing (yeah...I know...too many phones!) and the door bell ringing. I guess Sam got tired (literally) of waiting for me to put him to bed for his nap so helped himself!