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!