Per Your Request.......

Several people have been asking me to post pictures of our family's endeavors in the world of scouting. Ok, so here they are........ The proof that I really am the Cub Master! And yes, I wear a khaki uniform with a "neckerchief"! And yes, I talk Joe into humiliating himself for the sake of the cub scouts at least once every three months. Yes, I even drag my father into these goofy pack meetings on occasion. ( Although he is always so willing!)

Scouting............. If you had told me even 5 years ago that someday I would be at the center of Pinewood Derbys, Roundtables and Flag Ceremonies, I would have laughed out loud. Even now, two and half years into it, we have our weak moments and our proud. Sometimes I still have to laugh just to keep from crying, but I am thankful for this unlikely call non the less. I have learned a ton, and I get to spend time with Joey in a way I would never have thought that we would share.

This is "Safari Jack" our special guest in October. He sounded a bit Australian but it was hard to pin point his accent.

Quinn's 4th Birthday

Poor Quinn doesn't really realize yet.... but his Birthday date stinks! December 23rd!!! No, we did not plan it, (I don't think we officially planned any of our kids births though come to think of it.) In an effort to make it a special occasion, we waited until mid January to have his party.

It's funny how it seems like every little boy I know becomes absolutely fascinated with Pirates around 4 and 5.

Joe was a good sport and devout father, as always, and led the party as...... "Captain Big Beard". They had a full on Treasure hunt, and in this picture they're playing pin the patch on the pirate.

(It's kind of crazy how much use we get out of that wig and beard. Crazy but not surprising.)

This is the mast Joe and I constructed and attached to the fireplace. We were pretty darn proud of our selves. We aren't exactly the handiest of handy men.

(Kim, it's easier than it looks. Just dowels, sheets and twine.)

I saw this pinata, and we don't usually do pinatas, but it was so cute and only $9.00! You can see in the background up on the hutch we did a ton of decorating with our 6 Playmobile pirate ships.

I just have to say I love Playmobile! They aren't as small and easy to loose as Legos, but they're still pretty indestructible. We've been acquiring them since Joey had his 4 year old pirate party.

Ok, so everyone knows my favorite part about my kids Birthdays is that I can make a crazy cake, and they will love it no matter how it turns out. There's no pressure and I can go as buck wild as I want, because it's for my child, right? :)

Well I got this gift card to William and Sanoma, (thank you Shayla), and found this adorable cupcake kit there that was way overpriced in my opinion, but so cute and it made these cupcakes a breeze. (FYI, they have a princess kit too.)

All in all a success, and I can't believe my sweet "Quinn the Eskimo" is 4!

A couple of weeks ago in Primary his teacher asked us to tell our kids why they were named their name. Joe and I realized we had never played for him, the song that made us fall in love with the name "Quinn". After quickly rectifying that, Quinn spent the rest of the day running around the house calling himself, "The Mighty Quinn!"

Joe and I still argue which version is better, The Beatles or Bob Dylan?

Quinn, you are a wonderfully thoughtful boy that brings me so much joy and constant laughter. You make lots of messes for your older brother to clean up, you tease your big sister non-stop, you treat Stella like a wrestling dummy, and sometimes I feel like the only three words in your vocabulary are, "I AM HUNGRY!" But you have a strong desire to "choose the right", and your prayers are so beautifully sincere, people can't help but be touched by them. You teach me so much every day. Quinn I love you!

Willy Wonka!

In January Joey had the opportunity to preform in his school musical, Willy Wonka. He went through the audition process last September, and has been rehearsing as a funny "Oompa Loompa" ever since. Here is a little clip from the play, (hopefully....... this is my first time uploading video.) Joey is the one whispering to his neighbor.

Honestly we were super proud of him, he worked so hard on this!!! It was soooo much fun!!!!

Stella's 18 months Today!

Stella just passed her 18 month mark which has really flown by! Now some of you may not be able to believe this, but she seems to be even more independent, passionate and fearless than any of my other kids at 18months old. ( I guess at this point they just kind of feed off of each other.) Oh ya, and the boys taught her what and how a "headbutt" works, so now bruises are a constant accessory.

She is a joy, with her cute dimples and those pink rimmed glasses, it feels like our home has constant sunshine, (even in this dark cloudy winter we're having).

And Nursery.......... HERE WE COME!!!

Still playing catch up....

Thanksgiving 2009 at Nana and Grandpa Hall's:

It was a joyful yet low-key Thanksgiving. (That's the way we like it!) While Kirsten, Audrey, her Mom and sisters baked up a storm, Joe took the boys on a "Thanksgiving Morning Adventure." One of the highlights was visiting this creepy old cemetary in Everett, and climbing "Rucker's Tomb."

(By the way.... thanks Mom, for letting me talk you into trying some new dishes, despite the heated "controversy." The meal was divine!!

Christmas Eve/ Danish Dinner 2009:

This year we hosted the much anticipated "Danish Dinner" at the McNames home. It is a special tradition in our family, and it was so much fun to have family AND friends there to participate with us. The menu included all Scandinavian dishes, and a big thanks to Tom for making the "Aebleskiver," they were so delish!!!

Audrey and I made the gingerbread house.... ok we cheated a little, by using a pre-made kit. But the licorice roof was all our idea!

It wouldn't be Christmas Eve without a manger scene reenactment. Karoline, Karli, Tyler and Tommy were such good sports to play along with the kids! Quinn took his role as Wise man very seriously!

Christmas Morning 2009:

These are the faces of Christmas morning....... is there anything left to say!?!?

I guess just ...... THANKS SANTA!!!!!