Merry Christmas!

We started Christmas Eve with our traditional Christmas Story and both the girls got to open their Christmas PJs. Christmas is definitely more exciting when you have kids - all of a sudden, it's magical again. Jenna helped make gingerbread cookies for Santa, and because the reindeer would be hungry, too, we left a bowl of oatmeal outside for them. But this is no ordinary oatmeal, no, it's special sparkly Christmas oatmeal. We put glitter in it to make sure that Santa's trusty reindeer would be able to see it from the sky. Jenna fell asleep, and Santa came, as usual.

At 7:30 AM, Jenna came careening into our room and whispered rather loudly, "Mommy, Santa filled my stocking with candy!" She ran out, only to return seconds later, "Mommy, Santa came and left presents!" Of course, there was no way of rolling over and ignoring our jubilant 4-year-old, so we got Miriam out or her crib and headed toward the Christmas tree. Jenna passed out presents - she's old enough that she can read all the names on the tags now. We ate yummy cinnamon rolls for breakfast and enjoyed the rest of the holiday by devouring way too much chocolate and listening to happy squeals of laughter from the girls as they enjoyed their new toys and games.

Before opening their PJs

Jenna loved how soft they were and Miriam was just plain happy!

Saying goodnight to the Christmas tree.

Miriam checking out her stocking loot.

The girls with their stockings.

Jenna passing out the gifts.

Jenna gave Luke a race car -
she was pretty proud that is was completely her idea.

Miriam had a hard time figuring out the ribbons, but had no problem tearing the paper to pieces!

Jenna opening her baking set from Grandma and Grandpa Prizer.

Luke GRADUATES!

I know this happened before the last post, but it needed to be posted. On December 12, 2009, Luke officially graduated with his degree in Chemical Engineering. It is a huge relief to finally be done! It was a crazy weekend - both of my parents came up from Rigby, and Luke's mom, stepdad and Grandad came up from Declo. Grandad, Bonnie (Luke's mom) and Luke now make up three consecutive generations that have graduated from the University of Idaho. GO VANDALS!

Both Jenna and Miriam were troopers for the whole thing, and as soon as the graduation ceremony was over, we went down to find Luke in the large crowd. No sooner had we found him, snapped a few photos and started to head over to the treats that Miriam threw up all over my wool coat! She had thrown up earlier that morning, but we thought that the crazy schedule had made her overly anxious. Maybe she was still anxious with all the people around her - but whatever it was, I got covered in processed applesauce and milk! We got her home and bathed, and promptly into bed. She woke up from her nap as happy as ever and completely un-phased by the entire ordeal - unlike the coat that went directly to the cleaners.

Luke as he his walking into graduation.

Three generations of University of Idaho Alumni!

The family

Here's the video of Luke's graduation -
don't worry, it's not the WHOLE ceremony.

Never Make the Same Mistake Twice........

This past week, we went to Moses Lake, WA, for a site interview for Luke. We stopped to get lunch on the way out of town and offered Miriam a little taste of lemon.

Raffy has a Birthday!

On Thursday, while we were on our way to the grocery store, Jenna informed me that the next day was Raffy's 30th birthday. She also said that Raffy wanted an orange cake with brown frosting - to match Raffy's colors. She even made Raffy "talk" and ask nicely for the cake. So, I borrowed a yummy pumpkin bar recipe from a friend and slathered on the chocolate frosting. Happy "30th" Birthday, Raffy!

Jenna had a blast making Raffy his very own party hat!

Miriam didn't like the party hat that we made for her -
she kept trying to pull it off.

Family Pictures

While Luke's dad and step-mom were here, we enlisted our good friend and neighbor, Katelyn, to do some family shots. Family pictures were well overdue for us, so here are a few of the pics that she took. Check out Katelyn's photography blog here. She does an absolutely AMAZING job. Thanks so much Katelyn!

Grandpa and Grandma Prizer come to visit.......

Luke's dad and step-mom recently retired from the Air Force and we happened to be their first stop on the traveling visits list! They were here for about a week, and the girls LOVED it! Jenna still asks whether or not Grandma Terry is coming to see her each day. We got to go on a few walks and take some great pictures.

Feeding the ducks in the U of Idaho Arboretum.

Cuddle time with Grandpa.

We visited Lewiston and showed them the amazing feat of engineering that the Lewiston grade is - those of you who have traveled in the area will know what I'm talking about.

We went for a hike out at Idler's Rest. Jenna's new favorite thing for the day was balancing on all the huge fallen trees..........

.......and posing for the camera.

Jenna and Grandma Terry

1, 2, 3, FLY!

Halloween 2009

Here are the girls' costumes for Halloween this year. Jenna was Little Bo Peep and Miriam was her little lost sheep!