"Colorado Rocky Mountain High"

In early February, we headed to Colorado for our ski trip and Mihret's first real trip to visit snow. Good times were had by most.

"No, seriously... Dada taught me this trick..."

Mama and baby, in staying warm (for now)
We got to visit Nathan- actually, we just kept him awake
"Umm... wouldn't he prefer a taco or something?"
"I can't put my arms down..."
There's no way that this is the beach.
Luckily, Dada had a non-caloric silicon-based kitchen lubricant for the sled
"Look, someone promised me cocoa... Tick, tock, people"
"They're happy because they have hats on, baby..."
Nope, don't taste like sugar
Everyone got a chance to ski
Immediately after this photo, they headed to the lodge for cookies
Wait... That's not a REAL OSU hat...
Oh. That explains it.
Probably the most intelligent conversation Carrie had all weekend.
Parenting practice
Yeah, she's camera shy.
Sure, Mihret- we can come back next year..

Next: Valentine's Weekend warms our hearts (and very little else)

December... In Duarte (January, too)

Continuing the "What have we been up to" spectacular-

Prior to our trip to the Midwest, there were a couple of "events", and after Christmas in 'Da Loo, we spent a much more relaxed week or so at home. We had company (Grandma and Grandpa Shike), went on hikes, visited with Flat Stanley, and spent an uproarious NYE watching HGTV. Seriously.

Onto the photographic evidence:

Dada has already introduced her to Stevie Wonder

Our "APU friends" joined us for a trip to our favorite Ethiopian restaurant

And the traditional Christmas photo at the Grove

A Saturday morning hike

Quiet time with new friends

Flat Stanley visits Pasadena

Wheee!!! Uncle Scott!

Fun with "Abbie G"

Learning to fly

Ummm... I've got the bear. Now what?

"I'll tell you one thing, this waterfall is not helping my diaper situation any..."

The people on the bus include a pink hippo. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Grandpas are for giving hugs.

Next up- Mike Gundy Day in Colorado

Merry Christmas

Ok, we're either really late or really really early. I'll let you decide.

Here's the first of four "photo journals" that will (hopefully) bring us up to date from December.

For Christmas, we went home for the happy Griswold Christmas (I'm not Eddie) in the St. Louis area. It was the first time that the Strawns had been together over the holidays in a number of years. I guess there was a loophole in the "no contact" order.

The grand-daughters. Yeah, that's our little ham.

The grandsons (my nephews, minus Sam). Wait, this doesn't look right...

That's better.

Mihret's happy to meet Aunt Cambra.

Answering the question: "Is ADD genetic or learned behavior?"

Tree and fruits

Hap- hap- happiest Christmas ever.

"If I stay under here, there's no way Santa can find me..."

It's OK, baby- I never got an Easy Bake Oven either.

Next: December and January in Cali.