Christmas at Last.

Grandma Crazy Hair, and the Federici clan came to the new Maryland home for a few days.

Madison was much more interested in the Styrofoam peanuts than her presents.

















Shelyn gave Alyssa the green vest she has on in the picture and that she has been wearing for several days even though she hasn't spent that much time outside. I guess she likes it.
















Of course Roxy had to be involved in the event. She has grown quite a bit over the past few months and seems to like the Christmas tree. It's a big stick in the house.

Holiday Festivities

The kids getting in the holiday spirit
















Aaron sows his enthusiasm for the holiday event at school
















One of these elves looks like he may be working his way to the wrong list.

The Christmas Tree

We've been going to the same Christmas Tree farm im Maryland for several years. We missed one last year but they were happy to see us back.

I think the kids were happier to get a ride in the golf cart than to get a tree.
















Missy ALWAYS likes to help me get the tree tied to the car.
















It's like stringing up the lights!
















One of the Christmas card rejects in front of the tree.

THe Holiday Season Begins

Alyssa and Edyn working out a few bits of energy before the holiday chorus concert.

















Of course there had to be a kids table. I think theirs was nicer than ours. Either that or they are afraid I would break the real glass dishes.

















We spent Thanksgiving at a friends house and I still ended up cooking some how. They will say they couldn't stop me but don't believe the hype. I was duped!

A Trip to the Mountain Retreat

We took a trip up north last weekend to pick up some more things in preparation for the holidays. I think the kids may have been a little upset if we did not have any decorations in the new house.

I really wonder why we need all this stuff when we have been living just fine with out any of it for the past two months.

It was almost like Christmas for the kids. Tons of toys they never play with mraculously became new again.

Even madison and Rici came to hlep us out. She is growing so fast!

I'm not sure I want to know what she is digging for.

A Visit From the Sherman Clan

We were grace by the presence of the Sherman clan their new addition. Guilt goes a long way!

They came to visit us in our new house for almost four days and we had a great time.

Of course the safety police tried to let the baby ride the dog.

Jack will be a great rock star some day.

The kids had a great time playing in the leaves and it saved me a ton of time in the yard. Even Jack got in on the rakeing.

The Man is Six!

Another birthday down. Can you believe he is six? It was only a short time ago when he was just a wee tot leaving presents in his britches!

Roxy

I might have more pictures of the dog than the kids. I love this picture! She does this crazy thing with her ears when she's playful.









She's getting so big. She is 6 months old now and is totally the kids' dog. She loves to be outside with them.















And, of course, she's completely spoiled. Not only does she sleep in our bed every night, she goes head first under the covers!

Back To School!

My babies are both in school full time! This picture was taken on their first day.































I drove the kids on their first day. Second day was Aaron's first bus day. Isn't he cute in his bus visor?! He was excited to ride the bus with his sister.

Latest Project

While there hasn't been a lot of extra time for projects over the last several months, we managed to finish this bench before we moved. As usual, we kept the prototype. Eventually, you too will have the chance to bid on this item on our very next blog auction!

Family Reunion

In August we made a journey to Chataqua Lake in NY for the first annual Larson Family reunion. The kids got to hang out with cousins they only see a couple of times a year. There was swimming, campfires, sparklers, more food than you can imagine, and Rock Band. That's right. I am so sorry I didn't get a picture of Eric on drums and Rici on lead vocals. It was a sight to behold.








Madison-totally posing!
































OMG!!
Cutest puppy ever





Rici is chillin' after a long day of "family time"

Birthday Girl

We decided to have Alyssa's birthday party at home with a few of her friends. It turned out to be a beautiful day (thankfully!) and the kids played outside for the entire 4 hour party.








Alyssa researched party games and came up with some relays and cool games. We supplemented with the water slide, hillbilly horseshoes, and of course, cake!




Ever the girly girl, Alyssa chose a Pirates of the Carribean cake complete with a Kraken made of icing and a Jack Sparrow action figure.






















It's a good thing her friends know her so well. No Barbies here!




Grandma Crazy Hair and Madison made the trip for the party. This is the cool new bike Grandma got her.

Visitors from Maryland

Edyn and Shaelyn, our friends from MD came to the mountain for a visit in July. We checked out a local mountain lake and state park. It was a beautiful park with a great playground.

I swear Aaron's not as skinny as he looks in this picture! The water was a little cool even in July.

A Day at the Playground

Nikki and Madison came for a visit at the beginning of the summer. We decided to take the kids to the new playground at Alyssa's school.

I love the slide hair!














My little monkey-boy.













Madison insisted on swinging by herself on the big swing. And she only fell off once! She just keeps getting cuter.












And we wrapped up the day at home with the water slide and some popsicles. Madison loved the water slide. We had to drag her off at dinner time.

Roxy

This is the kids' favorite picture of Roxy. They call it "mid-flap". They laugh hysterically every time they see it!


Madison is fully enjoying hanging out with Roxy. Roxy, however, is not so sure!

Summer Hair Cut

Alyssa decided she wanted a new do for summer. The woman ended up cutting off about 6 inches! I was terrified for her to realize how short it was but she loved it.

I was so happy to have the camera when I saw the result of the comb-out!