Merry Christmas

It was just as difficult as usual to get the family together for our annual Christmas photo, and my first attempt was met with grumbles.  In our first photo session we all sat on our bed.  It did not help with the posture, but we did get one photo that worked.

Because it's a tradition to take a picture in front of the Christmas tree, I gathered the family together again right after church when we were still dressed in our "best". I was met with more grumbling, but since we've done this every year, they acquiesced!  I like having these pictures, and there are family members that look forward to getting our annual photo Christmas cards -- you know, there are still people who don't have a computer, or Facebook... like Great-Grandma Vogt!  We've got it down to a minimum number of poses - 4.  With 4 poses, we are bound to get ONE picture that is good enough of all five of us.  As soon as that 4th pose is taken, the kids and Daniel scatter!  The number of photo cards mailed gets less and less every year as I send more electronic greetings.  Maybe one day, we won't have to print any photo cards.  But, I will still demand that family photo.  It's tradition after all, and someday I'll look back on all these photos, reminiscing of the joy of the season.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Halloween

The kids are getting too old for Trick-or-Treating (sigh).  But, luckily they still like to hand out candy to the little ones, and our tradition is to do it at our church Trunk or Treat event -- hundreds (it seems!) of kids going from car to car, gathering tons of candy in a short period of time.

There were very numerous, costumed creatures, and Gabe handed out the candy from our "trunk".  Sam roamed the parking lot checking out all the costumes, and Carly (with her group of girlfriends) did go Trick-or-Treating.  They each did their own costumes, and I can't tell you who Sam and Gabe dressed as -- I'm pretty sure they are video game or Anime characters.  Carly took it easy and dressed like a little girl in her pj's.

After the candy frenzy in the parking lot, our ward's youth (along with two other wards) had a Halloween Celebration including games (board games, donut bobbing, smoke shooting), karoake, and treats (nachos and cupcakes).  It was a lot of fun for them to have something to do on Halloween night.

I feel a little nostalgic this year, and remember when my three were just little kids excited for Halloween-- planning out costume ideas months in advance, ordering their Buzz Lightyear or Piglet costumes from the Disney Store.  Soon, those cute Disney characters changed to Pokemon like Charizard and Pikachu! 

Fall used to include visits to the Pumpkin Patch, pumpkin carving, and school Halloween parties.  All things of the past, it seems.

I miss when the wonder of Halloween sparkled like magic in their eyes, and they still had Halloween candy when Easter came rolling around!

It seems I'm ultra-aware lately at the ever-shrinking time I have left with my kids at home -- soon they'll have little dressed-up Treaters of their own!

TRICK OR TREAT!

PAX 2012

PAX (Penny Arcade Expo) 2012!

Gabe was ready to purchase his ticket the minute it went on sale, months before the event.  He got Sam excited about it, and they both brought a sort-of reluctant Dad with them.  After spending all day in Seattle at this gaming event Daniel was very excited about the whole thing, and is already planning to purchase a 3-day pass next year!  Maybe next time he'll stand in the long line to meet Will Wheaton.

Happy 15th Birthday, Sam!

I can't believe my little Sambo, my Sammy, turned 15 years old this summer!  What happened to the baby boy that needed his mommy?

 Now he's taller than me, he's smarter than me (Hey, it's his birthday- Let him believe it!), and he has his whole life ahead of him (Me?  Only time will tell).  We started out his celebration week with a family dinner on his actual birth date with the Greer cousins and 2nd cousins, which included chocolate cake, chocolate ice cream, and video game contests.

 Then on Saturday, a bunch of his friends came over to be transported to Adventure Paintball Park in Longbranch WA (Thank you livingsocial deal!). 

 It was Sam's special day, and there were lots of friends around to witness it.  Sam was lovin' it!

After paintball, the group returned to our house for pizza, hot wings, and cupcakes.  A great celebration!  I can't wait to see what the future holds for my now-not-so-little boy.  Love you Sam!

Summer Camping

KOA-Astoria

We stole away for two nights of camping -- the type of camping I'm willing to do - with showers, pool, free pancake breakfast, water and power hookup, convenience store!

The campground had a big "pillow" for jumping.  The kids loved it!

My favorite part: that time of night when we're all in the tent and there's nothing to do but talk.  Love that.  Goodnight.

A Day at the Beach

A nice day at the beach in Ocean Shores WA with the 2nd cousins!

Gabe, Carly, Carlos, Dandan, Sam

Gabe and DanDan playing frisbee...

Father & Son Campout

It's that time of year when the men of the family leave the nest, if only for one night.  Carly and I love this time by ourselves and enjoy a girl's night!  This year we ate Chinese food in a cozy bed while we watched TV together.

Garrett, Sam

Gabe, Jonathan 

The boys, however, had a great time at Zions Camp -- eating hot dogs, chips, licorice, s'mores and drinking as much soda as they want.  And they got to play with fire.  Sam was finally able to try out the bow he got for Christmas!  After eating an awesome potluck breakfast of egg burritos and pancakes on Saturday morning, they packed up and headed home.  They had a good time.  We had a good time.  Sometimes separating the girls and boys is a good thing.

LDS Mod (Modest) Prom

Gabe's first date!  Gabe's 16 years old, but doesn't date.  Gabe has his Learner's Permit, but doesn't like to drive. Gabe has many friends, but prefers to interact with them online.  I don't get it.

Gabe, Meagan, Raechel, James

He was convinced to go to the LDS Prom, however, and I was so happy for him -- actual interaction with people!  Dancing!  Eating!  Talking!  In person!

Arrival at dinner "Pike's Place Market"

Market wares and Fish Throwers

Gabe, Meagan, James and Raechel had a great time on their date.  It was a Seattle theme, and the decor, food and amazing time and efforts put into this 5-stake event still amazes me!

Dining Room at the "Space Needle"

Arrival at the dance (the "cruise")

Dancin'

I hear that my son was a total gentleman.  Sigh.

2012 Mother-Daughter Weekend

This years Mother-Daughter weekend was planned by Rebecca, and we went to Sedona, AZ!

The trip included all the usual things -- food, pedicure (for me), games, talking, food, birthday celebrations (Carrie and Rebecca), food.  You get the picture.  I have such a great time with my sisters -- I laugh so hard I cry.  Rebecca is so clever and fun.  Carrie is a great conversationalist and eager to be active.  Mom is a peacemaker and it's clear she loves us and loves being around us.  She likes to make memories.  I think I got that from her.

Yummy food at The Barking Frog- deep fried cactus!

A wonderful sunset

Sedona Summit pool

A day at the Grand Canyon

Grand Canyon!

 I can't wait to see what next year has in store for us!  I miss them already.

12 Years Old!

My only daughter is twelve years old!  She's been very excited to hit this milestone, to enter Young Women, and start babysitting.  Carly loves the idea of speaking French and living in Paris -- thus the cake theme.  She also received a huge print of the Eiffel Tower to hang on her bedroom wall.

It was great to have the family over for a birthday dinner of spaghetti, french bread and salad.  

Cousin Kristina and Cousin Tim

Grandma Martinez

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Linda

Father and Daughter

Video game time with the 2nd cousins

Carly has matured so much since her last birthday, and I've enjoyed seeing her grow and change.  I'm so proud at the young woman she's becoming -- honest, joyful, talented, caring and helpful.  I can imagine what kind of girlfriend, wife and mother she will be.  It's my joy and sadness as she continues to grow away from being my daughter into what she will become!  I miss her already.


Happy Birthday Carly!