Happy New Year and Many S'mores

It's New Year's Eve and Hank got to celebrate with his very first s'mores experience.

First, he helped Daddy roast the marshmallows over the fire.

Then we made the sandwiches.

Brian and Erica were ready to dig in.

Hank thought his was pretty yummy in the tummy.

 Happy New Year's Eve!

A Cool Day at Copper Mountain's Crittertown

The Zatzkins ,our good friends of many, many years, are in town from Houston! 

 Soooo, we headed  to the Copper Mountain ski resort. 

Here's Brian enjoying the slopes.

 Meanwhile, Hank got to hang out with the ladies. 

He started his morning off with his very first hot cocoa ever. 

The verdict? 

 "That's my favorite!"

After the warmup, it was off to Crittertown. 

Up first was tubing.

Check out the raw footage:

After a long day, Erica, Hank, Blue Blanket and Green Blanket made their way back to the car.

What a great day . . . and guess what, next time Hank wants to ski!

 

Hanukkah Finale

Hank ended his Hanukkah with a slam dunk. 

Let's play some basketball!

And after working up an appetite,

Grandma Marcy took Hank to Baskin Robbins for some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream. 

Nothing like Grandma love to warm Hank's heart.

What a wonderful Hanukkah finale!

"Uncle" Paul's Hanukkah Visit

Mommy's long time friend, Paul, came in town for a visit.  

Since the weather was nice, we all enjoyed our favorite outdoor activities - 

hiking and climbing up tall "mountains." 

 Of course, a Hanukkah visit would not be complete without some celebrating.  

Thanks, "Uncle" Paul, for all the love and laughter!

Hanukkah with Eli

Hank's good friend, Eli, joined us for Hanukkah tonight.

 Both kids looked at the candles with wonderment.

 May the glowing lights on the Hannukiah fill our hearts with happiness.

Hanukkah Happiness with the Matz Family

Each year, we go to Aunt Rachel, Sierra and Ryder's house for a Hanukkah party. 

Highlights included making, baking, decorating and devouring Hanukkah cookies . . .

giving and receiving presents,

 playing with new toys,

and engaging in an exciting (and yummy) game of dreidel. 

Thank you Matz Family for all the holiday fun!

Some Things Never Get Old

We're not sure what Hank likes best about the zoo . . . the animals or the carousel!

Extra Special Treat

Spending time with Grandma Marcy is always a treat, 

but enjoying frozen yogurt with her is especially sweet.

Thanksgiving Feast and Joy 2012

Bring on the humor and joy . . . Let's carve up a great family Thanksgiving!

First you need hugs from Cousin Ryder,

 then more bonding with Cousin Sierra.

 Finally, you need a successful group family photo! 

Thank you Aunt Rachel, Cousin Sierra, Cousin Ryder, and Grandma Marcy for gobblin' it up with us!!

A Toddler Thanksgiving Brunch

Hank's toddler class enjoyed a Thanksgiving brunch at a classmate's home.  We are so incredibly thankful for his wonderful teachers who have made his Montessori toddler school experience such a positive one.  Come January, Hank graduates to the primary classroom!

Hitting the Trails

No better way to start the weekend. 

Let's go!

 

 

Winter Work

Today Hank helped Daddy clear away the snow.  First came the ATV - vrroom, vrroom.

 Then came the manpower - Hank's a super shoveler!

And what's work with no play?  Time to sled away . . .

Family Photo Shoot

Family photos are tough with a dog and a toddler. 

 We now fully understand and appreciate professional family photo shoots!

Happy Halloween!

This Halloween, Hank showed off his monkey cosutme. 

His friend, Carolyn, invited him over for dinner and trick-or-treating. 

Before the festivities started, Carolyn read Hank a story. . . ,

and after the trick-or-treating was done, it was time to enjoy the fruits of their labor. 

 Here's to a job well done. 

Happy Halloween!

Pumpkin Party Time

It's a family tradition!  Here are the cousins, ready for the festivities. 

Sierra mentored Hank as he decorated his first pumpkin. 

Here's his finished product - a pumpkin monster!

Here are all the cousins' pumpkins (from left to right:  Sierra, Ryder, Hank)

 Then it was time for the adults to show off their carving skills

(left to right:  Mommy's witch, Aunt Rachel's cat and Daddy's skeleton)

What a great early start to Halloween!