9 Days and Counting

It has been a little difficult to get in the Christmas Spirit this year with school and work, but we are taking baby steps. 

Exhibit A: We recently purchased the cinnamon scented pine cones.  Mark put the bag in front of our space heater to spread the smell throughout our house. Now all Mark wants is cinnamon candy. 

Exhibit B: 

Let's just say I am really tempted to draw a fireplace on my wall.

Exhibit C: Last weekend Mark and I went to the wilderness to cut down our own Christmas Tree. I was especially excited as this would be my first real Christmas Tree. Needless to say, it has its advantages and disadvantages. At least we didn't come home with any little chipmunks to torment our dogs; however, that would have made a great post.

As we were dragging the tree I felt like I was in 101 Dalmations 

when they sweep away their tracks with the tree branches. 

You couldn't even tell we had been there. . .

We had hot chocolate to warm up 

after trudging through thigh deep snow.

Putting on the lights

Organizing the ornaments

Can't wait to get some presents under the tree.

That's Not My Lion. . .

His face is too cute.

Happy 1st Birthday, Abe.
We love you.

Jedi Mind Tricks

I was recently going through some pictures from the winter and found these gems. I can't tell you how often this happens in our house.


Mark seeing the dutch mints set ever so temptingly on the counter, approaches.



Thinking I am not watching, he hurriedly devours the treat.



Mark then realizes that he has been caught and on tape no less, but with an ever so slight wave of the hand he says, "you didn't see anything."



This has yet to work, but perhaps a new pair of shoes would help next time. . .

Ode to Olie

The Terry Family recently stopped by for a visit. We went to Yellowstone and saw cool animals and gorgeous scenery; however, looking through my camera you couldn't tell we saw anything. Every picture was of Olivia. So here she is in all her glory. . .

To infinity and beyond!

School is done for a little while and I can now try to catch up on some overdue posting.

Sam came to visit us at the end of June. We had such a fun time. There is a great food co-op in the area that I have heard so much about. The Saturday that Sam was here was our first pick-up. It was very exciting. We went straight home and ate a couple of the plums.





Later that night we decided to go to the drive-in. It was a double-feature of Toy Story 3 and Prince of Persia. I am sure that people wondered what was going on with the three of us in the truck.



This was especially concerning when Sam and Mark would alternate kissing my cheeks.



It just so happens that Target changed their decorations to coincide with our movie viewing. Say hello to French Buzz. . . J'adore.