Preschool Winter Playdate

Ana's preschool had a special event today for parents at the old city memorial building. There were crafts and activities then a short program. Wish you all could have been there. It was so much fun! Here's Ana at the beanbag toss and with her teacher Mrs. Jackie.

Working Mother

Ana demonstrates how a woman can have it all.

Mei's Valentine Flowers

Meili received two Val-a-grams at school from a couple guys who find her irresistible.

My Funny Valentines

Another heart pizza for the kids' dinner. Daryl and I went out for something a little more sophisticated

Spook's 9+ Lives

Spook is going on 8 years old this April, and he's had more close calls than any living cat I know. Three years ago he dragged himself home with a fractured pelvis and broken jawbone, after more than a week's absence. His latest near-death experience (and $120 vet bill!) involved an abscessed front paw--another fight, no doubt. Here are some shots of him with his bandaged foot. Daryl assured me that this post would be of general interest to our readers.

Kids & Snow

Scout "can't put her arms down!" Lincoln and Ana warm up in the car with me.

Sledding on New Year's Eve

We met Katie and Dave at a fun hill in Mapleton on New Year's Eve. (I just found these pics on Meili's camera.)

Shhh . . . It's a Secret

Ana had a little adventure with the scissors a couple days ago. Here she is modeling her new haircut. (Look at the section by her earlobe.) The baggie contains the wisps of hair we were able to salvage. When we questioned her about what happened, she firmly denied having anything to do with it. Meili finally got her to confess, but Ana says "it's a secret"--so don't tell.

Snow Piles

My dad asked for pictures of all the snow out here.

Super Bowl Spread

A perfect evening--plenty of grub and Daryl's team won! (Check out Meili's new spectacles.)

Chic Chef

Sporting her celebrity shades, Ana prepares a gourmet meal in Scout's kitchen. (She's punching the buttons on the microwave.)

Rare Shots of Mom

Meili took these of me at Katie's house. Scout brought Ana's socks to me and asked, in her adorable way, if I would put them on her already bundled feet. I didn't know Meili got a shot of this sweet moment.

Cuddle Kids

Lincoln and Ana hold still for pictures. It's a miracle.

Dancing with the Stars (video)

Reflecting on a Big Win

Here's Meili with her award-winning Reflections entry. Her depiction of a girl dreaming of all she can become has advanced to the regional level, and we are so proud of her!

Ana Reads to Her Baby

Tonight I caught Ana "reading" in her princess chair. It has to be a real book with lots of words--not a picture book. Can you guess which sibling she is imitating?

Loser Babysitters

We babysat Scout on Friday and everything went totally smoothly until she locked herself in the bathroom and had a party in the toilet. I was nearly ready to bash in the door when Eliah saved the day by picking the lock. Here are some of the shots we got of her after I realized she was NOT going to drown in the toilet. Needless to say, Katie will think twice before leaving her with us again.

Style Sense

Ana showing off her beautiful hairstyle (she did it herself) and her Dora Band-Aid (for a nonexistent boo boo).

My Very Own Katie Quilt

We received the best gift from Katie this year--a quilt in memory of my mother. Katie described it as a "labor of love" and, truly, we are so grateful for her mammoth effort, especially considering she has two little children who need her almost-constant attention. Each square is a piece of an old shirt belonging to my mom, and each represents a connection she had with my family. Top square: a Mapleton Elementary t-shirt. My mom loved visiting us here and always had me buy her the new school shirt at back-to-school night. Right square: Meili's handprints and Eliah's footprints from a grandkids' sweatshirt made in 1996. Bottom square: a sweatshirt commemorating the Elvis stamp. My mom and Daryl shared a love of everything Elvis! Left square: a t-shirt from the Boar's Butt Restaurant. Daryl, his mom, and my mom went to Alabama together in 2000 on a family reunion/genealogy trip. I hear that dinner at this restaurant was definitely a highlight. The Mickey Mouse border signifies the wonderful family trip to Disneyland, courtesy of my parents, in 2001.