Pierced Ears

We hit another milestone. Allie had her ears pierced a few weeks ago before Michael left for Cambodia. We had told her she could do it when she was ready to face the pain. This summer she finally decided it would be worth it. She was anxious to do if after Christmas but we couldn't get out because of the snow so she had to wait for several agonizing days. Julie, Mallory and Courtney went with us and Mallory got her ears pierced too. I was nervous about who would be punching holes in my daughter. Luckily, we found someone with enough piercings that I was assured she was an expert (true Portland style). She had remarked that she has just given herself another piercing the day before just to remember what it felt like. A real professional. Allie was so happy! She seriously beamed and glowed once it was done. I thought it was fun watching her look in the mirror (over and over and over again.) I wasn't prepared for how much older she looked. That was a little scary. I also learned that an earring/jewelry/trinket store is heaven for 7yr old little girls. She could have spent hours in there. Actually, Kate liked it too and I think she dreamed that night of pulling all the shiny, bright colored things off the racks.

Allie with her "game face" on. She didn't smile, look around, talk, cry, or do anything but stare straight ahead until it was all over. She had pure concentration and sheer determination not to cry.

Allie's first look at the new Allie. She was very pleased.

Grandma came!

Grandma likes carousels so we took her to one. It's indoor--which is nice in Oregon.

I have a good excuse for not updating our blog for so long. Actually, I have a lot of good excuses. On January 1st, Michael left for Cambodia. He was gone from the 1st until the 16th. Through Medical Teams International he was able to go and provide dental services for children in orphanages. It was a really cool experience, and I am sure we will load some pics and stories once he is through the jet lag.We didn't do much to get him ready before Christmas so it was kind of a mad dash at the end. On the 1st we dropped him off at the airport, made one loop around the airport and then picked up Grandma Galyan! She came to be with us for 11 days while Michael was gone. Actually she came because we were going to have Luke's surgery (a tonsillectomy, etc) but that ended up being cancelled again. (Luke's blood test results have come back abnormal several times so we are working with a hematologist and postponing surgery) So, instead of surgery, we just had fun. We worked on lots of projects. I finally got my pantry organized. Grandma and Kate bonded and I think Kate gained at least half a pound. Grandma and Luke had an Uno duel. Grandma took Allie and Luke to play at Allie's school. Mom worked and worked and worked like always. We had a TON of fun and were all so sad to see Grandma go home.
We really want Grandma to come back and live with us forever--She could bring Grandpa too!

Kate's First Christmas--a music video

Warning, this music video is 2.5 min long--but she's pretty cute. It was a busy day full of excitement and a million things to put in her mouth. She even missed her morning nap because of all the fun--she couldn't stop long enough to sleep. Be sure you have your sound turned on when you watch. It's set to Kate's favorite Christmas song which is appropriate when you consider what she got for Christmas. Whenever the song was on, she would dance. (The dancing in the video is real!)

Merry Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas! Even though we were snowed in and sick we had a great day. We missed seeing all of our family and thought about them a lot during the day. We so rarely have time to spend an entire day relaxing and playing together as a family. It was wonderful and I can't think of anything that would have made me happier. Allie and Luke were excited and blessed to receive many wonderful gifts. Thank you! Kate was busy, busy, busy. (See video to follow!) Here's a few shots from the day.

No Church!

This was the scene last Sunday as we headed out to church. Cancelled! Yesterday Church was cancelled again. I am beginning to think we will never leave home again. This actually looks pretty good. Now when I step outside our front door the snow goes halfway to my knee. The pool was mostly frozen over too. So weird for Oregon.

Kate Sledding

Kate even got in on the action. I'm not sure if she liked it much, but she might have liked it when we took Luke down. That was fun!

Allie sledding

Allie took to sledding like a pro. I think she would have stayed out until she was an ice cube the shape of a girl. She helped edit the video and pick the music.