The "stair master" (aka Bryan) has slid down dozens of times now! Mommy is much less worried now about a bad fall and all bedroom and bathroom doors must remain closed throughout the house. A bouncy ball is BryBry's favorite new thing to play with. He wants to eat his meals w/ it on the high chair tray, go places in the car w/ it on his lap and take it into the crib for naps.

Nathan survived and thrived the Klondike Derby last weekend (a scout campout and sled race done in below freezing temps). The temperatures dipped into the single digits, but that didn't chill his camping spirit, it just made him bundle up and tough it out. He loved his skiing experience earlier this month and wants to go more often. He's trying to figure out a way to earn some money and buy his own skis......I'm sure he will find a way because he's Nathan!!

Kempton has conquered his strep infection, but still has a bit of rash remaining on his back. He is feeling 95% better. It took a lot out of him, so it will take a while to get back to 100% himself! This weekend Kempton will be building his pinewood derby car for the race that will be next week. Unfortunately Kempton's ski experience wasn't as fun as it could have been. He got altitude sickness and had to stop skiing about halfway through the day. He enjoyed what little skiing he accomplished and wants to go again!

Justin performed in his first orchestra concert last night. It was a fun experience to hear 50 first graders playing violins, violas and cellos. As seems to be common is our household, Justin's list of least favorite things to do includes performing, so he was glad to have the concert OVER! We went out for a treat after the performance and I think that made it more enjoyable for him. Donuts and milk can smooth over lots of rough spots.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I haven't done this since June, so hopefully I can remember how it all works! I am still new to the blogging way of life but thought I would try to update it more often.

We just returned from a visit to Kansas City. We had a great time there seeing Grandma and Grandpa and also getting to visit Grandma Ashton is her new apartment. She has a very nice place and says she just loves it there. Nathan got to go skeet shooting with his two uncles and enjoyed that very much. Justin and Kempton went to the Legends with Dad on Saturday and they visited the place there called "T-Rex" and then went for a treat a Culver's. Saturday evening was spent with some of the Reynold's family playing games, eating dessert and Kempton and Justin getting reacquainted with Colby and Ethan Reynolds. All the boys learned to play "RUMMY" and so we spent some time playing that with the grandparents and aunt and uncles. Our drive home wasn't too bad. Ten hours in a car isn't the funnest thing to do, but we watched movies and played hangman and the dot game. The weather was perfect for traveling. Bryan didn't fuss too much, but sitting 10 hours in a car seat isn't his favorite thing to do.

Tonight the washer and dryer are going full speed ahead to get ready for the trip to Colorado on Wednesday. Let's hope that there are no more blizzards so our trip won't be ruined. Barton has business in Denver on Thursday and then Friday they ski with Dan (Barton's friend and co-worker) and Derek, their cousin and Mom, Justin and Bryan will hang out with Grandma and maybe see a movie!

I will post some more Christmas pictures at a later date. Gotta get Bryan to bed....