The Random Pics Post for Grandpa Barry

and most of them are of Peanut.

Max turns FREE..

and although free should be three, free is more fitting. He has only been 3 for a few weeks, but he is already trying to be so independent. He won't wear anything but his Rescue Squad Mater shirt, he wants to determine what he eats for dinner (which is going right for the treat without the meal), and thinks that naps are only for Peanut. It will take some adjusting but we will survive, right? We're finding that we have to pick our battles, because some are just more punishment on us... Need less to say, he is still sweet enough in the right moments that it makes the rest bearable.

We had a great birthday celebration with him. For dinner, we took him to the Play Place at McDonald's, a big treat! (And where he probably also picked up his nasty virus a few days later.)Even though it was a bit chilly, they both insisted on waiting outside for Daddy to come home so we could go for dinner.

His backpack is part of his birthday suit, and he won't go anywhere without it! (Another battle.)

We threw him a birthday party with his church and preschool friends, and his nearby boy cousins.

Dad made his awesome Mack cake. I was very impressed. He figured it out all on his own. In fact, Brig did most of the party. Thanks Dad for skipping out on study time to come home early and play Martha.

He got the rice burners from Cars, which include SnotRod, DJ, Boost, and Wingo. We are wondering when his obsession will end. With Cars 2 coming out this summer, we are thinking it could go on for awhile.

He struggled a bit with a blow like that... so he had to have some help!

He talked about playing Red Rover for a week after this. It might have been his favorite part!

Thanks to Aunt Heidi for taking pictures and keeping Peanut from eating the deer poop on the lawn. Somehow she managed to fall in every pile out there!

She's a walkin'...

It might be better to turn your sound off so you don't have to hear my cracking voice that is a little too excited! She has been movin' since last week and pretty much walks everywhere now, although still very cautious. She can officially go to nursery without being trampled on.

Christmas in Wyoming with the Skinners

We made our way through ice, sleet, snow, and rain to get to Gillette for Christmas. Although the drive was miserable (and we were recovering from the flu), we had an absolute blast. We went bowling, played tennis at the rec center, made goodie plates, spent a night in Deadwood, and watched Christmas Vacation. On Christmas Eve, my sisters and I even put our hair in pink sponge rollers like my mom did when we were little. (I didn't remember it being so uncomfortable - so I guess I'm not as tough as I use to be because once a year seems a little much now and she did it every Saturday night.) Max loved every minute of Christmas and after opening his Santa presents said, "I knew he would bring me King and Chick (from Cars), I just knew it." Avie was hilarious, just stealing everyone's stocking candy and torturing Max.

Photo Shoot

Our friend volunteered to snap some pictures of the kids for practice. She is professional already! I was so impressed with her natural ability. She's got my business (and I need to do it more often). The kids, on the other hand, had to be bribed with candy and wouldn't smile at the same time.... ARGH! It's hard with a 2-year-old and a 16-monther! They're still so darn cute. Max insisted on wearing his cowboy hat and boots. I only let him because he recently shaved his head with Brig's electric razor and we had to buzz his whole head. Thanks, Veronica!

Well, Avalon doesn't like Santa...

Guess who's the BIG 3-0???

I think I'll take a moment, celebrate my age
Think about my siblings and my ol' dog Gage
Now its time to focus in on where we go from here
Man, I can't wait for my next thirty years

Hey, my next thirty years I'm gonna have some fun
Maybe get an iPhone and shoot my shotgun
Now that I've conquered all my childhood fears
I can live life fuller in my next thirty years


My next thirty years I'm gonna follow ALL the scores
Sing a little less, dance a little more
Buy a ranch and horses without any fear
I'll have it firgured out here
In my next thirty years

Oh my next thirty years I'm gonna gain some weight
Eat a few more donuts and keep stayin' up late
Drink a little more orange juice and not any root beers
Maybe I'll even keep a journal for my next thirty years


My next thirty years will be the best years of my life
Raise a bigger family and play Yahtzee with my wife
Spend time with all my loved ones that I hold so dear
Do what I can in my next thirty years.
(Original lyrics by Phil Vassar (sung by Tim McGraw) and adapted by Shayla)

Happy Birthday, Brig!