Pretty/Smart

Fambly

I almost wasn't able to convince Nippon to go to Safford while we were in AZ, but with a little give and take (we ended up just going for just the day) we made it down to visit family.

The kids had fun jumping on the trampoline, getting wet and dirty (Rowan), driving/riding in Adyson's pink jeep, and having a tea party. I enjoyed the freedom that comes with having family around to help watch the kids. 

Tyler instructing Rowan on how to pop the clutch.

The progression of a toss. Scroll fast!

The men played horseshoes. Team Scott and Dad being triumphant.

I love this picture. Looks all David Blaine-ish.

Mid-flipperoo.

One must get wet and dirty, if they are to prove they had fun.

Cruisin cousins.

The best way to finish off our visit....Casa Manana!

And getting to see Miss Claire Douglas as well!

Schnepf Farm Fun

For Christmas my parents took the whole family to visit Schnepf Farm in Queen Creek. We enjoyed ice skating, a hayride, smores, train ride, deer feeding, yummy lunch, and petting zoo. It was nice to all be together and seeing the cousins play. 

Rowan wishes she could skate too!

It wasn't ice, but a slick white plastic rink. I was not so good at it, I think Lee broke both ankles, Adyson and Afton had fun, and Scott was a pro.

Hooray for cousins! We especially love our big cousin Keely. 

Feeding the deer was definitely a highlight.

They were so pretty! And hungry.

The deer isn't so sure about the man in the sweater vest.

Pretty ladies!

The cutest fambly I ever did know.

I just adore this picture of my parents. Thank you so much for giving us the gift of family!

Xmas Morn

Hooray! Santa made it to the Rath house! He even ate the cheese and crackers we left out.

Afton's loot included a microphone (so he can belt out Vampire Weekend tunes), Nike shoes, Ninja Turtle footie PJs, Pokemon cards, balance board, and other exciting junk.

Rowan received push corn popper, Bubble bath, books, circus tent (she belongs in one), baby doll, ect.

The kids were spoiled.

They must have been good this year, or maybe Santa has a short memory.

If Diane Young won't change your mind. Baby, baby, baby, baby right on time!

Children of the circus.

"Whoa, all of this is for me!?"

Ornaments and Roo

I though I would try making a couple of ornaments this year for the tree. I picked out this cute and simple tree design and made them. The felt discs were already cut out, you just string them onto a string and added the star and red bottom. Easy peasy. I also made an ornament that you bake. I placed a bunch of plastic beads into a frame and put it in the oven where it melted together, making a sort of stained glass style design. I forgot to take pictures of it, but it turned out nice as well.

And let's throw in some Rowan pictures for fun!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We decided to visit this street near us (can't seem to remember it's name) again this year and see the Christmas lights. Most every house is decorated and gives out treats of all different sorts. There was hot chocolate, popcorn, marshmallow roasting, coffee, candy canes, cookies, and one house was even passing out Russian chicken soup (a sort of rice and chicken dish with crumbled egg and ginger on top). It was fun, and the kids got to see Santa on top of a firetruck.

This house has a miniature city set up inside on of their rooms. Super cool.

Afton requested he have his picture taken with his non-roasted marshmallow and these two fine characters. 

Another photo request by Afton. Pretty handsome fellow.

And here are some random Christmasy shots. :)