Empty, Quiet House...

Sigh... Very early this morning, they left the house. Regina took Edy, Matt, Paige, Katelyn, Matthew and MacKenzie to the airport and they flew back to their home in Virginia. I know they're probably happy to be back in their own home, sleeping in their own beds, but I really liked having them here. Oh well. It was so much fun, while it lasted. I'm thrilled they were able to spend Christmas with us.

By the time I woke up, they were gone, but I did get a treat when I looked outside!

Family Pics

Today we got up and headed for Mt. St. Helens. Even though it was raining. It was one of the last days to go there before Edy, Matt and the kids had to leave. We went to two of the visitor centers, watched the video, enjoyed the exhibits and spent money in their gift shops. But, we did NOT see the volcano! It was a complete white-out. Oh well, better luck next time. On our way back, we stopped off at the Southcenter Mall where we ate at Rainforest Cafe and were able to eat their version of a volcano for dessert! In the slide show, it's the picture with the sparkler in it. That's how they bring it to your table.

The Baby of the Family, Sweet Miss MacKenzie

Lucy and Max waiting for food to drop,
because they are CERTAIN it will!
Although we are pretty quick to pick it up before they get it!
Sorry, pooches!

MacKenzie and her Hokie Aunt Regina

Merry Christmas 2010

Our Christmas tree with stockings beneath it, filled by Santa.

Matthew and Paige hanging out among the aftermath of opening presents.

Aunt Regina with baby MacKenzie on Christmas morning.
Notice the pearl necklace Santa brought for Regina!

Katie's Grandma Karone and Grandpa Denny (my Dad) gave her two of these life-size toy dogs for her birthday and two of them for Christmas (Rotweiller, Hound, Dalmation and Husky). Her Aunt Sue and Uncle Bob gave her the Pug. She loves them all!

Katie loves her cousin Katelyn!

MacKenzie seems pleased with one of the gifts Santa left for her.

MacKenzie about to get into something, but I caught her!

MacKenzie wearing her Levi outfit that we gave her while Matthew, Paige and Katie work on putting together a complicated Lego kit.

Updating the calendar? Or messing it up? Not sure which...

Sleepy Katie at the end of a busy Christmas Day, snuggling with Mom, wrapped up in the comfy blanket she got from Aunt Peggy, Uncle Kenny (my brother), and cousins Justin and Josh. Oh, and notice she also has her "sleep dog" which was given to her right after she was born. She never sleeps without it.

Happy 7th Birthday Katie!

Not only is it Katie's birthday today, but it's also her Uncle Matt's birthday, too.
So, they sat together on the "birthday couch" where they opened their presents.

We made chocolate cakes for both Katie and Matt. And blanketed each with white frosting that is our all-time-favorite, super-bad-for-you frosting made out of crisco, powdered sugar, milk and some vanilla extract. Katie decorated with some Sponge Bob candies and it was done!

She's so happy her cousins are here to help celebrate!
They arrived about a week ago from Virginia.

After we sang Happy Birthday, she blew out her "number 7" candle
and took it off the cake so we could dig in!

Katie and Momma

Katie and Mom Gina

Garden d'Lights 2010

Just as we did last year, we visited the Garden d'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Gardens. It's such a beautifully impressive display of skill and creativity, as well as a celebration of the season.

This year we were joined by Regina's sister Edy, her husband Matt, and their kids Paige, Katelyn, Matthew and MacKenzie. They arrived a few days ago and we're thrilled they're spending Christmas with us!

Matthew, Katie, Paige, Katelyn on the bench and baby MacKenzie in the stroller.

Regina, Katie, Suzie