Little Frosty

Mr. Frosty

Lefse Party!

This party took place January 1st at Uncle John and Auntie Ellen's.  I can't think of a better way to celebrate the new year.  Making lefse is my favorite Norwegian tradition.  I hope we can keep it going for years to come.  Yum!

Saturday Ski Day

We took the boys to Teton Village for our first ski outing of the season Saturday.  The beginner lift, Teewinot, offers a $10 adult pass and the kids ski for free.  The real bonus is that they allow baby backpacks on the chair.  It's a speedy quad, taking you to the top in less than 5 minutes.

The first time down took 35 minutes and a lot of coaching and coaxing.  The second time down took about 1.5 minutes!  And that's how the rest of the day went.  Five minutes in line, five minutes up, 1.5 minutes down.  

Don't worry, Monte's hat wasn't on sideways all day.  We straightened it out and tied it on a little tighter.  He was a real trooper and even started yelling "YAY!" on the downhill stretches.  

Boyd surprised me with much more strength and stamina this year.  He really wanted to try going solo, so I let him out from between my skis for a few seconds.  Then I really had to work to catch him as he hasn't figured out how to "snow plow."

And Tyler?  Well, he just plain enjoyed himself.

Potty Training 101

 First, I figure out how to twist my fist while calling out "Mama, mama!" really loud, because she doesn't always hear me the first time.

 Then I learn the difference between "clean and dry" and "wet and icky."  I try to keep my big boy underwear "clean and dry" by always using my potty chair.

 I like sitting here, because it usually means I get a cool toy to play with (my favorite is Mommy's tape measure) or someone reads a book to me (Tyler even read to me today!)

The best part about this is that I get to wear my comfy big boy underwear.  No more stiff, scratchy, soggy diapers.  I'm not a baby anymore!*

So, Monte's been using his potty chair every morning since he was 6 months old, but now we're wanting to ditch the diapers all together.  We stepped up the training intensity today and he only had two accidents.  We shall see what tomorrow brings.  It would be so nice not to have to buy another box of diapers!

*Written by Mommy from Monte's perspective.  No guarantees that these are the exact thoughts of his 17 month old mind.

Mamas and Babies

The first photo was taken May 1st, 2011.  The second, January 1st, 2012.  Any changes in seven months?

The End...

 ...of 2011 that is.  We finished up our MT trip with a quick visit to Devon.  We landed at Lance and Brenda's for a delicious Christmas dinner.  Above, Roy has just finished carving the prime rib.

 Dale and Kirstyn hard at work in the kitchen.

Thank you Shirley, for all the time spent organizing this event.  And thank you Kara and Stephanie for all your contributions. 

Thank you Brenda, for letting us take over your house!  And congratulations on that sweet little baby girl! 

 The ice was perfect on Lance and Brenda's pond.  Monte wasn't thrilled with that northern Montana breeze, so we didn't spend as much time out there as we could have.

 Ivan, Tyler and Boyd.

 Dale and Rowena.

 Adel, Lani and Mari

 Tyler

 Boyd decorating his gingerbread cookie.

 Thank you Dale and Kari, for your warm hospitality.  It was a pleasure to be with you in your home again.  The boys sure enjoyed the kitties.

And that's it for 2011.  I don't feel like I'm caught up with posts.  It was a good year, brimming with activity.  But I'm moving on anyway.  After all, it is already the middle of February and fun and interesting things are happening this year too.  Time to catch up with the times!

Happy Birthday Keith!

 Keith's birthday fell on our last day in Kalispell.  Christmas day, of course.  It was a fun day filled with toys, family, food and travel.

Story coming later on Keith's B-day present.  Scroll down 4 photos for a hint!

 Putting together model planes for the boys.

Uncle Randy's RC helicopter.

Happy Birthday to my handsome, patient, hardworking, and loving husband!  Hope you have many more happy years ahead!

It was hard to leave after only three and a half short days there, but we said our goodbyes and pointed the suburban toward Devon.  We discovered we had a leaky tire as we fueled up before getting on the road.  Keith aired it up, kept an eye on it and we made it all the way to Lance and Brendas.  Upon arrival, we discovered we now had two leaky tires, hmmm...more about this on next post.

Happy Holidays - Part 2

 Boyd helps Monte open his present.

 Then there are toys to be assembled.  Colter helps Boyd.

 Happy kids, now who gets to clean up this mess?

Holiday baking.  My mouth is watering remembering how these tasty little chocolate cupcakes melted on my tongue! 

 A white elephant gift exchange.  First, pick a number.

 Then, pick a gift and open it for all to see and admire.

Next, wait to see if the next person wants your gift or wants to open a new gift.  And the next, and the next, until, finally... 

 ...YAY!  You get to keep what you really wanted!  Fun stuff!

More holiday treats!  So cute and tasty!  Thank you, Auntie Mary! 

 Beautiful singing.

Love you Mom and Al.  Thanks for the wonderful Christmas Day at your house, sister!