Our Family: January 2010

Saturday, January 30, 2010

Brotherly Love

These two are becoming quite the buddies.

While Abigail was away at a friend's birthday party, Dallin and Connor played on the kitchen floor while I made dinner. It is really fun to watch their friendship grow.

They love to wrestle, play cars, run around growling at each other

(that is one of their favorites), and ride their "bikes" in the back.

Abigail is always so good at playing with her brothers.

But most of the time (when she is involved) they end up playing "house."

It is fun to see just the boys together - doing what BOYS do best.

More Movie Madness

We had another fun Saturday night at the movies. We love the Drive-in!

We are especially loving the new winter starting time - 7pm - which means we can get home at a descent time :). We all had a blast playing a little family "soccer" in the field., while we waited for the movie to start. Even Connor kicked the ball for the first time. He was so proud. It was even a little chilly (imagine that... chilly in Texas), so we loved snuggling in the back of the van. We probably would have loved it a bit more if certain little people could sit still through a movie, but either way... we had a great time.

And All She Wanted To Do Was Jump

Poor Abigail had the flu.... the day after we set the trampoline up.

It was a nasty bug, but gone with in 24 hours.

Thank goodness.

Luckily no one else was infected.

Saturday, January 23, 2010

RYAN... FOUND!!!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Ryan and Viola were found today.

"They had indeed been stranded in the snow, but they were able to find shelter for several days. When the weather cleared, they hiked out and were spotted by a rescue helicopter. Needless to say, the family is ecstatic. Thanks to every one of you who helped spread the word about this missing couple. It’s so uplifting when “lost” stories like this have a happy ending.

Here’s the news report:

A Fremont couple who hadn’t been heard from since last weekend after leaving for a camping trip were found safe Saturday in rural Lake County.
A helicopter pilot hired by the family of Ryan Barrett saw the 31-year-old and his girlfriend Viola Liu, 31, walking near Elk Mountain Road north of Clear Lake around 3:30 p.m., said Barrett’s aunt, Patricia Jennings.
The helicopter, with Barrett’s uncle and cousin inside acting as spotters, evacuated them. They were headed home Saturday evening.
“They’re fine,” Jennings said. “They’re tired and hungry and thirsty, but fine. And so are their dogs,” she said, referring to the three dogs that accompanied the couple on their trip.
The couple left for Lake County on Jan. 16, intending to stay two nights. But Jennings said they got trapped when rain and snow hit the region and their two-wheel-drive vehicle couldn’t traverse the streams they crossed on the way there.
The couple happened upon a cabin, where they stayed a couple of nights, Jennings said. They survived on the provisions they had brought, including freeze-dried food.
On Saturday morning they set out to try to hike to civilization and were spotted by the helicopter, Jennings said."

Ryan Barrett Missing

My cousin is missing. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Please pray for him and his girlfriend.

View ABC local story here.

"A Fremont couple has been missing since January 16 and their family and police are concerned and doing everything they can to find the couple.

Ryan Barrett and his girlfriend Viola Liu, left on Saturday to go camping with their three dogs and were scheduled to return home Monday.

Susan Itson is the lead missing person's investigator on the case with the Fremont Police. She says they have worked with the cell phone companies and determined both Ryan's and Vola's cell phones were manually turned off on Jan. 16 and there have been no outgoing calls.

Itson says she has also checked with banks and credit card companies and there has been no activity on their accounts. A credit card was last used on Saturday for a gas purchase in Lake County near Clear Lake....

The concern is that wherever Ryan and Viola are, they may have been caught in the series of storms and run into trouble.

"We need people to look for that red pickup with the camper shell and three dogs and Viola and Ryan in it," Jenkins said.

Ryan Barrett is described as a 31-year-old white male, 5 feet 9 inches in height with blue eyes and brown hair.

Viola Liu is described as a 31-year-old slim Chinese-American woman, 5 feet 7 inches in height with brown eyes and dark brown hair with highlights.

The two were in a red 2005 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with a camper, license plate number 7P61451. They were traveling with three dogs -- two huskies and a labrador. If anyone has any information, please contact the Fremont Police at 510-790-6800."

Monday, January 18, 2010

Our New Favorite Toy

We returned home today to find two LARGE boxes on our front step. What could it be? The kids were dying to know. After digging through the box very confused, they finally stumbled upon the directions... a TRAMPOLINE!!!!!

The screaming and excitement could not be contained.

We are ALL excited about this new toy. After two hours of assembly - we were all jumping together, laughing and having a great time. Dallin got his first of many bloody noses (I am sure). What a wonderful Christmas present! Thank you Papa!! We love you!!!

NO SCHOOL (for Dad)

We love it when our Dad has no school. We get to sleep in, have a yummy breakfast, and play, play, play! We decided to head to the park with a picnic lunch. We love the park. It was a beautiful day... not too cold... not too hot. I love the way Texas winters are supposed to be :).

Connor sliding head first down the slide

Abigail the Climber

Dallin wasn't too excited about climbing the structure, but he loved jumping on it :).

Aren't slides for sliding??? What are they thinking? Crazy kids!

When we got home we couldn't figure out why Connor has so many ant bites?!?!?! They were on his back, his legs, his hands?!??!?! We were stumped... until we saw this picture. Mystery Solved. But where were his parents?

Monday, January 11, 2010

Randoms

These are just a few of the random shots from our trip to Utah.

Sorry for the picture overload :). But it's history right? :)

Playing Games

Watching Movies with Grammie

Reading with Papi

Painting.. and many other crafts during the holiday

Papi - always covered in a blanket sitting by the fire

It was a wonderful trip. We are so grateful that we were able to see so much family and create so many fun memories. We love you all! Can't wait to see you again!

Two of our Favorite Things

Dinosaurs and Jumping

After John flew home on the 3rd, the kids and I stayed behind for a few more days. So we decided to spend some of that extra time with the Baughmans. They are so good to be willing to play with us whenever... thanks Becca. The kids had a blast at the Dinosaur Museum. Then a pit stop for lunch and after some damage control we headed to 'Jump on It' to wear them out completely :). It was a success!

Firsts

Connor's First Sled Ride

Not to sure... but he did crack a smile.

A Snowman with their Favorite Man

John is one of the hardest people I know of when it comes to Christmas presents. He never wants anything (at least anything affordable for us right now). So the kids and I have to get creative sometimes.

This year for Christmas the kids put together a "Snowman Kit" for their Dad. It was the "Gift of Quality Time." I think it was a success. Even though Abby said, "Well, that's a bummer Dad. You had to make your own Christmas." :)

Bowling with the Baughmans

While our Daddy was skiing with his brother Mark, the kids and I decided to head out for some more fun with the Baughmans. We had a great time bowling and letting the kids run wild during lunch at McDonalds. The kids were really excited about the crazy lights... they kept saying to John after we got back... "we had a party at the bowling! It was so COOL!"

Thanks for playing with us Baughmans! We love you!