For the past several weeks Hannah has had an increasingly loose tooth. During that course we, as loving parents, have approached her on numerous occasions about just pulling that tooth right out. Each time we have approached her, she quickly pulls away, puts her blanket to her face and gives us a look as though we were bordering on insane.

Today, we learned why. Apparently, Hannah has become quite emotionally attached to this tooth...and this drawing gives us some insight to that intimacy.

"I'm Finished" says the tooth. The tooth with hair, arms, hands, and a clearly unfortunate disposition regarding his impending demise.

WE LOVE IT

On Communique Dissaray...

We continue to run into this minor dilemma around this time of year...what, in today's culture, is the most meaningful and effective means of sharing our life with those who are not near to us? We regularly visit Facebook, which allows us to keep near daily tabs on the comings and goings of those we 'accept' as friends. We also enjoy the blogs of those who are utilizing this forum on a regular basis, telephone calls, skype, are always great for instant connections. However, there remains the age-old, tried and true, time-tested Annual Christmas letter. I suppose it is that letter I should be devoting my early morning hours, before any others in my home have awakened, but i find this question of means and ends entering into the equation. There is much to be said about tradition and the importance of carrying on a legacy, developing a family tradition, etc...but what of starting new ones?
We have had a fantastic fall and are settling into the Christmas season. We've started a great Christmas devotion with the kids where they are playing piano songs included in the devotion. Thanksgiving was terrific and went off without a hitch, I managed to grill the Turkey outside and it turned out GREAT. Deb made some fantastic pies, Sarah some terrific side dishes and the ROLLS!!
These pictures are from the past few months...just a slight glimpse, until we decide what may be the best way (or maybe WAYS) to share...
Zak (and by proxy, Sarah Ruth)

What parent doesn't love getting their kids up for school.

I am finding that, even more fun that pictures--is the dialogue my children have with us.
Por ejemplo,

This morning, when Sarah went to wake up Hannah for school (about 45 minutes after her brother had already gotten up-she's like her mother, who loves her sleep)

Sarah (gently, as all mother's do): Hannah, time to get up honey.

Hannah (pulling the covers over her head): mmmhmmrghmeghr

Sarah (no changing in tone or feeling): Hannah, time to get ready for school.

Hannah (from somewhere beneath the covers): My eyes need to stay closed longer...

We think she needs to play less Wii...but who knows!

Life Changes

Well, this is definitely a life change...Sarah posting on the blog instead of Zak. Something new and different. There have actually been quite a few life changes going on in our family this last week and a half. Many of you are already aware of the fact that Zak's dad died very unexpectedly last Thursday. We are thankful for all the prayers and support as our family navigates this life change. Jacob and Hannah have great memories with Grandpa, and I already catch them reminiscing about things they remember or discussing things they will miss. The kids have experienced quite a bit of loss in their short little lives and it is interesting for me to watch how their grief process has developed and changed (not really something you want your kids to have to get good at...I'm realizing that is developing certain characteristic in them that I didn't have at their age. I start to wonder what God is preparing them for) I am so thankful for family and faith as we go through this life. We were very blessed to be able to be back in Minnesota for a few days, completely surrounded with God's love and care, and the love and care of our family. Once Zak gets home, we'll have to post some of our pictures from our time there.

Another life change that has taken place this week is the beginning of "All Day School" for BOTH the kids. Since the week has been a bit chaotic, it is a little hard to tell what this is exactly like. I'm teacher aiding in Hannah's classroom part of the day. That has been fun and neat to see how she interacts in her classroom and with her teacher. Jacob seems to be really enjoying being at school all day and the things he gets to do this year. I am excited for this school year and what it holds!

I'm at a loss for anything else to fill you in on right now. I don't have the same knack for writing as Zak, but now you a few details about our life recently.

Actual Conversation

So, on Friday evening we did some back to school shopping, right now thankful for only two children. During the course of events Sarah ran into "Staples" while the kids and I waited in the car, the following is actual dialogue:

Jacob: Dad, what are midgets?

Dad: Midgets are people, just very little.

Jacob: Were they born like us?

Dad: Yes, they were born like us, they just don't grow like us.

Hannah: I want to be a midget

Dad: What? Why?

Hannah: Because midgets don't die.

Dad: what's so bad about dying, you'll be in Heaven.

Hannah: I don't like being...(dramatic pause) dead.

Jacob, Hannah, Dad: Roaring Laughter!!

Winding down the summer

2008 Carnival



Sarah is brimming with creative energy and put together a couple great events over the past two weekends. We invited over the neighborhood kids and friends for classic carnival, cake walk and hot dog vendor included!















2008 Drive-in Night
Then the drive - in, which started showing at Dusk...most of the kids made it until movie ended at 11:15pm!! Some of the adults were distracted by Phelps winning his 8th gold medal about 1/2 way thru the movie, we chose not to provide photography of this, as you can see.

Sun Valley 2008

Ahhh...Central Idaho, Sun Valley to be exact. This is one of our favorite summer haunts. With the European Village feel, nestled in the sawtooths, amazing views, incredible hiking, and great times with our family and friends. Thanks to the Pasleys (our friends from Burley) who are gracious and terrific hosts. These are photos from our trip there this year in June.







Here we have a couple of our own Swans! If you ever get a chance ask Jacob about his experience with the swans at Sun Valley!
Each year we have a great opportunity to get dressed up and have amazing dinners, here Hannah poses all dolled up.