The decade ends on an upnote

We thought we would begin this update by saying farewell to a decade that brought us lots of peace (settling in Portland), love (marriage) and happiness (Gus + Beau). We also thought it would be fun to begin the year by celebrating some noteworthy firsts we've recently experienced. For example, this is the first photo ever taken of the four of us that turned out awesome. Not being modest, but you have to admit it's a pretty good one (thank you Krystle).

But seriously, we ended 2009 with some memorable and fun firsts. Here are just a few:

1. Beau goes potty on the toilet for the first time at age 2 + 8 months. Hello, big girl underpants.

2. Gus and Beau sit in Santa's lap together with no tears.

3. Gus successfully completes the ten finger raspberry thing-a-ma-jig.

4. Beau perfects the "cute girl in straw hat with peanut butter on her face" look.

5. Beau and Gus being all snuggly and sweet. Oh wait... this isn't a first, but we had to share it anyway since these moments can be fleeting.

6. Marlene surprises Beau with her very first dollhouse for Christmas that she made. Amazing doesn't even begin to describe it.

7. The ever thoughtful Marlene surprises Gus with a one-of-a-kind Spongebob Squarepants shirt. And of course she made this as well - you can tell by this photo that Gus doesn't think it's awesome or anything.

8. Not technically a first but we spent the holidays with Heather's family in Portland this year. Here's Beau with Grandma and Mimi on Christmas Eve.

9. On New Years Day, we took our snow bunnies up to Mt. Hood for their first ever tubin' trip. It was a little rainy in the beginning but still a ton of fun. After one ride down the hill, Beau pointed up to steeper slopes and said, "I want to go up there."

Heather and Gus heading downhill at warp speed.

We're stylin' and profilin' up here in the snow. This was taken shortly before Gus and Dad fell into the slushy lake in the parking lot. It's funny because falling in the lake is what Gus talked about for days...gotta love what memories kids take away. Too bad Heather didn't have the camera handy because it was pretty darn funny.

10. Its only a first because Beau demanded that we come take a picture of her and kitty Roscoe posed together on the couch. Since it's generally impossible to get her to sit still in front of the camera we thought it was worth including.

And last but not least we'll leave you with this video that we almost deleted by accident. Gus is doing his thing while not realizing the video button is on. The final image is what he was after...a snapshot of Zoe and the pig in the little high chair. We love when he says "Scuze me Beau" and "Mom, this is gonna be so cute." Hilarious.



We look forward to sharing many more warm memories with you in the coming decade. Happy New Year to All!