While Keith wrestles with the dishwasher (which Elise kinda did a job on when she accidentally fell on the open door), I'll try and pretend he's not swearing in his head and write this update ( Read more... )

The family spent Sunday afternoon up at the cabin (or "camp," as those from the UP would call it; 10 acres about 25 minutes north of town that has a garden, orchard and one-room cabin that was recycled by my dad out of a 100 year old grainary).  Back when Alina was a year old my dad planted dozens of pines, one of which we choose every year to cut ( Read more... )

Hope your Christmas was a good one!  We spent a wonderful Christmas eve relaxing at my brother/SILs house, with their two boys and our girls.  They have an inflatable trampoline downstairs, which is a favorite activity for the girls.  We ate some great food. Smoked salmon, multiple yummy cheeses, shrimp, crackers, DESSERTS -- I think we need to cut ( Read more... )