Light Parade at the Portland Zoo in December 12/29/2011

After a full day of rain and walking around the zoo, we took a couple hour break and then returned after dark for the light show at the Portland Zoo. The rain continued but so did the fun, we took the time to walk the zoo and before we called it a night we rode the train which had gave a dry place for at least 15 minutes. (some of you might be thinking "I thought they had four kids" well Calvin went with us he just stayed in the stroller bundled and covered to keep him dry)

Portland Zoo in December 12/29/2011

As part of our Christmas celebration we had the opportunity to go to the Portland Zoo. A special thanks goes to Nichole and Brian who allowed us to invade their house and took the time to show us the ropes at the zoo and while in Portland. The humidity during the day at the zoo was 110% related to the continuous rain. Despite the rain we were able to go and have fun. The only scare was when a sheep was laying close to a fence and Porter did not see it until it turned its head and there Porter was face to face with the sheep, Porter did not waste anytime jumping up and with a scream and real tears ran for the protective legs of his mother. The sheep was fine it was not startled at all.

Christmas 2011

Like any good Christmas it started at today break with Roc and Emma opening their presents. When they were done they immediately wanted to get Calvin and Porter up to bask in the enjoyment of new toys and clothes (between you and me I think they knew that they could help open and play with Porter's presents). Porter was intrigued by the whole process, while Calvin just wanted to eat, sleep and poop. The rest of the day was filled with kids playing with toys and fighting every time someone else got close their new toys.

Christmas Tree Time, Christmas 2011

One of the kids favorite activity, cutting down the family Christmas Tree. This year we went to a tree farm with Acres of trees, I wanted the fifteen dollar tree that would of taken up the entire living room. I tried to convince the kids that we could fit more presents under the tree that way, but Stacie used her ultimate power to veto that idea. We found a great tree that will work great for us this year.

Calvin finally smiles

Calvin continues to grow with his strict regiment of eating, sleeping and pooping. A lot of people believe he may just have gas but we will take the credit for his smile because we fed him the food to give him the gas.

Thanksgiving 2011




Despite great food and riveting conversation Porter started the head nod mid meal. I guess the anticipation of the thanksgiving meal finally caught up with him.

  Thanksgiving 2011, we celebrated at home in Medford as a family with food, football and sleep in no particular order. Despite doing 90% of the food tasting (the most important part of the cooking) I still took the lead role in cleaning up after the feast. Our first attempt of brining our turkey turned out a turkey that was moist and salty . Next time we will have to cut down on the amount of salt that we put in the brine. The rest of the meal was made by Stacie and was perfect as always.

Porter's 1st Buzz Cut November 2011





Before hair cut



After hair cut

 Stacie again believes Porter's hair is too long and unmanageable. I did my best to delay the inevitable but Stacie prevailed (like always). It is amazing how different he looks, but his unique attitude is as great as ever showing that the hair doesn't make the man.