Holidays 2008

We celebrated many things this holiday season...our newest family member, the precious Miss Katie-Bug, our sweetheart of a son, Lucas, our family, our health and the (almost) completion of a major remodel. The pics of the remodel are coming (I know - I keep promising them, Allie...but I PROMISE I'll get to it as soon as I have a moment to spare). For now, we hope you enjoy some pics of the past month of life happenings around here and we wish all of you a very happy New Year.

Lucas & Kate's elf, Aloysius. He reported to Santa every night how good they both were so that Santa would bring them everything on their lists.

We lit a menorah for little Kate...in honor of her birthfamily. (She also got some cool vintage dreidels from her Aunt Stacey & Uncle Neil).

Oh, to have the best of both worlds! Miss Kate LOVED opening presents!

Lucas gets a sharp new hat from Dorothy.

...and a Speed Racer car that has so many cool action features!

Hey, Santa...you left your hat, you silly!

Santa! You got me that big-boy bike with NO TRAINING WHEELS! Its the coolest!

Miss Kate got a new high chair - she LOVES it!

Some of our decorations...our collection of nativity scenes.

The coffee table decorations were SO TEMPTING for Kate now that she can pull herself up to it!

Our Christmas tree(s) - a bosque of 5 live trees, one in Jeff's new antique kids' wheelbarrow.

Christmas Eve dinner with Grammy & Stacey & Neil. Complete with Prime Rib, Yorkshire Pudding & Crackers to pop for our Christmas crowns & silly jokes (what's up with that British humor?)

Grammy gives Kate some walking lessons. Kate is sporting her cousin Emma's "Baby's First Christmas" sleeper. Thanks little Ems!

Do I really have to pose in front of the presents when I'd much rather be ripping into them!

Gratuitous shot of my little cowpokes - two days before Christmas. Lucas wanted to wear his new boots & he is wearing MY FRINGE JACKET FROM WHEN I WAS HIS AGE (talk about bringing tears to my eyes)! Miss Katie Bug is sporting some fancy red ropers (Justin, of course!)

Our annual gathering of the kids from SF & Laguna - L-R Jesse, Benjamin, Evan, Kate, Lucas & Avery.

Thanksgiving 2008

Wow, what a great turkey day we had! Our tradition (for the past 5 or so years) has been to head over to the Smiths' house for Thanksgiving. Julie makes an AMAZING turkey and everyone brings something to enjoy. Jeff's stuffing is always a hit as are Joanne's delicious pies. The day after, we headed up to Lake Arrowhead for a weekend in the cold mountains. Cozy fires, leftovers and Mexican food at Papagayo's made for a great time. The Smith girls couldn't keep their hands off Miss Katie Bug. Needless to say, Kate enjoyed the attention.


Turkey-hand pie crusts, compliments of Lucas & Kate


Our hosts, Ray & Julie


Ray poses with Jeff, Greg & Joanne (with her gorgeous new 'do)


Summer & Lucas toast the feast...


Julie & Jeff enjoying a tale...most likely something Ray did...


Macy gets some Kate time...


Julie tiakes a turn...Kate is in HEAVEN with all this attention...


Poppa steals some lovin'...


Saige shows off her home-made antlers to Miss Katie Bug...


Lucas & Summer have a good 'ole fashion pillow fight...

Hey, who let all these girls in my fort???

A surprise visit from Charmeen ;o)

There's nothing like a cozy cabin morning with good friends.

Lucas & Summer help Ray make a bird feeder out of a stump.

Week of July Fourth

July Fourth '08...Fun Times with Family & Friends


The three musketeers, joining forces to take over the world!


A special Birthday celebration for Christian before heading up to Lake Arrowhead.



Did someone say boating??? Lake Arrowhead??? I'm in!



Well, I prefer just being "in" the boat, not the ice-cold lake, Dad!



Miss Kate enjoys a long holiday nap - the best kind - in Poppa's arms.



Argh! These are some really ferocious bears in these parts!


The Funderburks "bearing" a pose...


Now "That's what I'm talkin' about!" says Lucas of his Indy car-racing with Poppa.

Uncle Mike reads a really good book with Miss Kate on the deck. She's in heaven!

Some more S'Mores??? The special treat after the firework show at the Nataupsky-White lakehouse with Aunt Cynthia.


Miss Kate enjoys the cool night air - everyone was watching the bats come out at dusk! "I think I saw one, Aunt Cynthia!" (she coos).


Our dear friends, Stacey & Neal join us for the firework show at the lake. They set them off from a barge in the middle of the lake. Amazing display this year!

Late afternoon hike along the lakeshore. The boys REALLY want to get wet!

We left Lake Arrowhead and gave the boys their opportunity for some aqua-action at Crystal Cove beach. The water wasn't much warmer than the lake, but it sure was fun trying to jump the waves...
...and play in the surf!

Some serious baking going on. Aunt Cynthia shares the ancient chocolate chip cookie receipe from Mimi - it is impossible to eat just one...and if you try the cookie dough first, you will be hooked for life! They were SOOO yummy!

Have no fear, Cap'n Underpants is here! Lucas enjoys his new shark-fin goggles. They're actually pretty scary when he swims with his head underwater. The fin sticks up and looks like a shark is headed your way!

Stay tuned... Next Post: A Rather Outstanding Dinner coming up this weekend ;o)