Grandad (by Eric)

Wallace K Currier 9/12/1923-1/19/2011: Thinking about my Grandad and the end of a life well lived. I can hardly think of a man more loyal and kind throughout his life than my Grandad. He was a hard worker, but knew how to take a Sunday afternoon nap like no one's business. His sweet tooth was legendary. I remember as a kid trying to find his secret stashes (which were all over the house) after I got off the bus from school. I'm sure he knew Jon and I were pilfering but we never got in trouble for it. He loved my Grandma dearly. I love the story of how he stole away Grandma at a youth retreat when she was engaged to another man. He was a looker and a charmer though, so I can understand Grandma's choice. I'm certainly glad for it. He loved to work the land and run his ranch, especially irrigating. The single still image I'll always remember of him is of walking happily through the fields with a shovel over his shoulder. He walked through life with a twinkle in his eye and a song in his throat. I love you Grandad. Enjoy your new body and unlimited time with the Lord. I'll be joining you soon enough.

Zorro Rides Again (along with his sidekick, Jessie)

J is our master of disguise. On any given day, 3 or 4 different heroes may appear to save the day at our house. And, I admit, the day often needs saved. If only superheroes did more housework....

Recently, because of another fun gift from Grandma and Grandpa, Zorro has been on most frequent swashbuckling duty. Here he is with his sidekick, Jessie, and swordfighting anyone who dares challenge him....I love this stage! He just better not carve any Z's on the furniture.

Winda Baby

Miss A got a new baby for Christmas from Grandma and Grandpa. It is newborn-sized (it actually seems bigger to me) and is quite startling to waitresses who start get it a high-chair, thinking it is alive (and to E, who gets a little freaked out by how real it looks out of the corner of his eye).

When I asked Miss A what her new baby's name was, she shyly whispered, "Winda Baby." So, Grandma (Linda) has her first great-grand-doll-baby namesake. Miss A is quite smitten with her Winda Baby.

Not bad for an old man...

Last week, the big boys, Papa, and Grandpa went skiing and had a really fun day together. E realized the last time he went skiing with his dad was probably when he was in jr. high. At that time he was impressed at how well his dad skied for an "old man"...his dad was 38 then.....hmmm.....E isn't feeling so young anymore.

Winter beauty

E's uncle and aunt gave us an amaryllis bulb at Thanksgiving. I simply had to moisten the little pellet that magically turns into a pot of soil, plant the bulb, keep it watered and in the window except on -20 nights, knock it over a couple of times, let my nephew only eat a little of the soil (hmmmm....which one? I'll never tell), and voila! Beauty!



Thank you, Mark and Roberta!

Hello?

Hello.....anybody still out there? :) Yes, we are alive; I'm just finally catching my breath and starting to feel settled--plus, I got my hard drive with my pictures hooked up to my computer again...I'm finally going to try to start posting. Here are a few random pictures from the last few months. Of course, much more has happened, but here are some highlights. I'll try to take some of our house soon.

Miss A turned 2! (and is almost potty trained! Yay!)

TW started 1st grade (and TJ, 3rd). He's adjusted well to public school and they both have great teachers.

We trick-or-treated with my sweet niece. (TW and my nephew were sick).


E shares an office with my brother. It has a window! And a view!


We had a fun time cutting our Christmas tree in the woods with my parents this year.






We arduously worked on gingerbread houses (and ate lots of candy) with cousins.


I just love how photogenic my kids are in this picture.


My sweet J turned the big 5!



Snow has been played in. (That's our neighbor's house in the background--it's much bigger than ours).


And of course, Christmas!!!!!!


Happy New Year! Maybe I'll keep in better touch......