Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

 This was the first year we didn't do the usual Pine Valley hunt.

Instead we drove up the old dirt road towards Enterprise Reservoir

 (the back way which turn in  Veyo).

All who went this year were Karson, Joy, Jordan and Cooper and Zack, Kami & Daisy. 

Erik was able to spend more of Thanksgiving Break with us so it was nice to have him a long for a change.  

Thanks to Kendyl & Shaun, our tree is about the most perfect we've ever found.  

I was ready to pull a "Dan" and cut down the closest thing that resembled a tree but the kids wanted to keep looking.  

Soon we heard Shaun calling us and they'd found this perfect tree down by the stream.  

It was a bear to get to, but Dan my man did great!

Such fun memories!

Rushed Family Pictures

With 2 new additions to our family since last year (Greg and Liam) we decided we'd better update before time to send out the Christmas Cards.  This was a pretty quick decision and not too well planned. 

My sister, Kami, and my nephew's wife, Amanda, took the pics for us.  

One of these days, we'll take more time to do it right.

                                                          Linkon was eager to get started....little did he know =)

So this year I wanted to get everyone in a big tree so that we could have a "real" family tree.  My parents have a few big trees, so after scoping them out,
we settled on this one.

















Trying to find a place
....a comfortable place....
took awhile.

That's a "mom what do you think you're doing?" face if ever I've seen one.

Little Liam was the last to go up to his daddy

And finally everyone was in place for a short moment.

The kids were troopers and did all they could to humor me, but when it was done..

they couldn't wait to get down.

Decided to try a new location...still not the best...but hey, we're all there!

Linkon having some "in between photo shoots" play time with Uncle Erik and Cousin Jordan

Note the 2 ducking their heads?  

They should be paying attention and taking lessons!

 

Linkon wanting to be one of the "MEN"
 And, it was done. 
I don't think it will happen again anytime soon but it was fun while it lasted.

Grandpa's Scary Squirmle

Dan borrowed this little Squirmle from one of his buddies at work.

It's a little soft fluffly looking worm with squiggly eyes that is attached to invisible string.  

Dan fed it through his coat sleeve and then worked it with his other hand.

Looked pretty real....as far as Linkon was concerned =)

 Meet the scary Squirmle and meet Linkon hiding behind the couch pillow in the background.

 The closer it got....the more curled up Linkon's legs became.

 Flying Squirmle's were even scarier....poor Linkon....but it was funny!

 After about 15 min. he started to get brave.  He even attempted to pet it.

Next thing we know, he's hunting it down.  

What a brave boy!

Adjusting to Life with baby Liam

 What a good daddy!

 Life with Liam is tiring....but worth it!  

Linkon gets sleep wherever he can.

 Grandpa and his grand-sons

Needed sleep....muchly needed

Baby Liam Robert Brant Arrives

 November 3, 2011

 Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa John.  

Linkon already loves his new brother.

 Linkon has to give his first kiss

 Happy little, beautiful family!  We sure love them!!!

And, of course, you can't forget us (as much as I HATE being in pictures).

Wow, 2 grandsons.  Where has the time gone.  

We're sure proud of Rob and Kari!