Father and Son

Ryan shares his dad's passion for coaching. And since the high school had so many girls tryout for the team this year, they needed a little extra help so Ryan volunteered to help out. Thus the Campbell coaching duo. How often do you see father and son coaching together? They have a great time and many conversations at the dinner table revolve around what drills need to run at practice the next day, who they are playing next, and who is showing improvement. It's actually quite fun to listen to them go back and forth.

Giving back rubs at half time.

I love this bottom picture. When I first saw it on the counter, I casually looked and thought, "Oh, that's a nice picture of the girls." But then it was pointed out that on the left side, you can see Ryan and his dad (probably talking strategy.) Then in the back you can see all of us! Kind of a different, but fun family picture!

A Campbell Christmas

Our Christmas adventure began with a late night drive to Utah. Ryan insisted that he wanted to drive through, not arriving until 2:30 am. I wanted to stop in Boise. I didn't want to admit, because I'm a firm believer in driving during day light hours, but those drive-through-the-night people have a good argument. Can I just say that there is something quite peaceful about driving when all the kids are asleep and no one is arguing, crying or needing to go potty!

The week was filled with shopping (in a real city, with real stores,) playing with cousins, eating lots of good food (probably too much goodies and chocolate were involved,) playing games and laughing. Lots of laughing.

What a great way to spend Christmas: surrounded by family!

Christmas morning

We played lots of games. Blockus, Apples to Apples, Boggle, and Uno Attack! Isn't it sad when your 9 year old son is better than you are at some of these games. He's a thinker!

It wouldn't be a vacation without some serious movie watching!

What a great picture. Abby and Grandma!

Merry Late Christmas. Hope your Christmas was as great as ours!

The Christmas concert

Last Tuesday, we were able to attend the elementary school's Christmas concert. Both Josh's and Ethan's class sang 3 songs and they did wonderful. It sure is a treat to see my boys singing. Josh was singing "Santa Clause is coming to town" even before Thanksgiving. Grandpa made a comment about not singing Christmas songs until after Thanksgiving and Josh told us, "But my music teacher said that we had to practice." This is serious stuff. Both boys did great. And yes, that is Ethan's class size. I think they were missing two kids, but he has a small class. Very nice actually. That's one of the perks of a small town.

After the concert, Santa made a surprise visit! This was the first year that Abby went up to see him. In past years, she'd been too afraid. Boy was she excited. She asked for paints. Ethan asked for an electric guitar (oh dear) and when Josh was asked what he wanted, he replied that he just wanted everyone to have a Merry Christmas. Boy, Santa was taken by surprised and said that that was the nicest thing that he'd ever heard and gave Josh two candy canes. Josh sure has a sweet heart. Maybe I am teaching him some good things!

Oh Chrismtas Tree

This year, we got to put up Grandma and Grandpa's tree. Can I just say how much nicer theirs is verses ours. First, it was two pieces. Not like ours which has about a billion little branches that have to be fluffed and inserted. Next and the most important of all....it's pre-lit!!! (Yes, that deserves 3 exclamations marks.) None of the dizziness from walking around and around and around...I vow that one day we will have a pre-lit tree. It's made it to my list of must haves in the future. You know that list. I think everyone has one. It's like a Dear Santa list for adults. Unfortunately, I have a lot of things on that list. Boo hoo. Maybe I'm being too greedy? A Mrs. Scrooge of sorts. So I'm getting off topic....

The kids had a wonderful time decorating for Christmas. It feels very festive around here. Here's to a wonderful Christmas season.

The Argument

This is an actual argument between my two boys.

Josh stated to me last night that Ethan hated him. Why do you ask? Because Ethan said that he didn't like Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving just happened to be in the same month as Josh's birthday thus Ethan must hate him. Did you follow that? I'm not sure if I did either. I was too tired to even sort that one out.

Snip, Snip

Kaden's long, baby locks

Kaden's first haircut. He hated it. Poor boy was sick (look at those eyes) and when you have a kid that is as wiggly and mobile as he is, sitting still is a nightmare. Ryan had to hold him on his lap. Not a party for Ryan either. The neck line didn't quite turn out nice and straight either. But what do you expect when you have one wiggly kid and a not so professional hair cutter???

But it turned out okay. At least his hair isn't curling around his ears and neck anymore. Much more boy like than baby. Now, just to wean him off that darn bottle...

Kaden's Throne

How in heaven's name do you keep a little climber off the table? This is where I constantly find him. He spills the water in the cups, dumps the cereal bowls, eats the crayons and colors with marker on the table. We've tried to push all the chairs in but really, he just laughs at our pathetic attempts. So this is his new throne. At least we've learned to keep the table clear. How long does this phase last? Arrrg.