Merry Christmas Everyone!

Merry Christmas! On Christmas Eve we spent the day battling the roads to take Don's grandma to see his grandpa who is staying in a foster care setting. Traditionally we spend Christmas Eve with Don's grandparents and mom at his grandparents house. We eat, drink and open presents. But due to his grandfather's health and the crazy snow, we were unable to all be together. It was the perfect present to take his grandma up to see his grandpa because she had not been able to get up to see him due to the weather. We had a wonderful time visiting and opening presents! Afterwards we braved the roads again and went to my parents for Christmas Eve dinner. With Michael and Erica in Whitby Island; Sarah Matt and the kids in McMinnville, and Jeannie and Tyler and the kids staying put in Bainbridge Island, Christmas was quiet with us, Tom and Bree and my parents! After dinner we went to Christmas Eve mass and then Don and I took Connor home to bed to wait for Santa! After he was snuggled into his crib, Don and I snuggled into our own bed and watched the Christmas Story! It was a great Christmas Eve. Christmas Day was spent back at our parents house opening gifts and eating a huge turkey dinner. Unfortunately Don's gifts didn't arrive by mail...... Unfortunately our camera's battery died and I forgot to charge it so NO PICTURES! Can you believe it! But mom and dad came through with their camera, I just need to upload them..... so pictures of Connor's first Christmas to come...

SNOW SNOW SNOW SNOW

Oh my goodness, I suddenly feel like I am back in Utah with all this snow!!! It is beautiful but with the icy conditions we are feeling a bit of cabin fever being trapped in our home!!! Trying not to stress about getting the Christmas cards out, the gifts bought and wrapped, the baking done..... I guess we will just play....

Graduation Day for Don!

Don has spent the last two years working on his MBA. He has been attending classes, doing projects, talks and papers all while juggling his busy work and travel schedule, being a loving and doting husband, and becoming a first time dad! Needless to say it was a very proud day for me (and Don too I suppose...)!I still get choked up thinking about all his hard work and dedication! I was so worried that the snow would force George Fox to cancel the hooding ceremony, but despite the blizzard conditions, the show went on! We chained up, bundled up and headed into Newberg for the very special day! Mom and Dad and Sarah make the treacherous trek as well as Chris McDonald, Don's good friend and boss! The highlight of the ceremony was Don's wonderful speech (he was elected to be the class speaker). Connor was very proud of his father as well. He clapped and cooed (and burped, loudly) as Don gave his speech and received his hood! Unfortunately, the snow did prevent our post ceremony celebration at Deshutes Brewery, but nevertheless, the day seemed quite perfect to me!

Connor's First Snow!!

Today was Connor's first snow! He was mesmorized by the sliding door as he watched it fall! Later in the morning after his nap we took him and Murphy for a walk in it. Murphy wasn't so sure at first, but as you can see by the picture, it didn't take him long to frolic in the winter wonderland! The snow made the walking paths in our neighborhood so pretty!!

The Stuyvesants on Mt Hood!

This year instead of exchanging gifts we all decided to pitch in and rent a cabin for the weekend on Mt Hood. We had to find a rather large one since our immediate family members now number 18!!!!!! We had so much fun. The cabin was so cozy, right on the Salmon River. Two couples took turns cooking meals each night so needless to say we had amazing meals. We were even able to travel up to Government Camp and find some snow for the Ellie, Tommy and Joey to sled in! We played games, drank good wine and and played Wii by the fire! It was a perfect family get-a-way! Hopefully a new family tradition!