it's about time...

We finally got the movies and pictures figured out again and we're up and running. Here are the latest pictures and videos to catch you up on what we've been up to.

Finley playing with play dough. He likes to make people and walk them around and talk to them.


Last weekend, we went to see our nephew, Justin and niece, Emily race their snowmobiles. Justin was in 3 races. He got 1st, 2nd and 4th in them. Here's the family with Justin's snowmobile.


Matthew talking to Finley. It was freezing cold in the first place and then the wind picked up when we were there, so the wind chills were bad.

Another family picture. Poor Finley...

Emily and her snowmobile.

Boy, do I have videos for you...Here is Finley watching the school bus one morning. He loves watching and waiting for it and gets so excited when he sees it. He also says "bye bus".

I will cherish this video forever. He loves his "Old McDonald" books and sings with them. When I ask him if he wants to read the book, he says "ess" and then after I prompt him, he says, "ee-ii-oo". I absolutely love to hear him sing...and I'm so glad it seems like he can carry a tune! =)

Being silly and playing peek-a-boo after bath. He likes playing with his towel after bath time.

Listening to Michael W. Smith and clapping, drumming and a little singing. He's just like adults. We listen to music through headphones and can't carry a tune either. =)

I like to see the way he winds his Jack in the Box toy. He's smart though and holds Jack down until he's ready for him to jump up. Sarah could learn a thing or two from Finn. =)

Finley shows us how big he is and his muscles. When asked "How big is Finley?" he'll say "oh bee" and then if we ask "Where are Finley's muscles?", he'll put his arms in front of him, ball his fists and say "grrr".

Justin leading off his last race. He easily won 1st place. His snowmobile goes over 100 mph.

Emily is on the pink snowmobile. She looked so cute and had a lot of fun.

2009 ski trip

This past weekend we took the Jr. Highers to Giants Ridge Ski Resort for our annual ski trip. We had beautiful weather and plenty of snow. There were no major injuries-just bumps, bruises and sore muscles. All in all, it was a great trip!

The group left Friday afternoon, but Finley and I and a youth worker left Friday evening. My plan was for Finley to sleep most of the way there so that he wouldn't be crying the whole trip. My plan didn't work out so well. He was crying and fussing 30 miles out of town. It lasted for about 2 hours before he finally fell asleep. We got to Giants Ridge at about 12:30 Saturday morning. We unpacked the car and got in our room. Unfortunately, Finley thought his 'nap' was over and stayed awake for about 2 more hours before finally going to sleep. We were up at 7:30 to start our day...and boy, was it a full day!

This is where we stay every year. You can walk out the back door right onto the ski slopes.


Matthew and Finley Saturday morning a little after he woke up.


Finley eating in the chalet. We stayed in the chalet for most of the morning so the kids could routinely check in and let us know they were okay.


He loves pizza crust.

Finley and Matthew playing at lunch. After lunch I took Finley back to our room and he took a good, 2-hour nap.

And then we hit the slopes...with Finley! Matthew was so proud that Finley skied and loved it. He kept pulling Matthew toward the lift to go again...and he wanted to go fast!

These were the smallest boots and skis Giants Ridge had, but they fit him perfectly! He was by far the youngest skier out there.

This is the littlest bunny hill that they have. They went up and down this one many times and then moved to the bigger bunny hill and then went up and down that one many times.

Family picture on the bunny hill.

That night, everyone was eating in the lodge when the lights went out. This picture was taken literally minutes before the power went out all over the resort.

This is a neat picture of the moon after the power went out. It was pitch black for hours. Some time in the early morning hours the power came back on.

Finley. again, didn't like the ride home, but took a good nap and was happy after he got a sucker for the ride home.

naughty finley

I've told some of you about how sneaky Finley is getting. I'm sure a few of you didn't believe me. So, I set up the camera in plain view to catch him in the act. Watch him as he wants to type so badly and then pulls his hands back after I tell him not to touch the computer. He tells me "bye-bye" so that I'll leave the room. When I say "bye-bye" and walk out of the living room he looks at the camera and then starts typing on the computer. He even glances back to where I went to see if I'm looking. He acts guilty the whole time (at least we know he has a conscience). Towards the end of the video you can hear that he actually turns on the video of him singing with the VeggieTales movie. That's when he stops and knows that he's in trouble. What you can't see (the camera turned off) is me asking him if he touched the computer and him shaking his head 'no'. Naughty Finley...