Turning 1 is Fun!

First birthdays are special...even if you are a dog!

On January 14 Dodger turned 1!

I love birthdays and presents so we had to do this up big, well, big for a dog!

The birthday boy!

Carrot and mint cupcakes!

Singing Happy Birthday!
For those of you who know Paul, this whole day was a MAJOR stretch for him. I think of it as a way he shows his love for us more-so then his love for Dodger. We love you Babe/Daddy!

Getting to enjoy his special treat!

Happy Birthday Dodger Dog!

We love you no matter what!

I realize this post probably puts me into the category of "crazy dog lady" but oh well, I take my place with pride!

New Year's 2011

Throughout the years we have made friends and maintained friendships with a number of other couples from either college days or our young marrieds class from church. It has become a tradition that we all get together on New Year's and bring in the new year together. For some of us this is the only time in the year that we see each other so it is a great time of getting caught up, playing games, participating in some feat of strength, sharing New Year's resolutions and generally enjoying each other's company. This year we rented a beautiful cabin in South Lake Tahoe, on the Tahoe Keys. With all our trips to Tahoe I never knew this place existed and we were all pleasantly surprised by the accessibility and charm this location holds.

Usually a ski day is a must but this year snow has been scarce, like none! So we went "ice skating" one day and rented bikes another day.

Here are some photo highlights of our time together.

We got the bunk bed room! It was the first time I had ever slept in firetruck sheets. Fun for all!

The Keys had frozen over outside our cabin but nobody was willing to test out it's strength by crossing over. I thought, nothing ventured nothing gained!

After I came back dry and in one piece the boys deemed it safe to cross!


After Nora woke from her nap she tried "ice skating" for the first time.

She was timid at first...

Daddy showed her how safe and fun it was...

...and then she was off and running!

Our group, minus a couple important people.

Our bike ride was beautiful, warm and totally fun! Nora loved the wagon (who wouldn't) and I loved how light it was to pull.

Farewell 2011 you have taught us much!

Hello 2012, can't wait for the adventures ahead!

Christmas 2011!

So I have gotten a little behind on the blog updates but for good reason...well no good reason really, just busy, holidays and a little sickness. But better late than never!

First, we had a Standen family Christmas (Dec. 18)...

Nora got (among many other things) an Easy Bake oven and matching mother/daughter aprons!

Some Standen Christmas traditions that I learned right off the bat:
1. Do not throw your wrapping paper away, leave it on the ground.
2. At the end of present opening, the siblings like to have a free-for-all in the rubbish!
3. Christmas breakfast usually entails french toast served without utensils (utensils are available if desired!)

A new tradition, started last year, is a Christmas morning quad ride. I love that Nora loves these rides and is not afraid!

Next came our Hinkle family Christmas (Dec. 25)...

Setting out our cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve.

Finding on Christmas morning that Santa had eaten all the cookies but had graciously left a Thank You note!

Opening stockings.

Dodger even got a present. Merry Christmas Dodger Dog!

Nora got a Sleeping Beauty dress which she proceeded to wear the rest of the day!

Daddy got some new kicks!

Later in the day, as we celebrated with more family, Nora had great fun playing with cousin Sasha and he was very cordial and spent much of this time reading and playing with her. (Yes, I think Nora is actually picking her nose in this picture. :().

My favorite picture of the day, seeing my dad carve the ham with Dodger as his wing man (or dog) ready to clean up any scrap that might fall on the ground!

Next year I am going to have to do better in getting entire family pictures with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. This year you will just have to trust me that they exist and that spending the holidays with them is not only memorable but it is something we look forward to all year long!

Merry Christmas Standens, Hinkles, Fosters, Millers, friends and loved ones!