And so this is Christmas

Sleeping in the basement was nice because the boys slept in a little bit. A Christmas miracle, if I might dare to say so. Owen came out first and was so excited to see his gift and then the ABU's and army men all laid out like Santa does. Because anyone who KNOWS Santa KNOWS he doesn't wrap gifts because he likes to play with them before he leaves them for the little kids. He read his name on the gifts to figure out which were his. He had so much fun and just didn't know where to turn next boxes and wrapping paper everywhere can be a bit overwhelming for a little boy. Next year lots of empty boxes and 2 gifts will be perfect. Clay was a bit more timid. With his little head down and puckered lips like he does slowly making his way but thank goodness for big brothers to show the ropes. He was in the middle of it in no time. I am so grateful for good family who tries with all the resistance I could put up to make it a great holiday. We love our family!

Christmas Eve

Ok so let's be honest. Christmas Eve could have gone better. Yelling at everyone, breaking down in tears, sister-in-law hugging me as I begged to go home and have Brock be there . . . yeah total disaster. You know I have some good family when they can sympathize and not hate me the next day. Still wish the emotional breakdown wouldn't have occurred. Regardless the boys had a great time. Brock sent down a gift that we got to open up Christmas Eve . . . . Brock as a bobble head, what a funny and needed surprise (Brock always gives the BEST gifts). Aunt Eryn played the violin and Aunt Lindsey played the piano as we all tried our best at singing some holiday classics. All the grandkids got Christmas jammies from Grandma and looked TOO cute all lined in a row. Santa's elves had been leaving the kids little surprises for the days leading to Christmas and everyone was eager to get to bed for the next morning . . . . Jesus' Birthday!

Mt. Charleston Snow

Oh heavens, we had such a good time in the snow. Still don't know if I could live in the snow (it is soooo cold) but for an hour or so it is a blast. Snow angels, snowmen, sledding, running, falling. It was a great time. A great way to kick off a sure to be fun filled holiday.

Reason for the Season

We all know the REAL reason for the season but this year our Captain Brock Ohlson is at the forefront of our minds. We'll be with his/our family over the holidays but it just won't be the same. Nothing is the same, actually, without him around. We love you and are proud to be able to claim you as ours. Let all those Soldiers there with you know how grateful we are for them for So many reasons but especially because they are keeping you safe. We love you!!!

Good Hearted Women

I have lucked out in my life. I have some of the greatest girlfriends EVER. I wish I could enjoy them more but missing my husband and my kids gets in the way sometimes. They are good to me and my boys though and I love them so much. I wish there was a way to express my gratitude and love to each of them. How grateful I am that they put their lives and social calendars on hold for me and do their best to keep my mind occupied with Brock away. Some of the best roommates I ever had and so many great memories I have with each of them. We've been through so many boy dramas, shopping sprees, fun trips, random roommates, random hookups, finding and growing in the gospel, and they were all there to help me navigate my way to Brock. They all have been so good to him and have loved him as much as I have. I love these girls. Now only if they would all move into my casita so I could marry each one of them off to their perfect guy.

Baby Davis

Snow In The Valley of the Sun

Our city does this big Santa and Snow Carnival every year. I took the boys and we had a really good time. Some friends met up with us too. It was great to have some extra hands to manage the boys. We are feeling the love so much from everyone. Owen and Clay were not too happy to have to wait in a line as long as the Nemo ride at Disneyland but once they were in the snow the line was far forgotten. Face painting and bounce houses and slides rounded out the night. I think we'll do it next year.

Baghdad Smoke

Off at some distance, in some non-descript location, there is always a smoke plume. Brock would like to think it is the US blowing something up, but 99/100 it is an ied or vbied. A lot of Iraqi on Iraqi violence these days.

Baghdad Living Quarters

They call it a Hooch or a CHU but I call it is a single wide trailer split into 3. Brock's third of a CHU that he shares with a Navy JAG is a 15x15 square. There is a bunker right out his door (well isn't that comforting), and T-walls everywhere for protection as well. Radar hill is the single way to orient yourself in all 360 degrees. One could get quite disoriented, especially at night when the sea of CHUs is pitch black

Name That Baby @ 3 1/2 Months

Owen
Clay
Davis

He might just be a perfect mix of Owen and Clay.

Touching Letter

google Robert C. Oaks it'll make this letter seem even cooler.

Thanksgiving - Travel, Food and Fun

We had a good drive to Vegas even though it took an hour to get over the Dam (damn that dam). The boys were good and played with their toys. Davis of course was an absolute dream never making a noise except of sheer delight. We started our new Thanksgiving Tradition in honor of Brock sausage gravy and bisquits for breakfast. A little Macy's parade that Clay loved! Some park time with Jack, a race with the best Uncle ever (thanks Nick!), then the feast.....a great big turkey leg. Oh and suits optional jucuizzi time with Grandpa.