Winkle Family Christmas

This year we went to my folks in Kuna the weekend before Christmas. I only had 2 brothers there since the other two live out of town. We had a great time and fabulous food. Maris scored on presents. Her and Benn had so much fun playing together and driving all the adults crazy screaming. I have no idea where she got that from but I can't handle it. Hope every ones Christmas is Grand.

Let it Snow Let it Snow Let it Snow

Looks like we are going to have a White Christmas after all. Since it has snowed the last 2 weekends Luke has taken Maris outside to play and build a snow man. Last weekend wasn't as successful I guess the snow wasn't packing right but they tried again today and I have to say kind of scary but awful cute that he is as big as Maris.

Pre Christmas

Getting ready for christmas was a blast this year. Maris was excited to help in everything we did from decorating the tree to making ornaments and cookies. She is so helpful...if you have the patience to let her be. Can't wait for the big day Christmas and Birthday all in ONE.

Getting soooo FUN!

Maris with her favorite baby and new baby carrier. I pulled out all my old Cabbage patch kids and the clothes my mom made for them. It's great she loves it!

Dad was loving this. Maris fell asleep on him last night, which never happens. I guess this holiday weekend wore her out!

The girls, Terry & Judi and Nanny & Poppy and Maris (plus Luke and I) at the Festival of Trees making Christmas ornaments and cards. It was fun to go and see how sparse my tree will look this year after seeing the monster amounts of decorations on those trees.

This is Maris playing hide n seek. Pretty good hider Huh!

Maris making some scrambled eggs for breakfast with some fashionable morning hair!

Maris is getting to be a kick in the butt. She is starting to really understand things, remember comments, & enjoy fun games. I thought this stage would come at a much later date but as most parents know this stuff happens all too fast. I'm learning to jump in with both feet and enjoy her learning, mimicking, singing, dancing & just being Maris!!

Infamous Holiday Photo with Santa

This was the first time we thought to take Maris' photo with Santa. We avoided all these attractions in the past and thought this year we would venture out to the crowds of people and see how it goes...obviously WELL! When we were in line she was OK but as soon as we got up to the fat man dressed in a funny looking suite it was all over. She put her death grip on me and that was it. I guess we all have to have photos like this.

At the Cabin!

Not sure if you can see the piggy's in her hair but they are there! Hurray for Maris' hair getting long enough for a stylin' do.

Showing dad how it's done on the Wii.

Oh so cute in her Princess Leia head band!

First Babysitting Job for Maris

Maris (well ok maybe us but she thought it was her job) baby sat some friends of ours little girl, Eva, last night. We had a blast having another baby in the house. Luke and I of course went right back into the mode of having a little one (not sure if that mode is good or bad!). Maris was excited to see another cute, soft blanky that she could hold and suck that thumb of hers. Eva didn't want to share though. I can't blame her though Maris does get a little bossy. Maris tried to sing to Eva and scared the daylights out of her. When she would clap for Patty Cake Eva would cry. I'm not sure if that was because we have the "wired" kid or if it was because she was an inch from Eva's face. I'm sure a little of both. So much fun.

Greatest Gift

A good friend of mine & her incredibly artistic husband gave me a drawing of Maris for my 30th Birthday. The photo on the bottom is the photo he used and I can't believe how much is looks just like the photo. I simply wanted to cry but being me I'm not much of a cryer. I am so excited to display this in my home and show everyone I know. Thanks Ryan and Alicia, I LOVE my Birthday present.

Go Big Blue

Good Times at the BSU game on Saturday with Maris. She can now say BSU! OK so its hard to understand and only a mother could hear it from there own child but I just know she is saying it!

BIG 3-0!

Wow I can't hardly believe it but I am now 30. Fun pictures of dinner and a night out with some friends. P.S.Real Classy Nanci ;-)


(Double Click on the photo to enlarge it)

Halloween & More

just a cute photo of Maris. Looks like she is going to school. I can't believe that is right around the corner!!

Dad and Maris in the "fort". Uncle Jason and Aunt Talya got Maris hooked on the "fort".

Mom was soaking her feet and Maris just had to have her feet in the water too so we got her own little foot soak. she loved it.

Monster Maris

Lisha and me on Halloween.

Look at my cute little tail. I love it

Maris the Monster

"Boo at the Zoo" with Nan

Maris had a great time at Boo at the Zoo with her Nanny. She was a little overwhelmed as was mom and nanny!

Even got my face painted

I thought this was so cute. Maris was reading her book or doing a puzzle and the sun came in at a perfect angle to catch this great photo. it's about the only way you can see her piggy's since her hair is so fine

"let me look"

Speedy Gonzales with the fingers paints!

fun times painting pumpkins for Halloween.

look at me. it's she just so cute.

ok so maybe someone should have told me not to bend over...sorry about that shot but this is the only family picture for carving pumpkins.

Weekend Away!

This was our last chance effort to get away before the snow falls and we feel the pressure of the holidays. So we went up to our family cabin in Pine with Uncle Jason, Aunt Talya, Uncle Jerry (hehe), Aunt Tudi (haha) and of course those cute little girls...Alicia and Emma. Although they are not so little any more it makes me feel not so OLD to think that way. Most of the weekend was spent playing Guitar Hero. I have played a few times but never this much. It was a blast to play and get my butt kicked by a 10 year old!



Couldn't have planned the jammy party any better. All the girls matched and looked so cute.



Even Maris got into this game. Never know she might be a rock star after all...Oh Lord please help us!!