Working in the Shop

Dad, working on another project...

Carol's helping... They are installing a
back-up heater for the shop...
Cheyenne warming her hands
before going back outside.

My aunt, the therapist, always says,
"You become one parent and marry the other."
This is my dad, Mike, and "Mike, Jr."
Gotta love 'em!

A Day with Nana

"Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

But the fire is so delightful..."

Nellie is one HAPPY dog!

Cheye and Nana

sledding on Papa and Nana's driveway.
Not many grandmothers sled with their grandkids!
The 3 girls on a snow pile.
If you look closely you can see Mariah's
pink hat peeking over the bank...

This picture makes my heart happy!

Cheye, Nana, and Mariah

Mariposa...

Her FAVORITE gift...

Barbie Mariposa doll AND the movie.

Here she is watching it for the 5th time in less than 24 hours!!!

A Special Gift

Oma gave Mariah her FIRST pierced earrings...

Her birthstone.

And Mariah promises to take Oma with her

when she gets her ears pierced... Someday.

A special gift... Just the two of them and the photographer.

Thomas Christmas

Auntie Anne Marie and Uncle Vince... The hosts.
Grandma
Cheye gets PJs from the Thomas'.

The beautiful cousins

Jamie, 15, and Abby, 14

"Auntie Cindy, thank you for Barbie Mariposa... I have wanted it forever!"

McCarty Christmas

Papa relaxes with his laptop and 'possum.

Mariah gave him the 'possum

because she thinks it's funny to hear Papa

scream like a girl!

Meeting the people in Nana's village.
Gabe and Mariah hang out with Oma and Opa.
Cheye's favorite gift: A sweatshirt with her last name on it!!!
OK, maybe it's her favorite after the Hannah Montana Guitar,
and Hannah Montana doll,
and Hannah Montana wallies,
and the Hannah Montana pencils,
and the Hannah Montana...

The Nutcracker Ballet

There were blizzard conditions

but we made it to Red Wing to see the ballet!

Take note of the long-johns and boots! FANCY!!!

Our seats: First row of the balcony!
The Sheldon Theatre is BEAUTIFUL!
Mariah brought her baby doll, Clara, to see
Clara dancing in the Nutcracker Ballet.

The girls with one of Madame Ginger's kids.

How awesome to meet one of the dancers!

She loves her some Ramen Noodles!

Winter Walk 2008

BODY HEAT!!!
It's 11 degrees but Cheye is lovin' it!

Even with her Pooh for extra comfort Mariah
is ready to go home!

Wagon rides down Division Street... FUN!

Let's go inside and see SANTA!!!

Putting them to WORK!

You're never too young to shovel in Minnesota!
Kids actually ENJOY shoveling!

Team work!

Gingerbread House

Ta-DAH!

Our friend, Miss Stacy gave the girls this kit...

HOURS of entertainment!

One of the ginger-kids is missing now...

We're not sure but think Nellie is to blame.

Hard at work...

There was actually no fighting or whining.

Priceless!

Princess Mariah

Mariah LOVES her birthday gift from the Palmer's!

DRESS-UP CLOTHES!!!
Emily is the perfect accessory.

Halloween

These are the ONLY photos I have from Halloween

Thanks to Paula for sending them to me!

What did I get?
The Pink Fairy Princess and Dorothy take time to snuggle
with Chloe, the great dane.