Merry Christmas

We wish you a Merry Christmas!

Front row: Doug, Cate, Lanette, Liz, Holly, Jim, JD
Back row: Matt, Dave, Johnny (Steven is in Montana on his mission)
Many wonderful blessings have come our way in 2009. Can't wait to see what joys will be recorded on the blog in 2010.

My favorite babies....

First Trip to the Pumpkin Patch

Look what we found among the pumpkins!

What are the chances that both babies would look at the camera at the same time and I"d have it in focus...

A fun time was had by all!

Growing up fast

Our niece Megan brought a darling little chair for picture taking today.

I realize I'm biased but these are the cutest babies ever. We even got a quick family photo op.

My favorite thing that Holly and JD do now is put their hands on both sides of my face, so sweet.

They are both talking and playing and wanting their mommy and daddy when they're tired.

Almost 5 monhts

Seriously the cutest babies with the most adorable outfits!

JD really reminds me of his daddy and uncles - he looks like a Hopkins boy!

I bet Liz's mom feel the same about Holly. She looks just like Liz. Isn't she the most adorable little girl ever?

Those cheeks just beg for grandma kisses! They're cooing and starting to sit up and reach for things like faces and glasses and earrings.

They love mommy and daddy - there's nothing better than seeing your kids love their kids!! (had to include Holly's pout - adorable!!)

I did it!

A couple of months ago a friend invited me to join her and another friend at the See Jane Tri. It's a 4oo yard swim, 11 mile bike ride and 3 mile run. I've never wanted to do a triathlon because I'm not a good swimmer but I'm easily persuaded so I signed up and paid my money. I started training by swimming a couple of days a week. Yesterday I completed the tri!!! It was exhilerating to do something I didn't think I could. I was by no means toward the front of the pack (said pack was the over 50, under 18 and handicapped group). A few times I found myself swimming way off course but I loved it! This definately won't be my last triathlon - at least a yearly tradition for sure. The funnest part was being there with friends, excited at the start, encouraging along the way and overjoyed at the end. Plus Dave got up early on his day off and came with me, helped me and carried my stuff around - I was delighted to hear him cheering me on - What a wonderful husband!

You get a little hint of my new haircut.

Holly and JD are growing - check out Jim and Liz's blog (http://www.hopkinz.com/) to see their beautiful faces.

Labor Daybor Awaffle Womellete extraveganza

Jim and Liz always put on a great celebration of this holiday.

Lot's of fancy flipping and topping and eating...

This was the 3rd annual (I think...)

YUM!!

first day of school 2009

The first day of school has always been exciting. It seems like yesterday I had 5 boys to get ready for that thrilling day.

Now it's just Johnny who needs new shoes, clothes etc. Hard to believe he's a Sophomore!

The neighbors start high school this year so it's carpool time!!

Sooner than I care to think about, Johnny will be driving himself to school and won't need me anymore...

Growing up Hopkins #15

It's hard to take a bad picture of Holly and JD but my settings made the pictures a bit yellow.

Taking a photography class was fun but there's so much to learn...

Hopefully the picture quality will improve with practice.

JD talks up a storm and Holly is grabbing for things.

As Liz says, "JD found his tongue (he likes to stick it out now) and Holly found her hands.

Breakfast club

Emily had this great idea - the week before school to help the kids get used to waking up early, have a breakfast club. Here are a few members of the happy group.

This week we're getting together at 7:45 a.m. at a different families home to enjoy breakfast together.

The kids range from 15 years down to 18 months.

What a great chance to get together and enjoy the morning. Today was our turn.

Here's Johnny demonstrating fun with a big ugly spider on a fishing pole...Yeah for the breakfast club!!

Growing up Hopkins #14

I'm taking a photography class - it seems things get worse before they get better....

But it's hard to mess up a picture with these two in it.

I'm working on exposure and color so this is a bit bright but an angel shot of Holly snoozing.

Another one of Holly - I didn't get many shots of JD this week. He'll have to be the star next week.

Fortunately for Liz, Holly is sleeping for a good chunk at night. Unfortunately it's from 1:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.....

Growing up Hopkins #13

We got a hammock - Holly and J.D. like it but it doesn't really match their outfits - oh well...

Sweet Holly

JD the great!

Just when we think they can't possibly get any cuter - they do!!