Eat This, Drummer from Def Leppard

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You may have only one arm, Drummer from Def Leppard, but that's all these two are using and they are killing it.

Indoor Activities

Going on month 80 of cold and wet outdoors, we are all cabin fevered out. Things are getting real here, y'all. Real.

Alden has gone ferrel with boredom. But little indoor activities keep him focused for a bit.

Tu Tu Tun Lodge Wedding Weekend

Dustin's profession has always provided an income sufficient to live and dream on. One of the greatest perks is that he typically needs an assistant. Me! We then get to work together and - like this job - gave us a little vacation together.

In Gold Beach, Oregon, the Tu Tu Tun Lodge looks upon the Rogue River's end as it meets the Pacific Ocean. I felt an instant friendship with all of the locals because we share the same river. Until now, I have always felt like the Rogue was just ours in Grants Pass. Our little friend that we fish at, swim in, and laze by. But Gold Beach treats it well too. We are family.

Holiday Gathering

Growing up, we would celebrate Christmas with our Portland family - my aunt Chris, uncle Rick, and three cousins. It has been fun to have a new generation grow up together. This was from Christmas eve at Grandma Robbie's house.




This was from the eve of Christmas eve at Papa Dan's house.

Alden was getting used to the idea that every where we went, gifts would be there. And they would be good.

Cookie Time

Big Boy Bed

From the past two posts, it is assumed that you understand that Alden is worried about Santa and his intentions. Not wanting to spur that further, we had decided that Lightening McQueen (from Cars fame) is the real hero that delivers treats to all the good boys and girls on Christmas Eve.

Imagine his delight when we brought Alden into his room to see what "Ka-chow" had brought him! His very own handmade (by Dustin) big boy bed. Complete with Cars themed sheets (thanks, Grandma Robbie), sleeping bag comforter and pillows. And pajamas. And night light.

The video footage is too long to share here but it consists of Alden hiding his eyes in excitement and confusion. He then proceeds to snuggle into the cover and lay there, quiet and still, for over 15 minutes. By himself. On Christmas morning, no less. This was a perfectly timed gift!

Approaching Santa in His Natural Habitat

Not wanting to send Alden into a spiral of mistrust and doubt, I didn't force him to sit on Santa's lap this year. He did, however, open up to the possibility of a candy cane from Santa.

Surely, one that gives candy can be trusted, right? Wait. Are we teaching that to our kids? I'll have to think that one over.

He snatched the cane and ran away with a shouted, "San ku, Sanna".