Watch AFV on Sunday Jan. 31st

Conor -mid air after launch off

Remember this picture? This is actually a portion of a video that we took of Conor getting launched off the trampoline at Lake Powell 2 summers ago. We made it on to America's Funniest Home Videos. Amberlyn made the effort to send the clip in and we finally got a confirmation of use. If you want to see our 2.5 seconds of fame check your local listings for ABC this Sunday, January 31, and watch our clip!! It is hilarious, and I'm not just saying that because I'm the Mom.

Crazy hair day

This is as crazy as the hair gets at our house. Not much, but it was fun to try and create this mini faux hawk. I think he looked like a dinosaur. Next time we will have to spray in some color. Josie thought it looked pretty funny and she insisted on being in the picture. (I didn't mind.)

The sun in Spokane in January???

The weather has been almost spring like here the last few weeks. Such a change from last year at this time. We have been enjoying the sun and taking opportunities to try out the new roller blades or just walk around the block. The other day I asked Josie if she wanted to go for a walk, as it was a beautiful day and I had a little time to kill. She jumped at the chance and she marched off down the street. That was the only time she was in front of me. I let her set the pace and a walk that normally takes 10 minutes took 45, but we explored every rock and water drain we could find and Josie was so very happy. "Splash"

New Years day 2010 at Lookout Pass

Check this one out in the 2022 Olympics Taking a ski break to climb a monster snow hill
and throw snow balls at Uncle Darren

Conor Carving his piece of snow at Lookout Pass

A moment of rest

We didn't waste anytime hitting the slopes. Grandma Kellogg drove down with Darren and Stephanie to watch Josie so we could all spend a few days at Lookout Pass. We went on New Years day and the day after. It snowed pretty much the entire time we were there both days, so the snow was GREAT! Conor had a rough start on the bunny hill and we had our doubts that this was going to be his year, but then we got his blood sugar into a happier range and a quick change of attitude and suddenly it was a new Conor. He loved it. Towards the end of the 2nd day he was getting pretty fast. As for us older kids, we didn't do too bad ourselves since the last time we went skiing we can't even remember. We all had a very very good time and we look forward to making many happy memories together in the snow of the Northwest. (I will always prefer the powder Utah is famous for though. )

Christmas!

Josie trying out her new kitchen--big hit!Conor looking at his loot from Santa

Josie trying out the slinky. Notice the personalized fleece she has on.

It says Team Kellogg-Thanks Chyleen. Christmas finery!

Christmas this year brought all smiles. Conor got his roller blades and Nerf rapid fire gun, along with some fun video games and clothes and books and a science set and other goods. Josie got the toy kitchen, a doll, dishes, a tutu, books and Play Doh and some other fun stuff. The family got some great games and books to enjoy together. The big kids (Mom and Dad) got ski equipment and promises of fun on the slopes this winter. We are so blessed!

Christmas Eve

Just about off to bed to hurry Santa's arrival

New Christmas eve Jamies

Conor using the nativity to act out Luke 2

Josie eating Peanut butter while Mom and Grandma make
Christmas meal preparations.
This girl loves her peanut butter...note the 2 spoons.

We were lucky enough to have Grandma and Grandpa Nielsen spend Christmas with us this year. We had a fabulous time with them. On Christmas eve we went to see the Chipmunk "squeaqual" and loved it, then we hurried home to do all the baking and last minute gift wrapping for the big day. We made yummy bread and chili for the traditional Christmas eve dinner and we did all the early prep for Christmas day dinner. I even made the 10 layer jello this year and it turned out beautiful. We called the Norad trackers to check on Santa's whereabouts and we were lucky enough to talk with Santa's helper, our cousin and nephew, Matthew! We were very excited to hear that Santa was headed our way.

Getting ready for Christmas

Santa sent Josie and Conor a video message via satellite straight from the North pole! He got out his book that holds his list and let them know if they were on the good or bad side and whether they would be getting what they requested. He had a picture of them so he would know who they were. It was great! Josie watched hers first and the whole time Conor was looking really nervous because he didn't think he was going to be on the rights side of the list...Santa came through and Conor some how made it on the good side (we don't know how!) Santa must overlook some incidents of awfulness. Conor was really nervous and then so so relieved when Santa said he was GOOD! It was great fun for everyone.

Conor's Christmas show

The 1st and 2nd graders had a Christmas program. It was called: Melton the Warm Hearted Snow Man. Conor was especially excited because he got to put a mitten on the snow man's hand. He sang his heart out and did all the actions like a pro. He really enjoyed preparing for the big night. He wasn't happy about wearing "church " clothes, so we compromised and he wore a church top and jeans for the bottom. He told me that he only wears church clothes on Sunday so if he wore them to the program he wouldn't wear them the next time he went to church. Fortunately the compromise saved us another argument on Sunday.