16 Already

Well, Mason is now 16. How the time flies. I remember like it was yesterday (yet a lifetime ago) when he was such a tiny baby curled up in the Lazy Boy recliner with me. Where did the time go?

As parents there have been many years of pride, joy, accomplishments, tears, frustrations and worries. We've watched him grow from baby to boy to teenager. Along the way there have been tears of sadness, tears of joy, moments of great fustration and moments of heart pounding pride. I know we have raised a fine young man and we're lucky to have him as our son, and Travis is thrilled to label him "World's Best Big Brother". Happy birthday Mason.

A White Christmas

Christmas!

The best time of the year. A time to celebrate our Savior and reflect on Him and His life. A time for togetherness, shopping, pageants, plays, feasts, the theatre, and family.

My sister TerriLyn has taken up crocheting and made us all stockings this year. We all had input on what we wanted. Me, I wanted something kind of feminine that would go with everyones. Mason wanted one like one she had made for someone else. Travis was very perticular about the colors and what he wanted and where they were to be on the stocking. Aunt TerriLyn got it right on. Chuck, he just wanted to make sure it was BIG. Joe was even thought of and Santa even brought him a treat.

This Christmas we were fortunate to fly to Spokane and visit my family. We figured it out and this was the first Christmas all my siblings and I were together in ten years. It was a chance for Mason and Travis to meet and get to know cousins they had not met. A chance for us siblings to hang out and share stories of old times and strengthen family bonds. A chance to make more memories. Lots of games were played and puzzles put together.

Let's talk about snow. Boy did we have snow. And more snow. Oh, and did I mention that we got snow? Chuck was able to experience his first "White Christmas" and Travis got to build his first real snowman. Someone needed to tell Travis he could use more snow though. There was plenty to go around.

Chuck learned the art of clearing snow and ice sickles from the house roof and Mason tried his hand at shoveling snow. Well, a lot of us had a turn at shoveling snow. Thank heavens for the neighbors snow blower that cleared the sidewalk between my sisters house and the house we were staying at (thank you Natalie) and gave us a shoveling guideline for each following snowfall.

Cousins built a great sled run in the front yard and uncle Kent got cleaver and built stairs up the side to make it easier to get to the top. There was even a jump at the bottom. Travis loved "getting some air".

It was fun to see how much Wes and Amy's kids had grown since they moved back to Washington from Texas. I got the biggest kick of Alex yelling for his dad. "Da-Yee! DA-YEE!" We sure do miss them hanging out at our place on the weekends.

We got a chance to spend some time with Jared and Sarah and boy did Jace grow since we saw him at Thanksgiving. What a cute family. (Jace has found his voice!)

My sister Wendy and her family.

They were so gracious to let everyone celebrate at their house. What a cute little family.

My sister TerriLyn and her family.

The kiddos are all so cute and smart. And Reagan, he looks so much like Travis it's a bit weird! (In a cool way.)

Getting a picture of all 27 of us looking at the camera at the same time was a chore. I don't think we ever got it perfect. With 15 kids under 16 it's next to impossible.

We loved being with my family this Christmas and will miss them at Christmastime next year. That is unless I can talk them all into coming down here for a Texas Christmas. (hint hint)

Around the Campfire

A few weeks ago we decided to have ourselves a little campfire on the back patio. Travis needed to experience what it was like to have a smore with campfire roasted marshmallows and all.

Though the fire was a bit smokey and the smell of the trees was missed we all had a great time. Chuck and I were especially grateful to be able to go in the house and sleep in our own warm bed instead of the cold hard ground and waking up with frozen toes.

Dad shared a ghost story from his days as a boy living in Okinawa. He told the tale of the Ghost of Nago. The Ghost of Nago lived in the hills above Camp Mercy in Okinawa. Family friend Nolan Edwards would hide among the cliffs and lay in wait to scare any unsuspecting little kids who happened to cross his path.

Travis made us all laugh at the little innocent comments and questions he had for us.

Mom: "Travis don't put your marshmallow in the water bucket."

Travis: "Why?"

I told Travis to let his marshmallow cool a bit before he ate it or he would burn his tongue.

A little bit later he sticks his tongue out.

"Mom, is my tongue on fire?"

After staring at the smokey fire for a period of time.

"My eye is almost on fire!"

After standing there with his roasting stick in the fire for a time.

"Look it's been 4 hours and my stick is almost on fire."

Mason wanted to know if anyone had ever branded a dog and why when you roast a marshmallow does it get so poofy. He was a great big brother to Travis and taught him well the art of a making a great smore.

Travis loved being able to catch things on fire and not be told to leave it alone. I had to tell him more than once that he had burned the marshmallow so much that it just wouldn't even catch on fire anymore.

Poor Joe finally had to be banished to the house for fear he would catch an ear on fire. Instead of whining from the outside in he was whining from the inside out. He does love to be with his humans.

We had a terrific time and I look forward to doing it again soon.

Photos to Share

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Milestones

Today was a day of milestones for the Wright family.

This morning our little soccer player Travis had his 4th game of the season. The Fightin' Frogs team got out there and hustled while Travis once again chased them around the field. "Will he ever get the concept of soccer" I wonder as I watch him half heartedly trot down the field, head bobbing from side to side. Well at least he is staying ON THE FIELD this season and somewhat following the ball. And no more hanging from the goal posts in the middle of a game. Now if we could just keep him from striking up conversations from the opposing team's coach and parents. Yes, we have had to remind him that there is a game going on and this is not time for idle chit chat. Ok mom. Here we go. "Your kick, Travis" Coach Box hollars from the sideline. Ok, maybe Travis does hear us hollering at him as he smiles big and takes his kick. Anyway to the milestone. Fourth quarter and Travis is in. There is an opening and Travis sees the ball. It is wide open and in front of the goal. The lightbulb goes on. He runs. He shoots. He scores. FOR THE OTHER TEAM!!!! Oh well. When we told him he would get a trip to Going Bonkers for a goal we never did specify which goal he had to make. Way to go Travis for your first goal as a Fightin' Frog.

The next milestone is for my Mason. My little boy is growing up so fast. Tonight is his first Homecoming dance. Last week dad went out and bought Mason his first Italian suit taylored to fit. Boy does he look sharp. After a little drama and some flip flopping it was decided that a group of them would meet at GoGo Burger before heading to the dance. "A burger joint before a formal dance?" I wonder. As I drive away I think, "He better not get ketchup on that suit."

Progress

Ok, so after 2 hours this afternoon I finally have a new background. But still no fun little gadgets and gizmos that make pages so fun to check out. I don't know how I ever even graduated high school as it seems I don't know how to follow directions very well.

Poor Deanna. She is patiently waiting for me to contact her so she can help but it seems I just can't get it together. I can just see her shaking her head and sighing.

Thank you Kim for your wonderful blog. I have been watching and learning from you. My aim is to have something someday that is as enjoyable as yours to read. I still haven't figured out how to get my music there though. Guess I'll just continue to listen to yours.

And to my followers, still nothing deep and profound to share. Thank you for much patience and still checking in.

My brain is taxed for today.

Until next time.

I'm Still Stumbling

Ok, it's been months since we started this thing and I still don't understand it. Hopefully by the end of this week I will have had my tutorial from Deanna and you all will have some fresh stuff to look at and listen too.

For those of you who do check in on us periodically thanks for your patience.

Until later this week.