Halloween 2011:just the pictures

We had a lovely Halloween! Jay and I are two members of a gypsy punk band, Gogol Bordello, and the boys are ninjas...enjoy!

Andy's Farewell Family Pictures

On the day of Andy's farewell, we took some time to get some family pictures done. This is just a small sampling of what we had done. It's nobody's favorite thing to do, but having the pictures afterwards is lots of fun. Aren't we a cute bunch?

To My Baby Brother

Happy Birthday!

Dear Andy,

Thinking of you turning 19, I remember that I am 12 years older than you....and that makes me feel old. :) I had more baby pictures of you in my files and I think that is because you were such a cute baby I couldn't choose between all of them. That isn't to say that you aren't cute now...but just look at your little bald head and sweet smile.

I have loved watching you grow up and become such a sweet and responsible young adult and then a fun-loving college student, and now a thoughtful missionary. I've loved watching you be an uncle to my boys and your other nieces and nephews. They will miss you terribly over these next two years (and not just because you let them play Empires and watch Lord of the Rings). I'm glad that they will be old enough, though, to know about what you will be doing as a missionary, to write to you, and to hopefully learn from and follow your example.

I will miss your sensitivity, your easy laugh, your willingness to play with my boys, and reading your obscure Facebook posts. We'll look forward to letters or emails and hearing about all you are experiencing while you are away.

I love you Andy and wish you all the best in the upcoming year...I'm still finding it hard to believe that you are nineteen!

Emily

Ben-JAMIN

This is a super belated "Happy Birthday" to my brother Ben, who actually had his birthday in May. Pictures will hopefully follow...but I'm not making any promises. :)

A top 10 list for Ben

1. Ben and I often share the same hair color...although he's getting more conservative as he gets older.
2. Ben loves to play: video games, outdoor games, card games, he's always willing to jump in.
3. Ben wore a kilt to his reception. I'm not kidding. And he looked awesome.
4. Ben is a great dad. He loves to play with his children and does a wonderful job looking out for them.
5. Ben must love to drive. He will often drive from Hailey to Boise just for the weekend.
6. Ben reads great books. Even a few I haven't read yet.
7. Ben is very loyal. He will help you out whenever needed.
8. Ben is caring. I rarely hear him say anything bad about anything else.
9. Ben was a super cute kid. When I get pictures up, you can see what a little charmer he was. Not that he's not cute now...but nothing compares to his little boy pictures.
10. Ben can make me laugh. He is fun, light hearted, and loves to enjoy everything this world had to offer.

Ben...I love you!

Jim-Bob

Happy Birthday James!

The important thing about James, is he can tell a great elephant joke.

He loves to laugh and have a good time.

He believes in his opinions.

He likes to play with my boys.

He always looks happy to see you.

He is a sweet dad.

He is a die-hard BSU fan, complete with a Bronco-themed bathroom.

He plays.

He loves his family.

He is constant.

He makes me laugh.

He never forgets to call on my birthday.

He gives our dad a run for his money, nobody can dish it out like James.

He loves Dr. Pepper.

But the most important thing about James, is he can tell a great elephant joke.

to one skinny guy...

Happy Birthday, Joe! Here are two lists just for you.

Five things that Joe finds funny (but most others do not):

Himself.

Giving nicknames to everyone. Often these make no sense, since the cultural references are a little dated. No one is safe from a nickname. As an adult, I've run into people Joe knows and realize I don't even know what their real names are.

Passing gas while in a truck crowded with 9 kids on a LONG trip to Denver.

Teasing all of us relentless...about anything and everything.

Asking our boyfriends/girlfriends to say family prayer, even if they don't pray.

Pretending we might have drumsticks for dessert and then offering canned cherries. Also, offering drumsticks, knowing that we will think it's cherries and get excused from the table, and then actually getting drumsticks out of the freezer.

Five things that Joe enjoys:

Watching TV and movies...even if the TV show is terrible and the movie is cheesy.

Boys night out.

Dancing.

Western clothing, decor, activities, music, etc.

Family.

Embarrassing his children.

Driving.

The country.

Wyoming, Montana, rural Idaho, any place that is remote and empty.

Being teased back...just kidding, he hates that.

Double Your Pleasure...Double Your Fun

My twin sisters are having their birthday today. I wanted to wish them happy birthday in order: first Kimberly and then Katie (since Kim is some 10 minutes older than Kate) however, blogger had another idea...so, here is a happy birthday being wished from youngest to oldest. I love you two and hope you had a wonderful day!

The important thing about Katie, is that she is interesting. She loves old books, movies, and home décor. She can turn any odd garage sale find into something fabulous for her home. She makes me laugh. She is a quilter. She is the mother of three girls and one new baby boy. She has a fetish for red shoes and cute coats. She is consistent. She writes a funny blog. She likes me and calls me on the phone. She is witty. She buys coloring books in bulk. She is up for new adventures. She plays the piano, so I can sing. She has good taste. She is faithful. She is a great friend and sister. But, the most important thing about Katie, is that she is interesting.

The important thing about Kimberly, is that she gives.

She seldom thinks of herself, when she knows something needs to be done.

She likes to have fun and wants to make things fun for everyone else, too.

She throws a great party.

She experiments with interesting recipes.

She is a wonderful mother, aunt, and teacher.

She is the glue that holds a lot of the family together.

She puts up with family when they are at their worst.

She likes to give gifts…good gifts.

She is kind hearted.

She loves to try new fashions, hair styles, and home décor.

She can put up with a lot (broken house, three kids, crazy family, etc.)

She would do anything for you.

She is creative and talented.

She is strong.

She is faithful.

She is a great friend and sister.

But,

the most important thing about Kimberly, is that she gives.

Happy Birthday to my favorite twin sisters!