Christmas

Dwayne helping his eyes open with a cup of coffee on Christmas morning.

Carla helping Rocky open his gifts.

Derrik got a new lacrosse helmet.

Devin got custom designed shoes with his name stitched on the tongue.

Devin whipped up a chocolate mousse torte for Christmas Eve.

Hello Miss Emma

Little Miss Emma Lacy Brist popped into the world and everyone gathered round to meet her. She is a cutie just like her big sister.

This is Tess with Madison and Grandma Teresa.

Some others who came to take a peek...Grandpa Glen, cousin Carla and Grandma Tanya.

Rob, Tess, Emma & Madison with Glen & Tanya

These grandparents seemed to think the little bundle was worth the plane ticket.

TaDa! It's little Emma all bright-eyed, but not bushy-tailed.

Snow, Snow, Snow

We got so much snow that a week later it was still here. This was the day before Christmas out in Grandpa & Grandma's backyard.

Learner's Permit Update

We're still working on it...he passed the sign test, but not the written test.

Pennsylvania Trip

We had intended to have the Yost family down for the weekend, however, Robin Holladay passed away and her funeral was scheduled for that same weekend. The Yost's live about 20 minutes from the funeral home, so we became the guests and they became the hosts. (Note the tape on Dwayne's nose.)

I brought the gingerbread house decorating kits with us up to their place and the kids spent a snowy late afternoon making edible art.

There was a major snowfall while we were up there. The total came to somewhere around 18 inches. We went sledding at a dam nearby.

This is Brian Yost and is younger daughter, Cara.

The kids in the Yost's backyard--a winter wonderland.

College Acceptance

Derrik has completed five college applications. He has already heard back from one school, Longwood University, and it was a letter of acceptance. We were all very excited. It is not his first choice, but it is a very good choice.

Nose Injury

It's not terribly obvious unless you know Dwayne's nose well, but it is broken. His nose connected with Derrik's shoulder in a game of basketball at the gym where Derrik's knee got injured. I gave Dwayne arnica montana to keep him from bruising and swelling, so he doesn't look as pitiful as he could have. The doctor did some painful things to get the bones & cartilage repositioned and clear the nasal passages, then taped his nose in position. The day after the tape was removed, Dwayne played a game of basketball at work and got hit on the nose with the ball knocking it out of position again. He now has to go back for another painful adjustment.

Basketball

Devin decided to play basketball this winter, rather than swim again. He hadn't played since 6th grade, but the coach is bringing him up to speed. He's very fast, which can be as great of an asset as height.