Christmas Bandits

Everyone made out like bandits this year. Ethan got some great toys from Santa, Mommy and Daddy.



Daddy got some much needed clothing,


and Mommy got her Christmas wish.... a new sewing machine!

Ethan and Santa Clause

This year Santa made a special house call to visit Ethan. We weren't sure how Ethan would react, but true to form, Ethan was a real sport and loved Santa Clause. Santa this year was one of our close friends in the ward. He plays Santa for a lot of the little kids in the ward and does a fine job of it too!

Christmas With the Kojimas

This year we had a very nice family from Japan move into our ward. Brother Kojima is here on a teacher exchange program to teach Japanese to high school students here in Boston. He speaks English very well but his wife and kids are having to learn it here. Since Christmas is not really celebrated in Japan, we thought we'd invite them over to our place for Christmas Eve. We had dinner and a short Christmas program.

We have a tradition in our house that everyone gets to open one Christmas present on Christmas Eve. We really wanted the Kojimas to be able to join in so we bought them some small presents to open. They were very grateful and we all had an incredible time.

Kids Love the Funniest Things

We're always surprised at the things Ethan finds entertaining. This year Ethan's Curtis Grandparents sent us one of those musical, light-up Christmas cards. Ever since we opened it we haven't been able to get it away from him!


This is his favorite Christmas toy!

Bring on the Cold!

Ethan is officially ready for the cold weather. We have only had a few chilly days, but we are prepared. In these pictures, Ethan is playing in our yard. It's a small yard, but he still loves to be outside.


Don't you just love the goofy hat. It reminds me (Kristie) of a "Three Stooges" episode where Curly wears a similar hat with tassles.

Playing with the Mop

Out of all of the things in our home, toys included, Ethan enjoys playing with the mop the most. After Ethan broke the original mop by dropping it a thousand times, we got a new one and let Ethan have the old one as a toy.


When Ethan is really happy and excited, he likes to put his hands up in the air. "Manos Arriba"

Finally! Pics of Our New Apartment!

Here's the exterior of the house in which we live. It's an older house, but everything is old around here. We have a small little yard, and if you look carefully, you'll be able to spot Ethan standing behind the gate.

Here is the lovely all-purpose dining room. If functions as a dining room, exercise room and home office.

We love our new living room. It's nice and cozy.