Black and White

Here is a little change to Cole and Holly. I love black and white photos.

Holly the Horse & Cole

Yesterday Cole woke up and decided he was going to use the toilet. Before I took the kids to school he has successfully gone twice on his own. I was so excited that I wanted to give him a treat. We headed over to a friends home and spent an hour visiting all of the amimals. Cole even got to ride the horse. He was quite a natural. He loved it. He insisted on wearing his woody boots and cowboy hat. He really loves animals. He was able to see a horse, dog, cat, bunnies, chickens and a goat. He even got to bring home two eggs (which now he wants to save to show everyone).

Photographs

Well, I have learned to do a few things with Photoshop today, so let's take a look. First shot is straight out of the camera.
This next one is a photoshop action called sevenites.

This one has been softened.

Let me know which one you like best. I am a bit torn myself.

Birdies

I am trying to learn how to get some videos on here to share. Let's see if it works. This is a video of Cole singing his favorite song that he calls "Birdies".

Valentine's Weekend

We headed back to the snow this weekend. We had a great time. Since we were up there, just after Chrismas, they have received over 6 feet of snow. One of the best parts was seeing the kids pitch in and help. They helped Joe shovel off the deck, helped with dishes, and with each other. They got along and they did not want to leave. We relaxed and just enjoyed time away from home and each other's company. Notice Cole closes his eyes on the sled. That is his smiley face.

We came home Sunday afternoon. Sunday night I had just slammed my finger in the car door, came in the house to the second to last picture. Yes, a life size troll doll. I could not help but laugh, which is hard to do when you are crying. Thanks Cole for the laugh, and the other kids for dressing him up so cute. Then there is the last picture. It has obviously warmed up here in vegas, and Cole headed outside. He is actually training to take over for the naked Cowboy in NY (HA, HA).

A Forever Family

In December, Joe, my Mom (Maureen) and I went to the Temple to do the baptisms for my Mom's father and brother Chuck. That in itself was an incredible experience.

On Friday February 5, 2010 we had an incredible continuation to the story. My Mom, brother-in-laws, two sisters, Joe and myself we able to go to an endowments session for my Grandmother, Grandfather and Uncle (same family members we worked on in December). Directly following we all gathered in the sealing room and were joined my my Aunt Pat where we were able to have my Grandparents sealed and the children sealed to their parents. My one aunt was unable to attend that night, but in total 7 of the ten children were sealed. It was an amazing experience to stand in for people we know and love. I can't wait to complete the work in a few weeks with the Aunt who could not attend.

Andy, Leah, Laura, Aunt Pat, Derek, Mom (Maureen), Joe, and Me (Rachel)

A few things happening around this cRaZy pLaCe...

We got Joe a bag and a bunch of frisbee golf discs for Christmas, so he took us out one day to teach us the fine art. The kids got bored about four holes in and decided to head for the playground. I really enjoy it, even though my score gets worse each time I play.

Picture #3 is of Jacob at his Crossing over Ceremony. That is when a cub scout turns 11 and advances into the Boy Scout program. Picture #4 is Cole rolling out on his motorcycle, watch out-he is dangerous. Picture #5 is of Cole and his first night in "The Big Boy Bed."