Santa's new ride

Forget the sleigh! This Santa's coming at you on 3-wheels. (Taken outside our house on the 22nd. The outfit was a gift from Grandma Dawson - I figure it is one of the few times I'll ever be able to put him in anything like this).

A visit to Prescott

Jeanette and I took a day trip to Prescott to visit Grandpa Bill and Shirley on the 21st. It was wintry cold and, though I wanted to introduce Ander to the snow, he was not fond of it. But he was fascinated with the two trains they have and spent most of the visit watching them. In his arms is his "baby" which goes everywhere with him.

our little charlie

Halloween saw Ander and I headed to grandma and grandpa Dawson's in Temecula, Ca for a nice weekend. Friday night, we pulled out the costume and Charlie Chaplin went trick-or-treating for the first time.

And, boy, did he catch on quick. He loves going up to folk's doors when we walk in the neighborhood anyway, but to have folks answer and want to give you a treat, that was a big hit.

Grandpa and aunt Kim went with us to share the fun.

It's been a looong time

We lost our Internet connection in June and only just got it back up and running. We have plenty to share, so I've placed a few updates below. And since children change so quickly, here are two recent photos of Laurie and Ander taken last Sunday.

We're in escrow!

We began our house-buying excursion in late June. As are most house-buying stories these days, it has been a long, complex journey but we finally opened escrow on a home this week. A few pics are below. When it becomes final, I'll post some more.

front

the backyard - surrounded by shrubs and trees including grapefruit, peach, pomegranate and two palms. A nice patch of grass to play on as well.

The livingroom.

To the right of the livingroom, the dining area.

kitchen looking into dining area.

Laurie and the horses

Laurie has always been a horse junkie. Over the summer she became involved with three horses -- Banner, Dobe and India -- through a friend and has continued working with them each weekend and days of the week she can find a ride.


Laurie and Dobe

Laurie riding India

Laurie's latest look

Laurie's look is ever changing, though most would think it is still the same. Here are some recent photos taken Sept. 2008.