I’m posting this a few days late, but this picture was taken on Dick’s birthday, January 4th.

I love him. (And so does our dog.)

Since Dick first saw the preview for the Alvin and the Chipmunks Squeakquel movie, he’s been saying one of the girl chipmunks reminds him of Lydia. Here he is, showing Lydia which one reminds him of her. (Turns out it was the character named Eleanor?)

Lydia loved the comparison. She wanted to watch the preview over and over.

Love my dog. He’s the best. And such a great traveler.

Video chatting with Eleanor. Though it freaked Lydia out; she wouldn’t speak a word, but could only stare at the screen.

Wii time with Lydia and Drew.

I’m a sappy wife. I am so proud of my DB. He graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University on December 18th. He was the only one from his program (Urban and Metropolitan Studies) to graduate that night. I “made” him walk (though I tease him that secretly he’s glad for the coax).

A big thank to you everybody who came and supported him that night at both the commencement, and at La Grande Orange afterward.

Next step for Dick: law school. He amazes me.

This is me in March ‘09. Always congested and never could breathe clearly.

This is me in December ‘09, two months post septoplasty and rhinoplasty. Not only can I breathe and sleep soundly through the night, I also have a much more (dare I say) aesthetically pleasing nose. I am thrilled with the results. Contemplating septoplasty or rhinoplasty? Do it! I highly recommend it.

Name plate holders for all.

Even Max celebrated the holiday with his own special Thanksgiving meal, courtesy of my mother-in-law, Janet. Turkey liver. (Yuck! But Max sure loved it).

Rachel, capturing the details.

Gram, Zach, Max & Rachel.

The princess (Eleanor) had to make her dramatic entrance down the stairs. She had a sleepover with us that night and boy was she happy! She calls Dick’s parents grandma and grandpa. She insisted that everybody refer to her as Savannah, not Eleanor.

I didn’t do a good job capturing these, but those are mini leaves made of butter. I thought they were so cute.

And then I was too busy eating to take any more pictures. Mmmm. It was a lovely holiday.