my hard working Olympian

Mike is in Vancouver working hard covering all events on the luge track between turns 11 & 12. A few pictures of my favorite Olympic camera operator.

So we have been back for almost 2 weeks, to be sure my intentions were to have posted this almost two weeks ago. Such is my life... We had the most wonderful trip! Michael's Gram Ballard passed away in early January. Thanks to our favorite Aunt Anne, (Michael's Aunt) the entire family was able to fly back to Connecticut for her Memorial Services. (along with a trip to the "Big Apple")
Since our last visit with family in Connecticut, (3 1/2 years ago) we have added Charles and Olivia to the family. Needless to say, we had plenty of catching up to do, so our days were long and packed full of fun with the cousins.
We flew out on Thursday. To be sure, being on two airplanes in 8 hours time was the most exciting day of Charlie's life thus far!
Friday Anne took myself, Gina, Eliza and Isaac to NYC. Riding the train into the city, we were able to take in Grand Central Station, the American Girl Store, Rockefeller Center, Toys R US, Time Square, AND we even managed to squeeze in an interview for the Today show with Kathy Lee and Houda. Finishing off the day with dinner at Friendly's (Michael's favorite Ice cream/eatery joint)
Saturday we attended the Memorial Service, and a reception after. I'm amazed at how kids can instantly pick out cousins they have never met and play together as if they do so every weekend.
Sunday, after church we made it over the the cemetery with balloons to write messages on them before letting them go. Then we were off to Aunt Sarah's house (Michael's sister) for dinner with everyone. (Michael's siblings and children) What a special night to see Uncle Seth and Aunt Carrie who just returned home after serving in Iraq for a year. What a night! It was so good to see everyone, kick back and visit while the kids ran wild!
Monday bright and early, we boarded another airplane to head home. Thanks again to Anne for making it possible for us to have such a memorable weekend!

Afternoon Naps Gone Wrong & Reading Books

So this last week, I half heartedly attempted to put my two little monkeys down for an afternoon nap. I realize it was my fault, because I wasn't as serious about it as I should have been to be successful. Anyway... Charlie had escaped and Olivia followed him... I was distracted by something so I didn't give chase. When they came back into the bedroom, Charlie had pinned his hair up with all of Olivia's hair bows. He was so proud of himself, I couldn't resist taking a picture, followed by tickle torture. Forget a nap at this point Kristine.
Isaac has become quite the reader, reading anything and everything. We are so excited for him, and we often sit down and listen to him read. Charlie is Isaac's #1 most devoted fan, so naturally he has become quite the reader too. Last week his favorite book was "Super Hungry Dinosaur". He "read" it to Mike several times, and now you also have the opportunity to hear Charlie "read" his favorite book of the week.

Dear Gram,

Christmas was wonderful! Perhaps the best we have ever celebrated. Going off of the "less is more" theme if you will, we had less chaos and clutter and more of a genuine Christmas Spirit. The children were all so happy and content. For Gina, Santa brought a new open holed flute, a marching band sweatshirt, and duffel bag. Eliza was tickled pink with her Ruthie character American Girl Doll. Isaac was up to his happy gleaming eyeballs in star wars action figure stuff. Charlie couldn't get enough of his "red and blue speed racer cars" A fast and cool shake and go race track. Olivia was just so fascinated with every ones goods, she hardly noticed her own leap frog farm fridge magnet thingy. Michael and I both received what we asked for too... a new coat for him, and kitchen stuff for myself. It was the perfect kind of day I wish I could freeze frame and go back to on the not so perfect kind of days. I was amazed at how magical it all worked out... we had very few presents under the tree. But the kids did chores and saved up to buy something for everyone. I was impressed with their generosity and ability to think of others wants and needs instead of themselves. For the first time, I hated to take down "Christmas" and put it all away. Charlie and Olivia were tremendous helpers. Unpacking boxes just as fast as I'd packed them up.
We celebrated the New Year like never before! The Mission Mountain Wood Band (Michael's 'Never Long Gone' documentary) was playing at a place in Big Sky. We were able to get the last room for the night. The kids partied in the room, and Mike and I partied in the ballroom with the Band and over 200 other guests. Did you know it was a Blue Moon on New Years Eve? Well it was, and that explains why Mike danced the night away like Michael Jackson (ha ha okay, not really. But I sat out more dances than he did) Normally I can't get him to dance. However, on New Years Eve, I couldn't keep up with all his dancin moves... Only once in a BLUE MOON! Seriously, I can't remember the last time we had so much fun party-n it up into the wee hours of the morning.
It's been the most fabulous Holiday season, and yet we are all ready to resume our regular routine. I've thought about you so much during the last few weeks. I miss you already, and you haven't even left yet. I wanted to tell you one more time how much I love you, and to thank you one more time... for your example of all that is good, and gracefully enduring when it's not so good. Thank you for encouraging me to dream big, and believing in me. You are an amazing woman, and I am grateful I've been so blessed to have you as Gram these last 9 short years. "God be with you till we meet again..."
Love
Kristine

December 14, 2006, Charles Oliver Ballard made his grand entrance into this world to be part of our family. NOW... three years later, he is a little man full of determination and strong will or character developing an unquenchable thirst for adventure. Charlie IS the entertainer of the family. He is super smart with a quick wit and the most charming smile. He told me that for his birthday, he wanted a motorcycle "I can ride in the street" Naturally, because real motorcycles are not ridden on the sidewalks. And he wanted a blue jet airplane, because he wants to be a pilot when he grown up.
Happy Birthday my Charlie!

Mike was gone for two weeks, working t.v. camera for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas... most importantly, I SURVIVED! (again as we've been doing this for 5 years now)
So the following are a few photos to documenting my survival tactics. I think this year was actually easier for me. Crazy I know, being that I was the one home single parenting our 5 monkeys. (correction: 4 monkeys and 1 teenager) Braving the snow and -10 degree weather. Needless to say, I stayed plenty busy and slept good and hard (most nights)
Mike on the other hand... came down with a nasty cold and I think met his Las Vegas limit within 48 hours. Eliza especially missed her dad, and her missing him rubbed off on everyone else (in part because he sent her flowers)
So to sum up, a line or two (naturally the only ones that partially fit, because this is SO NOT how I feel about my incredible man of a husband!) from one of my favorite songs... "at first I was afraid, I was petrified, kept thinkin I could never live without you by my side".... (blah, blah, blah) ..."I grew strong, I learned how to get a long"... "I WILL SURVIVE!" and I did. Let it be known, that I believe "I survived" because of my fabulous children, unseen helping hands, and answered countless daily prayers begging for help. So I may have survived, but it wouldn't be right for me to take all the credit. Enjoy...

Thanksgiving

Yes, I know I'm slow... Thanksgiving was a few weeks ago already. I figured I'd post about it anyway, even if it is old news.
It was the best Thanksgiving ever! It was so relaxed and gratifying, I didn't even make pies... until Saturday.

Gina is officially 14! Her birthday was celebrated in grand style (with a new cell phone) the day before Thanksgiving.
It's been a busy month... full of baking and socializing. Mike has finally finished the Mission Mountain Wood Band documentary "Never Long Gone". HOORAY!!! Way to go Mike, I'm so proud of you! This is the sight we came home to after celebrating with the band. ≈ Thanks Gina for all your help tending the little monkeys.

I started listening to Christmas music as I prepared the turkey. I was singing "Happy Holidays". Charlie was right by my side helping and without skipping a beat he piped up and said..."Happy Halloween to you too mom!" OOOOH, I love that little boy!