Christmas Piano recital

Yesterday was the girls' Christmas piano recital ~ they both did so well ~ I am so proud of them!

Johanna played "Jingle Bells" as a duet with her teacher.

Natalia played "We Wish you a Merry Christmas."

Whooo-hooo's there?

This spotted guy was hangin' in our trees today...fun to watch!

Fun Seasonal photos

Here's a couple pics of the girls sipping hot cocoa in front of our front door - looking rather "seasonal"! Happy Holidays!

Lake Whatcom Railway

Today was a day for fun...and here is the day in pictures...

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

On the edge of your seat football!

Lynden played for the state 2A football championship against Prosser, the top ranked team, with an amazing team, and amazing coach. Prosser played like the team they are, and with 2 minutes 22 seconds left in the 4th quarter, the score at 21-6 in their favor, it looked like they were going to win their 2nd state championship in as many years. But little did they know what Lynden had in store for those last 2 minutes - first a touchdown in 4 plays, and successful point after kick to make it 21-13. Then a successful onside kick, and ensuing touchdown. That brought it to 21-19 with less than a minute left. Lynden went for the 2-point conversion and made it! Tied at the end of regulation. Prosser and Lynden traded touchdowns during the 1st overtime, making it 28-28. In the second overtime Lynden scored first, making it 35-28. Prosser scored again, but decided to go for the win with a 2-point conversion attempt. Lynden pressured the QB and another defender blocked the pass. Sweet victory, 35-34, Lynden! Way to go Lions, thanks for the ride, it was a nail-biter!

Cutest fans!

The successful onside kick recovery that put us back in the game!

Celebrating the tied score at the end of regulation

Celebrating the win after Prosser's 2-point conversion was denied

State 2A champs!

Go Lions!

We've enjoyed attending games and cheering on our local high school football team this year, and they have done very well. They were in a state semi-final game on Saturday at the Tacoma Dome and we decided it'd be fun to go. And was it ever! It was a great game, lots of action and best of all, they won! They beat a team that has been undefeated for two years - didn't lose a game all last year or this year, up until Saturday! That means they play for the state championship next Saturday...we hope to make it down for that game too ~ we'll see.

Action

This would end up being the final score
Heading to the field to celebrate victory
Victory huddle

Thanksgiving

We enjoyed a relaxing and yummy Thanksgiving with Rob's family on Whidbey Island. Both Rob's brother and sister were there with their families as well as his Grandma. No trip to Whidbey Island is complete without time at the beach, and so I've included a picture of the kids bundled up for their beach time. Cheryl's Christmas cactus is gorgeous so I had to include a picture of that. As we reflect on our lives, family & faith, we feel so very, very thankful. Our hearts are truly full!

Marathon!

Natalia & Johanna have completed their 1st marathon, more than their mom can say! Truly, I have the photos to prove it! What you say? Let me explain. The school has a lunchtime running club and participating kids have a certain number of days to run 25 miles. If they make that in the allotted time, then they are invited to the high school on a Friday night to complete their last 1.2 miles. Both Natalia and Johanna made it this year. Friday night was an awful night, with sideways blowing rain, but I guess that is part of the reality of running a marathon???? Here's a few pics.

Natalia "streaking" by!

Dad joined her for a couple laps!
Johanna with fellow runner friends and her teacher

Johanna getting her medal

Natalia getting her medal

Johanna's 8th Birthday

We had a very fun rollerskating party celebrating Johanna's 8th birthday...here's a few pics to tell the story!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Welcome Baby "Eyes" - Isaac Benjamin LiaBraaten

Tamara and Ben welcomed Isaac Benjamin LiaBraaten into their family on Thursday, November 13th at 3:23 pm. He weighed just under 8 1/2 lbs and is healthy and very adorable! He was considerate enough to come in time for my planned visit - I arrived together with my mom at the hospital 20 hours after his birth! Couldn't have planned that any better if we tried. I loved having the weekend there with the LiaBraaten family and falling in love with this little nephew! He is the first boy in two generations of Harvey girls, so he has a very special place to fill!

Big sisters Jayda and Marina holding Isaac for the first time

Proud auntie
Isaac and momma
A close-up
Meeting Grandma Glenda