Happy Holidays

Hope everyone had a great Christmas and an enjoyable break! In what was probably our last visit while in the UK we had the great opportunity of being able to spend Christmas in St Andrews with the added bonus of free accommodation all thanks to one of Char's friends who's from there.

The town is very interesting and reminded us a lot of Oxford and Cambridge as the town is home to one of the oldest universities in the world apart from also having one of the most famous golf courses. Despite being covered with snow we were free to wander the course and the town and had a very memorable and enjoyable final few days in Scotland.

Our Christmas in St Andrews

Although we missed being with family, our Christmas this year was cozy. It was nice to spend it with just our little family. My three guys are the best things that have happened to me in the past decade.

Schneid Musings from the end of the Decade

And so we come to the end of another decade. A lot has happened this decade, both in and out of the family. The world has seen tragedy and scandal, beginning with 9/11 and Enron, Worldcom, Bernie Madoff, irrational exuberance in housing, wars, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc. But we have also seen the audacity of hope with a new direction in government, both in Canada and the US, and promises of better days to come. We have also seen amazing inventions and advances in medicine.

We have seen many changes in the family as well. There have been many moves and additions, and great blessings. I'm grateful for all of you.

Rico had a great idea for a blog conversation - what stands out for you (good or bad) from the past decade - a person, event, invention, etc? Let's share some ideas.

Luv,

Gramps

Bella Italia

Another really fun thing we did was head to the Olympic peninsula. We took a ferry to Bainbridge and then made our way west to the national park. It was amazing to scout out this land not only because it's BEAUTIFUL, but also because it's the setting for 'Twilight...' ;) I enjoyed reading this series, and found it was a fun topic of conversation with my coworkers and classmates. So it was great to check out the area where the fictional novel supposedly occurred. We even went to the restaurant where apparently Bella and Edward had their first date!!

Christmas Break

Well christmas break has been very peaceful indeed. I have been able to see Avatar twice. I passed the Beatles Rockband, got to go see my first wedding ceremony in the temple, received awesome Christmas gifts, saw the Lord of the Rings trilogy within a 24 hour period, and have been able to hang out with my friends. It has been a bit of tight squeeze riding in the Subaru with the six of us, but I guess it is the small price to pay for a good break. Hope New Year's will be fun with the Whites coming down. Anyway, got to do an Encore on Beatles Rockband so Ill see you all.

Rico

Home for the Holidays

It's my first college break! I must say it's been very fun and relaxing. After a strenuous first semester at BYU, it's been so nice to have nothing to do. I had a great time at pike place with friends. There's definitely a lot of things I've missed about Seattle! It's a weird feeling now, because I can't completely call it my home since I don't currently live here. But of course Seattle will always be home at heart. And Edmonton too. I guess I've always had more than one home so I should be used to the feeling :)

Law School Survival

Well one of these days I will find a picture of me at law school. I sit there straining to hear and dissect each and every word emanating from my professors (the oracles of infinite wisdom who graciously share their knowledge). I have survived my first semester, I don't think I did as well as I was hoping but I have plans to do much better my second semester. The holidays have been great but I fear that it will be very difficult to get back into the swing of things when the holidays come to a close. It has been great visiting the family and I was very sad that I was gone for Thanksgiving. I will be posting again in a couple of days with pictures yeah!!!

Ian: A Really Great Guy-2009 Bragathon

Wow, Ian is a really great guy, and the past couple of months have been unusually exciting. He won the J. Reuben Clark most Outstanding Young Lawyer award from the Los Angeles chapter, which was a really huge honor.


Ian also set a goal to run a marathon this year. It was a big stretch for him because let's just say he hasn't been the most consistent exerciser since... well... awhile. But he did it! He ran a marathon in Sacramento and I'm so proud of him for reaching his goal.

The awards and the goals are neat, but most importantly every day Ian is a wonderful father and husband. He is incredibly helpful and hands-on, I'm always amazed at how much he does as a father. He was really excited for me to bring the boys to visit him at work a couple months ago. He had a really huge office at the time (his division had to move recently to make room for the new Spiderman 4 and 5 crew that have since set up shop on the lot). We had the best time eating lunch with dad and the boys continue to ask to go and 'see my daddy at work'. During this Christmas season I'm especially grateful for him and the way he makes our family work so well.

The Christmas Spirit Rules in Edmonton

Schneid Musings from the Great White

On December 12, the temperature at the Edmonton airport was measured at -46 C. This set a record for the coldest temperature ever measured in Edmonton on Dec. 12 by almost 10 degrees. In addition, it was the 2nd coldest temperature measured that day on the entire planet. Apparently, there was an uninhabited weather station in Siberia that measured -48 C.

Then again, what better way to get in the Christmas spirit. Santa lives at the North Pole and he never complains about the weather. He is unfailingly cheerful, even thought it must be frightfully cold and windy outside when he goes out to feed the reindeer. It must be very tough for the California contingent of the family to get in the Christmas spirit - requiring extra effort since the weather is always summer.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. I'm hoping everyone has a fabulous holiday season. HO HO HO!!!

Luv,
Gramps

Super Oliver

Oliver likes Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear, Mr Incredible. He doesn't even know who Mr Incredible is but loves the preview of it on one of our movies. In fact, unless Jordan has been secretly showing Oilver Spiderman clips - he has never seen spiderman either yet somehow he knew when he recieved a hand me down spiderman shirt that it was the most extrodinary piece of clothing he would ever come across. My little boy just loves superheroes. I noticed the trend and decided to try to use the information to help in my efforts to foster a loving, kind, GENTLE relationship with Ben. One night he woke up and came into our room. He seemed like he needed a little comforting so I cozied up with him in our bed and told him a tale of heroism, bravery and courage beyond belief. I told him the tale of.............SUPER OLIVER!!!! I told him one story and then just changed a few details each time I told it. He never seems to tire of this story and often asks me to tell it while making suggestions as to what the villian and crime should be. Oliver was the one who came up with the ideas for the fates of the villians. The story goes like this:

Once upon a time there was a boy named Oliver who was very big and strong.
One day he heard his little brother Ben crying and so he flew over to him to see what was wrong.
He saw that :

(insert one of the following tradgedies)
a crocodile was eating Ben's shirt
aliens were jumping on Ben
a monster was pulling Ben's hair
a mean guy was shouting in Ben's face

So Oliver said "Hey you! Stop hurting my brother!"
Oliver got a rope, tied up the (crocodile, alien, monster, mean guy) and threw him into the ocean.
And then:

(insert one of the following fates for the villian)
sharks ate the (crocodile, alien, monster, mean guy) and went "ha, ha, ha, ha"
pirates came and took the (crocodile, alien, monster, mean guy)

THE END.

Catalina Island

In the Christmas spirit of enjoying being together I wanted to post some of the Catalina photos. We had such a wonderful time with the family members that were there, and we will miss everybody when you are altogether in Seattle! Family and other people really are the things that are the most special about Christmastime.




What a beautiful place!

that's a good-looking bird

Happy Birthday Char

It has been an eventful year for our family and Char has certainly been in the middle of it all.

Some of the highlights have been starting her own successful piano business from scratch, giving birth to little Ben and striving hard to raise two happy wonderful kids while also being a kind loving mother.

Last week when Char found out that one of the blokes in our ward was having a tough time coping as a single parent with his new baby (as per "I'm thankful for my nursing bra" she posted last month) she didn't hesitate to step in and do a few things to help him out. One of the main things she did was taking his little one for a night after he had been struggling which I think was particularly generous given that she knew she had to cope with our own little Ben who is known to cause a lot of sleepless nights himself. I think this is a good example of Char's year - kind and thoughtful for the needs of her own kids and family while also thinking of others.

Another thing that stands out for me was how well Charla endured a very tough pregnancy and birth. In true Char fashion then I don't think it would be a good post without a quote or two -
"all of us have bad luck and good luck. The man who persists through the bad luck - who keeps right on going - is the man who is there when the good luck comes - and is ready to receive it."

Our plans to go back to Canada have meant that there are a lot of people here who will sorely miss Char - piano students, friends from playgroup and church friends (many of whom have already shed a few tears about her leaving) and in the midst of this her three boys feel even more lucky and grateful to have her.

So hope you have a great birthday Char and here's to another great year that lies ahead!

What Happened to Scrooge?

On Wednesday night I hosted A Christmas Carol party for the Relief Society.  I think it was one of my favorite parties ever cause we got to act out a couple great scenes, eat plum pudding and roast 'goose', play games - all inspired from one of my very favorite books.  

I think I like it so much because its so well written,  so theatrical, it's set in Victorian England, it's about Christmas, but most of all it's because the story is incredibly beautiful and moving.  

It's about a "tight-fisted hand at the grind-stone, Scrooge, a squeezing, wrenching, grasping, scraping, clutching, covetous old sinner!"  who through the spirit of Christmas, is transformed.

He becomes, "as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew"  

Just one of my many favorite quotes:

"I'm sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round ... as a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time: the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys ... though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!

Love you, 

Mom

Christmas time

I'm so excited for this Christmas! As I look towards the upcoming weeks, my mind is filled with thoughts about home and family. As I finish up school projects, wrap things up and work, say goodbye for now to friends, and prepare for our ward Christmas program, I can't help but think about the warm cozy rug by the fire at home, the Christmas tree, and the cider or hot chocolate we will surely enjoy together. :) It will be wonderful to relax with family after a busy few months for us all. (or relax in Sacramento, Puentes.) I have a lot on my plate right now but by trying to stay centered on the reason behind why we celebrate Christmas, it's putting things in perspective. I love the story shared by President Monson in the First Presidency Christmas devotional. The inspiring tale of the man in the flannel suit at the Atlanta airport in 1970 really moved me. I am reminded of the power, strength, and comfort that comes from being together as a family, at home, and especially during this season. I am also reminded of the incredible love and kindness that we can show towards others.
L

19 YEAR OLD RACHEL!!

WOW!... RACHEL! Your head must still be spinning from everything that's happened this year. Not only high school graduation and starting college, traveling to Vietnam and Chile and welcoming your brother home, slinging bagels at Noahs and throwing a dinner party for 30 and

earning your YW recognition award and raising hundreds of dollars for the orphanage in Vietnam and volunteering dozens of hours in the community and having tons of fun with your friends and loving every minute you get to spend with your nephews  and always telling people about them- including the newest one! , and applying to colleges, earning scholarships and awards and staying in shape by

running and going to mom-daughter book clubs and performing Viva la Vida on your violin in front of 2,000 people and trying to help everyone with their problems and more, much more but still staying cool and collected through it all.
(That explains the photo of the snowman!)

Rachel, in all the busyness and excitement and challenges and tough decisions of your last year at home there was one moment that really stood out for me. It was the Sunday right after prom. You'd been out all night with your friends. You came home at 8 AM and got ready for church. And then you gave a beautiful talk in sacrament meeting about your favorite New Testament scripture story. You told us about the woman at the well. You said how her story shows how one can learn to recognize, then accept and then love the Savior. And then you said how much you loved the scripture from Mark 4:39, "Peace, be Still". Then I understood why you've decided to make good choices and do the things you do.
Rachel, you've had such an amazing year because YOU are amazing. And for that reason I know the next year also has many wonderful things in store for you.
Enjoy your very last day of being 18 and -
Happy Birthday!

Things to be thankful for!

I'm grateful to be here at BYU. Although I wasn't sure if I would like it at first, I've really come to love it. The people here are great, I've made a lot of good friends already. And my classes are challenging but I feel like I'm learning a lot. I look forward to next semester (even though this one is ending and I still need to finish it strong!) and I love being near the mountains and having snow. Oh and I'm thankful that I turn 19 in two days! Anyways, I love all you guys and of course I'm so grateful for family too.

I'm Thankful for...

So many, many things. I'm grateful for a wonderful weekend we just had with our family, I'm grateful for my beautiful little boys. I'm grateful that at each moment of the day there are about 3-5 things that I need to be doing at that instant because I never have a dull moment and I'm grateful for the joy that being so needed brings to me. I'm also grateful for vacuum cleaners, washing machines, running water, a roof over my head, and all the physical comforts I so often take for granted. Most of all I'm grateful for Ian. Each day is an adventure with him. And, as Caleb told me today, I'm thankful for water, Mom. I'm grateful for the little moments/comments/actions that make life so wonderful. Love to you all!

My Favorite Things

What I really love about this photo is it shows, at the same time - two of my most favorite things to do - being near my children, and celebrating Christmas.
And I think it's cool that some of us are standing in front of a 100 foot tall  Christmas (no, NOT a Holiday) tree in flip flops.
I hope that this Christmas season gives each of you the chance to make lots of wonderful memories with the people you love most.

What Makes Me Proud

It was great to see so many of you this Thanksgiving weekend on Catalina Island.
For those of you who were there and for those of you who weren't, it makes me proud to see such a wonderful growing family and such good decisions being made.
As little Jack says so well, 'Thank you!'
Keep up the good work. I love you all.

Gramps

What I am grateful for

I am grateful for the great place I live in here at Provo, Utah...apartment C309 of the Elms apartments. I like it here alot more than in Helaman Halls where I lived my first year. I am also grateful for all of my roommates. They have been great! I am also grateful for the thanksgiving break I had. It was great being in LA and on Catalina Island. I had a great time getting to see the little boys and I could finally see the Puentes' place. I am grateful that Rachel and I could eat at In-N-Out Burger in LA and in Orem. The In-N-Out is better in LA, but it is still pretty good here in Utah. Anyhow, those are some of the things that I am grateful for.

Long Way Round

I'm not sure if everyone has heard yet (although I’m guessing most have) but it looks as though Char and I are headed to Edmonton in January!! I’ve managed to land a job with EY in Edmonton that starts in mid January and having found out only last week we both can’t believe that our time here in the UK has almost ended. It’s been a little over 5 years now since we first arrived in the UK during which time we’ve lived in all of Oxford, Southampton, Eastleigh and now Aberdeen.

I was thinking just the other day how our journey in some ways feels like the one taken on the BBC TV series called Long Way Round. Maybe some of you saw it but it featured two Brits, Ewan Macgregor and his friend Charlie Boorman, starting from London on motorcycles and then making their way across the whole globe (apart from oceans!) through Europe, Asia, N America, ending in NYC and then flying back across the Atlantic to London. Although our journey to the UK wasn’t quite as adventurous, especially compared to the parts in the series where they travelled across the more remote places, ie Kazakhstan, Mongolia and the Road of Bones in Siberia, I still feel like our journey has been similar to theirs in some ways. I thought that after graduating from UofA things could have easily ended up that we stayed in Edmonton and enjoyed living there for the next little while. But overall, living in the UK has been a huge and welcome adventure for us. We’ve certainly had our stretches of good roads / bad roads, tough terrain and unfamiliar territory etc. But like Ewan and Charlie were when they got to the final stretch of the journey, we are also very glad now that we’re coming home, starting up where we were only a short time ago but with incredible journeys and a lot more adventure under our belts from being able to live here.

I'm grateful for my nursing bra.

Having had such a difficult pregnancy I now feel it my solemn duty to pay attention to the prego ladies I come in contact with and make sure that they are alright. I listen, I validate, I tell them they look amazing and acknowledge how horrible heartburn, backaches, desperate fatigue, water retention and emotional instability is. About a month ago, sitting in Relief Society, I turned to one such woman (Sarah) who was heavily pregnant with her first and I asked how she was feeling. She burst into tears. We sat at the back of the room and whispered to each other throughout a good part of the lesson and then exchanged phone numbers. She came and visited me in the mother's lounge the next Sunday and mentioned that she was nervous about having a baby and didn't know if she would know what to do with the baby once it came. She asked me about breastfeeding and since I struggled with that as well, I was more than excited to tell her what I had learned. I thought that when the baby was born I would be able to help her with that.

Three weeks ago she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. During the delivery she suffered a stroke and a week after the delivery she died. The Sunday after she passed, the Relief Society president handed me a bag filled with a few nursing related items, amoung the items was a pretty navy and white nursing bra. I had no idea where the items had come from as there are a number of young mothers in the ward and when I thanked her and asked if she wanted any money for the things she said "well, no, these things weren't able to be used for their intended purpose so....." And then I realized that these were Sarah's and it was absolutely tragic for me to think that Sarah didn't get a chance to nurse her little one. At first, I wasn't very keen on wearing the bra because I thought it would remind me of the tragedy but I decided to wear it to remind myself of how lucky I am to be able to mother my children.

I invited Sarah's husband over for dinner this evening. He brought his little baby Logan with him and I held and kissed and cuddled that little boy and I wanted to cry thinking that his mother isn't here to hold and kiss and cuddle him. At one point in the evening the baby started fussing and I knew he was hungry so I asked if I could try feeding him. I took little Logan into my bedroom, unclasped Sarah's pretty navy and white bra, and nursed him.

"The death of someone we know always reminds us that we are still alive - perhaps for some purpose which we ought to re-examine." ~Mignon McLaughlin.
I'm grateful I'm alive, I'm grateful Jordan is alive, I'm grateful for every day I have with my children. I'm grateful for my nursing bra.
Seize the Day by Carolyn Arends and Alive by Edwin. These songs are old favorites of mine. If any of you know any songs, poems, stories, movies etc. that celebrate the gift of life I'd love it if you shared.

Falltime

We had such a wonderful time going to the pumpkin patch this year, and just celebrating the seasons and the holidays we have to go with them. Julian discovered his shadow when he was playing at hay maze and it was so cute to see him rocking out to the music so he could see his shadow dancing (a few people even stopped to watch him, which was kind of funny). The boys also loved playing in the corn maze with Auntie, and picking out pumpkins. I'm really excited for Thanksgiving this year (we did have a Canadian Thanksgiving in October with three other Canadian families, which was really fun too). The boys had I have been reading books about where the holiday comes from. They don't completely understand the story, and it's definitely not as exciting of a holiday as Halloween, but hopefully it's something they'll get as they grow older.

Tacky Party

Last night I went to a tacky birthday party for my friend Tessa. I had never been to one before! The only rule was to dress in the tackiest clothes you could find. I don't have any pictures of us yet, but I will try to put one in my next post because they're not on my camera. But needless to say, we all looked pretty awesome! There was a Heritage Halls dance that Sydney and I stopped at after the party (still dressed in our tacky threads) and we definitely got a few compliments on our outfits. I really think everyone should just dress tacky once in a while, it's very liberating wearing an outfit that you know is so ugly that people do double takes as you walk by... and not caring about it at all! :)

The Meteors STRIKE!!

Wow. I haven't seen anything like it. Lying on a hillside with a few friends looking up to the sky last night was a rewarding event. We saw a dozen or more incredible meteor shows. One of the first we caught was probably the brightest I have ever seen! (and I have seen many in my day at echo, with a mirror image on the water!) It streaked across the sky in such a fireball blaze that I could hardly believe what I saw! The works of nature surprised me. I have a renewed sense of awe for my Father in Heaven. Upon further pondering today, I have a stronger desire to do as He directs!

Ben on the not so Big Screen

Even though this was posted under Snej it was me, Char, who posted this. I clarify who should take credit for this little clip because it took huge effort to find camera, find charger, find converter, charge camera battery, find cord to upload to computer and then wait for it upload onto blogger which by the way TOOK SOOO LONG TO UPLOAD. So I'm proudly taking my bows, thank you, thank you....

(And yes it would be much easier if I had all of our camera stuff just organised - but it's not and that's just how life is with me sometimes.)

Good luck!

Good luck on your marathon tomorrow, Ian!

Our hikes

I'm grateful for our family hikes and am especially grateful that we have managed to resurrect them in the past couple of weeks. We used to hike every weekend before Oliver was two but then got to a stage when Oliver was too big to carry on a hike and too uninterested to go on any! Now that he's a bit older though we've found that he manages walking much better and seems to enjoy going on a hike a lot more than he used to. Ben fits right into our little Baby Bjorn we have for him and falls asleep as soon as he's in the fresh air.

One of our favourite hikes (that is a mere 10 min drive from our flat) is a small peak called Cairn Mon Earn and close to the site of an old Roman camp. We've hiked it twice in the last two weeks and it gives great views of the surrounding area. We'll have to make sure that Nana is able to make it up there if she makes it here one last time before we leave.

I'm grateful for live music!

I've become a little bit of a concert junkie since coming to LA. I can't really help it! I have so many opportunities to see amazing live music. A couple weeks ago a friend on mine and I went and saw Regina Spektor. It was so awesome! The venue was this outdoor concert hall called the Greek. It was a little chilly that night (for LA) but the blowing wind added a fun effect to the already awesome concert. Regina didn't seem to mind. The wind tossled her hair but she's just say cute things like, 'I hope our love is keeping y'all warm tonite.' Coming from Russia I guess she can handle adverse weather. She's a good performer live.

My favorite of hers, ever since Mercedes mentioned it back in '06, is 'Fidelity.'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGTDRztaCCw
It has about 14 000 000 views, and I'm sure about 5 000 of them are mine. I just LOVE the music and the artistry of the video. So I was stoked first of all that she was performing here at all and secondly that I would be able to hear my favorite song live. I kept waiting for it and waiting for it- she performed some songs with her band and then on her own. Then she brought out her guitar... I kept wondering when she'd play 'Fidelity.' Well the concert ended and she began an encore, of course. Still I didn't hear my familiar favorite! Well... she finished up that song and the band came back out. Only then did I hear the familiar strains of the bouncy opening to one of my favorites. I felt complete. It was awesome to hear a fun variation on it :)

I'm grateful for goals

So my marathon is coming up on Saturday. I'm pretty nervous about it. That said, I've been pretty diligent about following my training schedule and building up my stamina. I haven't been perfect (which may account for some of the nervousness) but its been such a great experience getting in shape in preparation for this big day. I've had fitness goals in the past (ie lose weight) but after a while I lose interest and my goal fades. The marathon goal has been so much better in the sense that I'm preparing for some particular event or activity. It has kept me very motivated and focused. I think that having a very specific objective is important in goal setting no matter what area we're focusing on. I'm trying to apply that to other areas now. Instead of a goal to "read my scriptures", I've set a goal to "finish the Doctrine and Covenants before the end of the year". Then, I try to work up a schedule to help achieve it. I hope that is helpful to some of you!

I'm grateful for my kids!

We took some pictures at the temple on Monday night. No one was there, so we were just enjoying the grounds and running from place to place. I was carrying Jack while the boys were chasing us. Jack let out a squeal of such delight it made me laugh and brought tears to my eyes at the same time. Having all of these little ones has really helped me see so much beauty and joy in this world. I'm so grateful for them!

Thanksgiving

Hi Gang,

This is the season of thanksgiving and Nana just sent a blog about the mountains and how thankful she is to be able to hike and see such fabulous scenery.

We have a tradition in Canada, borrowed from the British, to wear poppies in remembrance of those who have sacrificed for our country. I am thankful for these brave men and women and the sacrifices they have made so we can enjoy the freedom and prosperity we have today. Many others around the world are not so fortunate, and live in countries where their leaders exploit them and take away their freedoms.

We may not always agree with the politics and complexities of war, but we can acknowledge and praise the brave men and women who have done what their country has asked them to do. I pray that our family and our posterity will always enjoy freedom.

It would be interesting to hear what others reading the blog are thankful for right now.

Luv,

Gramps

I thought doing The Limbo was supposed to be fun

Jordan and I are in limbo. Limbo, according to the Catholic church, is where lost souls abide on the edge of Hell. Although I enjoy getting overly dramatic about things at times, I wouldn't say we are abiding on the edge of Hell just yet. We are however, in a rather uncomfortable spot of transition where we are neither at our destination nor are we fully at our point of (intended) departure and as much as we try to proactively steer our own ship, we find ourselves inevitably at the mercy of the waves and storms of flat sales, job offers and passport applications.

From some brief internet research I read regarding the Limbo dance (which originates from Trinidad): "It is believed, that the people of Trinidad during this dance portrayed going down in the hold of a slave ship which carried them off into slavery. No matter how they twist or turn, squirmed or arched they would go deeper and deeper, some would make it, some would not."

This story, the image of the struggling and squirming, resonates with me - I don't mean to trivialise the plight of the slaves - I just mean I understand trying to wriggle through a situation while watching the bar above steadily lower down on me. This is not a post of sadness, hopelessness or the thoughts of one lacking faith - this is just where we're at right now. I mean just look at that guy in the picture - it's not an easy position to be in. It takes muscles, stamina and some fire retardant clothing.

I Love the Mountains, I Love the Rolling Hills

It's been cold and rainy for the past few days - Winter is coming.
Sadly, that means my hiking days for the year are pretty well done.

I'm grateful for so many happy hiking memories. And I'm grateful too for Grandpa Young and Pop who passed on their love of the mountains to me and the Young family, as well as to my own Schneider family (Beej I love your facebook profile photo!)
I hope to have some happy hiking memories with each of you this coming year.

1st photo -
Snow Lake, September 2009

2nd photo - Rattlesnake Ledge,
August 2009

Thorpe Lookout (near Cle Elum, WA)
An incredible 360 degree view
- October 2009

Trailhead of Wallace Falls with hiking buddies Robin, Jennifer, Anne and Jane - June 2009

Happy Birthday Little Oliver (Jo)

Just wanted to wish Oliver a happy 3rd birthday. He was a real pal to hang out with when we went to Scotland. He is sure a smart boy and I hope he has a great year.

From, Uncle David

Oliver's third year of existence

This past year has been a tough year for Oliver. He's had some big changes in his little life. This past year I was going through pregnancy with Ben and Oliver has had to adjust to being stage left rather than centre stage from the beginning of the pregnancy onward. This has been a year of establishing boundaries and rules with corresponding punishments or rewards. It's really been a year of Oliver shedding the baby role and moving towards increased independence and responsibility. I know he's only three but Oliver seems so grown up to me (if I think about it too much I get a bit teary about the whole growing up business). Oliver loves the jobs that we give him - from throwing nappies in the rubbish bin to setting the table for supper. He is such a capable little boy who LOVES to feel that he is contributing to the running of the home. I'm sometimes frustrated at how stubborn he can get when he gets an idea in his head but am mostly pleased to see him get a vision of how he'd like something to be and then go to any lengths to realise that vision. Right now that mostly involves things like the seating plan for FHE, how his cars need to be lined up or the order and pace at which we take our family walks. He's also a very social little guy and runs with a gang of two other boys in his playgroup. I've seen him try to direct other children but he does it very gently usually saying things like "C'mon guys, follow me!" He loves to sing and dance, eat weiners with ketchup and green beans and tries to memorize the lines to the movies he watches. He has been my closest friend here in Aberdeen - we've had so many fun times together. I sure love my little boy.

Halloween!!!

Happy Halloween everyone!
Good luck to Oliver, Julian, and Caleb in their trick-or-treating exploits! I know they'll do awesome, cause they have awesome costumes.
Sydney and I dressed up as Mario and Luigi for class yesterday. Yes, we wore our costumes to class. Sydney actually came to my Chemistry class so we could be seen together. And also because my professor does a great Halloween show. Luckily we weren't the only ones dressed up!
So anyways, we ran into Yoshi and we just had to get a picture with him. We also saw a great assortment of other video game characters. My friend Taft was dressed up as Link from the Zelda games, and we got a picture of us doing battle because both Mario and Link are in the Super Smash Brothers game. Anyways, thought you'd enjoy these photos!
Love you all, and hope you have an awesome Halloween!