Post Christmas Happenings

The best part of Christmas for me was by far having Doug home for 5 days in a row, even if we don't do anything, it is nice having the family together, especially since he was gone for 4 days over the previous weekend for soccer in Canada. By the way they lost both games in the minus 40 degree country, don't worry they were playing indoors, but by the sounds of it just getting from the van to the arena could freeze your lungs if you aren't used to those temps. The Colorado Lightning had a game last night against the instate rivals the Denver Dynamite, again it ended in a tie after regulation, unfortunately the Dynamite scored the sudden death golden goal this time around so the series between the two teams is tied 1-1. This was Doug's first professional game at home at the Budweiser Events Center. For any of you who want to know more about the professional arena soccer league this is their web page, http://www.arenaleague.com/pro/ you can see all the teams and their rosters as well as schedules and news.

Rachel playing with one of her new toys

A photo miracle, both kids are looking and playing together nicely

Doug is the middle guy in blue, Lightning versus Dynamite, I apologize that my little Kodak doesn't quite have what it takes to take good photos in this arena

Doug dribbling the ball

The half-time scoreboard, too bad the score did not stay with those results, the final after OT was 7-8

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to all our friends and family. We had a wonderful Christmas here at home, our first since we have had kids. Cindy's sister and her family came into town from North Dakota for the week, it was nice to see them again and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with them. Christmas Eve and Day were a whirlwind for us, since we did all of our celebrating at once, the past few years the gifts and meals were extended over a week or more. We got all dressed up for Christmas Eve mass, which neither of the kids were very good, if only Santa wasn't already in route, maybe he would have skipped our house :) Caleb has a hard time sitting still and talking in an "inside voice", he actually didn't try to escape so we are making progress. Rachel had somesort of a tummy ache and was restless, if we could stand the entire time she was happy, so Doug spent close to half of the service in the back standing, even though he had a perfectly good seat. Christmas morning Caleb was so excited about all the presents under the "creamy tree" and was really into the process. Rachel liked her presents, the bows and investigating everyones presents. Later that day we went over to Jim's house to celebrate with Doug's Dad's family and grandparents, which meant more presents and excitement.

After Christmas Eve mass, again the picture taking process is the most painful part of the day, Caleb even went to bed early for continuing to not listen to us for pictures or anything else.

Rachel in her pretty dress, near the end of her rope as well

Caleb's first present of the morning, after the stockings and breakfast, I purposely gave him a boring (clothes) one first so he wouldn't run off to play with it

Rachel with her first present, a little stuffed pony

The best present of all

Rachel 4-wheeling over Doug's presents

Rachel openning her first doll with Grandpa Jim

Caleb modelling his new CARS backpack

yum yum, a can of hot chocolate

Caleb with Rachel's doll, he thinks that it is "baby rachel", if only he was that nurturing to the real baby Rachel

Pre-Christmas December

Our Christmas tree

Caleb loves PB & J's minus the bread part, everything he loves has to be messy

Pre-Christmas photos, Caleb bribed with a candy cane, Rachel has one just to look cute

Who cares about the photos mom is trying to take, we have candy!!!

Cheeeeeeessssseee

Sitting pretty, but not much for smiles

Fireman chief Caleb and his junior in training Rachel

Rachel is starting to pull herself up onto things, she doesn't crawl correctly but she pulls herself all over the house (mopping the floor)

Doug's cousin, Casey and Uncle Rick introducing Buster to Rachel, she is fascinated by the little dog.

Busy November with Lots of Visitors

After Halloween, things haven't really slowed down much around here. Great Grandma Luella was here until the 12th, the next day John, Jen and family came to town for a week, Anna and Caleb had so much fun playing, chasing and tickling eachother. John and Rachel enjoyed rolling around on the floor together...at least that is what I gathered from the baby babbles shared back and forth. A week later my parents and my sister joined us for Thanksgiving and some early Christmas presents for the kiddos. Doug made his official professional soccer debut for the Colorado Lightning on Saturday down in Denver against the Denver Dynamite. He had a successful game, even scored a goal as a primarily defensive player. It sounds like they expect him to continue playing on the team after proving himself this past weekend. Most of their games this month are away, so it doesn't look like we will be getting any less busy as Christmas approaches and he travels to Canada for a couple games. We went up to Red Feather Lakes and cut down our Christmas tree this weekend, Caleb really enjoyed putting the ornaments on the tree and both kids love all the lights.

Rachel playing with a balloon at Maia's 1st birthday party

5 of the 9 Brannan Great Grandkids together ages 6 months to 3 1/2 years
(Rachel, Anna, Maia, John, and Caleb)

Anna and Caleb sharing marshmallows

Rachel with Grandpa Jim

In the swing at the park on a beautiful 70 degree day



Caleb with his spiked hair cruising down the slide

Grandma Cindy with her 4 grandchildren

Driving the fire engine at City Park Poudre Fire Authority Station

Anna and Caleb with their fireman hats and junior badges on the bumper of the fire truck

Rachel and John having some wiggle time

Movie and popcorn (puffs for Rachel) night

Riding Cheyenne the wonder horse to Thanksgiving dinner

Happy Thanksgiving with Auntie Erin

New track (even without the trains) for Christmas is unbelievably exciting

Rachel loves her presents too...especially the paper

Day after Thanksgiving hike up the foothills trail overlooking Horsetooth Reservoir

Everyone must "play trains" watch out for baby disaster curve

Rachel is finally starting to like her rice cereal and fruits and veggies, but she is still messy

Disaster curve baby strikes again

Riding the motorcycle at the mall during a playdate gathering

Caleb feeding Rachel, who thinks she is really getting something

Outside during our first snow of the year, we got more than 8 inches, the photo is after I shovelled the driveway twice

Christmas tree hunting at Red Feather Lakes

Rachel the pink marshmallow, enjoying her search for her perfect first tree

Caleb hiking happily with grandma, big improvement over last years scream fest

What better way to end a tree hunt than with some yummy hot chocolate