Christmas and Easter

We've been indolent with regard to our blogging and camera duties this year. Sorry we'll try to do better. I thought I'd start by posting some picture from our last camera import, which happens to span Christmas to Easter. Speaking of Jesus' holidays, Maddie was so intrigued by the Christmas story that ever since she heard it, she has been referring to herself as "Maddie Mary," I'm "Joseph Jeff," she calls our dogs her "sheep," and she has a teddy bear that is her "baby teddy Jesus." It's cute, but we're getting tired of her introducing herself to strangers as Maddie Mary. Here are those pics, hopefully we're back with more soon.

Mr. Sam's Farm

One of the advantages to living in Montana is that eventually you will end up with a good friend that has a farm. My friend Sam invited us out to his place so the kids could see some lambs that were born just three days ago. So we loaded up and made the 40 mile drive down to Bridger where the kids got to cuddle lambs and play on a tractor. They also had a great time running around outside as it's finally somewhat warm (above freezing anyway) outside. It was a fun afternoon excursion and I'm sure Maddie will be talking about lambs and sheep and Gyp the dog for weeks to come. Thanks Sam.

A Tale of Two Birthdays

This year Maddie got to celebrate her third birthday twice, once with my family while were in Boise and once on her actual birthday here in Montana. Of course she was spoiled by all her aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents and she loved every minute of it. Thanks everyone for making our little girl feel special. She's growing up so fast!

Glacier 2012

Last week we road tripped over to Kalispell to meet up with my brother and his family. Of course, no trip to the Kalispell area is complete without reveling in the glory of Glacier National Park, which we did for four days straight. LeeAnn and I also took advantage of the free babysitting services of an eager aunt, uncle and cousins and spent an evening together in Whitefish for sushi and pie. It was a great week. Here are some pics. If you've never been to Glacier you absolutely must put it on your bucket list!

A Beautiful Day for a Birthday II

On May 17, 2011 Josiah James Grissom joined our family. He is a joyful, curious, strong baby boy and we are thrilled that he is a part of our family. Yesterday we celebrated Si's first birthday, here are the highlights:

Fun in the Potato State (we call it that so the tourists won't come and ruin our spectacular places).

We spent last week in Idaho with my family and saw a lot of old friends too. It's always nice to go home, it's changed a lot since I left a decade ago, but it always feels comfortable and well, like home. The week was filled with cousins, aunts and uncles and grandparents all of whom Maddie and Josiah enjoyed immensely. The weather was indeterminable as it always is in Boise this time of year, but we still managed to find a couple of nice afternoons for the zoo and park. Enjoy the pics.