Born there, done that...: Holiday Recap...

I am officially terrible at blogging. Maybe that should be my New Years Resolution...actually blog on a continuous basis. Yes, everyone reading this, please hold me to this! Now, moving on to more important things.

The holidays seemed like a whirlwind of events for us! Whew, we had a blast! In October, we took our fury child to the beach for the first time ever. He loved it! He is going to be a beach dog for sure! It was freezing outside, but he was such a little trooper. Plus, he had a big soft pillow and snuggie in the car for the ride home. We also took him on his first hike ever. We went up to Forest Park which is actually still in the city near the Oregon Zoo. It is so beautiful and it's hard to believe that it's in the middle of the city. Rogue loved it! Thank goodness we have a dog who enjoys the same activities as us! After all of that and some crazy things at work, we had a "date night" at home. We made some delicious steak, potatoes and fresh green beans the night before my parents came for Thanksgiving!

For Thanksgiving, my parents came down to spend the weekend with us. My dad and Adam replaced the roof over our patio and now we can actually sit out there...when it's raining...and it doesn't leak everywhere!!!! It's amazing! Adam has learned so much about home repairs...thank you house for being broken :) It was so nice to host the holiday meal at our house. I have come to really enjoy this and would love to do it again next year...with even more people!!! Wink, wink, nudge, nudge.

Our best faces...

Rogue thinks he's a lap dog

Pancakes really wanted in on the action

Dad was ready to eat!!

A holiday picture of my parents!!!!! WOW!

So many reasons to love him...

Making Creme Brulee for the first time

....and it was awesome!

Not too long after Thanksgiving, we had the joy of driving up to Spokane for Christmas! Adam and I really wanted to attend the Christmas service at our Church here in Portland, so we drove to Spokane on Christmas Eve so we could attend church the evening before. We also had out own Christmas that night and opened all of our gifts after church. This Christmas was a "make it" Christmas for the Born family....apparently I am confused about this means. I thought it meant that WE make gifts for the family but Julie, my wonderful Mother-in-Law got me gifts so that I can make things. I loved it! I received plenty of canning supplies and books, so watch out family!!!!! You're getting canned goods from here on out for every occasion! Ha, OK, well maybe not, but I am thrilled to make things! Thanks Julie! Me, being the wonderful wife that I am, bought my dear husband a gift that he, until recently, only dreamed about having. I purchased his new camera flash! He has been obsessed since he opened it. I made him open it last, like a small child, since I knew he wouldn't open anything else after that one. He would just play with it. And he did. Rogue and I fell asleep on the living room floor while Adam played with his new flash until all hours of the night! What fun it was!

Adam would like you to notice how dark this photo is...sorry, family picture was taken pre-flash

Pancakes was pretty content...

This is what happened while Adam played with his new toy.

Finally, Christmas eve is here and we are on the road, at 4AM on our way to Spokane! Christmas with my parents, Justin, his new wife Stasha and of course, Jude! It was so much fun to be laid back and just spend time with the people you love. Stasha got some power tools while Justin got a steam cleaner for the carpet. The best part is that they were equally as excited about the gifts they each got! Role reversal?? It was so funny! Jude, of course, got everything he could imagine! I loved getting to play with him with his new train set and chase him around like a crazy guy. He is growing up so fast and with him living elsewhere, I always feel like I am missing out on the fun with him. Christmas weekend was perfect. We had a total of 8 people and 4 dogs....all in the house. Rogue loved Jude! I think he misses him playmate a little. To all of my family, thank you for teaching us the real meaning of Christmas. The time we have been able to spend with one another is far better than any gift we could have received. We are so thankful for all of you. Sorry for the lengthy blog and loads of pictures. Sometimes I have a hard time picking just a few when there are so many memories attached to each one!