The First Gift of Chirstmas

After our trek to see (cry at) Santa, we shared a little pre-Christmas celebration at the Henrie's. Augie was equally thrilled with each of his three gifts: a handmade picnic table from Grandpa Joe, a flashlight and a magnetic-picker-upper-stick. Then we settled into a deep dish of Grandma Sharon's turkey enchiladas, where Augie (who hadn't eaten much in a couple of days), devoured avocados, tomatoes and the "bok bok". "Bok bok" is his word for all things poultry: chicken, turkey, and even eggs! Thanks to the Henrie family for sharing the gift of "thoughtfulness" with Augie this Christmas.

"Oooooo!"

Reservation for two?

HO HO HO!!!

Despite lots of enthusiasm for "Ho ho ho" at home, Augie pulled off a classic Santa visit this year (we blame the influenza). It's true, he hasn't been feeling well, but we wanted to take advantage of this Jackson Hole tradition with Grandpa Joe and Grandma Sharon (also called "Joe"), so we bundled up and walked down to Town Square. At first Augustus was interested, maybe even excited, but that quickly turned to fear and dread (while Mami snapped the photos). Even the cookie/galleta bribe didn't do the trick. Oh well, Augie's still on the NICE list in my book.

Th...ank...y....ou...Ho......Ho.....

With Grandpa Joe and Grandma Joe. :)

Oh deer!

Advent

Let the countdown begin! Thanks to Grammy and Papa for hand-delivering this classic, chocolate-filled advent calendar. Each night after dinner, we count the days and enjoy a chocolate treat. We also sing the "Cho-co-la-te" song in Spanish! This pause for sweetness is fulfilling the purpose of an advent calendar in our busy lives this December. I like stopping to see things through Augie's (stunningly blue) eyes, like how he laughed for days at the idea of bringing a tree into our living room. I love how the white lights inspired his use of the word "pretty", which he now uses to describe "pretty tree" and "pretty house". I adore how he scrunches up his darling face while gazing at the tree, allowing his eyes to blur as he sings an improvised carol. Christmas is coming!

Who is this tall boy?

*magic*

feliz navidad

Making spirits BRIGHT!

Merry Christmas Friends!!!

ENERO –To begin 2012, Augustus had his first visit from Los Tres Reyes (the Three Kings) who filled his shoe box with goodies. We celebrated Augie’s 1st birthday with lots of friends, organic banana muffins, two outfit changes and an owl piñata. What a HOOT!

FEBRERO – Kjera continued to giggle and perform with her improv troupe, the Laff Staff. Kjera and Augie made a quick trip to Chicago to celebrate Tesha’s baby shower for “the nugget”.

MARZO –Augustus earned the first stamp in his passport by meeting up with Grammy and Papa Strom in Acapulco, México. He impressed the locals with his swimming skills and Spanish comprehension. ¡Bravo Augusto!

ABRIL -Welcome Henly Moen Choi! Kjera and Jacob celebrated a new niece and proudly became godparents. Augustus continued to expand his adventurous eating habits with our Bountiful Baskets fruits and veggies.

MAYO –Río, the devious and much-loved cat, celebrated his birthday, and Augie his baptismal birthday. Kjera left the boys for two nights for a school trip to Yellowstone.

JUNIO – Augie was thrilled with the Henrie traditions of branding and Lava Hot Springs. He and Kjera then traveled back to Wisconsin for some Strom traditions. We weathered the 100 degree heat streak by spending days in a blue kiddie pool.

JULIO –Jacob and Kjera celebrated their birthdays with a traditional Red Dress Party. Augustus fell in love with rafting on the Snake, spending most of the time being trolled in his life jacket in the chilly water.

AGOSTO –Augie was invited to three different birthday parties for his buddies turning two, with bouncy houses! After visiting several child care options, August enrolled in Sweet Spirits, where he loves to share his musical talent and adventurous soul.

SEPTIEMBRE – Kjera kicked off another school year as the Pre K through fifth grade Spanish teacher at the Journeys School, and Jacob wrapped up another busy wild fire season with Teton Helitack. Augie also resumed his Wednesday dates with Grandma Sharon (whom he calls “Joe”).  In the midst of it all, we closed on our new home (conveniently located next door to our old home). Thanks to Papa Strom who came all the way out to help us paint!

OCTUBRE –We all traveled to Chicago to participate in Henly’s Baptism. What a blessing! Jacob and Kjera celebrated their 3rd anniversary. Augustus charmed our neighbors with his homemade train costume, responding to “chugga chugga?” with an enthusiastic “choo choo!”

NOVIEMBRE – Augustus decorated his sugar skull for Día de los Muertos, and then we shared hugs with lifelong friends in Salt Lake. Finally, we devoured a Thanksgiving feast with the extended Henrie family.

DICIEMBRE- Now that the snow is finally falling in Jackson Hole, we are vowing to rekindle the family blog and get that “baby” on skis.

¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

With love,

Kjera, Jacob and Augustus

Rescue Me!

Jacob spent the last weekend working on his hazardous materials certification for his volunteer position with the Fire/EMS crew, while Kjera re-certified her Wilderness First Responder training. You would think with all this advanced rescue skills, we wouldn't need saving, but alas, what about Augie? Godpapa Matt to the rescue! Matt stepped in and showed up at 7:30 a.m., on a Saturday, in a winter blizzard to spend the day with sweet Augustus. Apparently they ate, read (about 35 books per seating) and slept the day away! Thank you, Matt!

Where do I begin?

Wow! Time to get back in the saddle around here. Needless to say, our lives have taken a turn for the busier this fall. After a wonderful summer of traveling and Augie-in-the-backpack-hiking, I'm still crazy busy at the Journeys School and keeping my Laff Staff hobby alive, Jacob had one the more active fire seasons of his career besides being a volunteer fire fighter and EMT and, most importantly, Augie has been at a dead sprint since last June moving and learning and growing by the hour! Lighting the first candle of advent, HOPE, I'm eager to begin a new chapter of light and reflection (bringing me back to my neglected blog). Welcome home.