New Chapter

Well friends, there has been a break in the action over here at the ol' Blueberry Blog. The last couple years have been full of ups and downs. Precious Augie continues to grow and be the brightest spot in our lives. He inspires much creativity, laughter and certainly, love. It is in that spirit of love and hope that we begin a new, different chapter as a family.

Now, we're skiing more challenging terrain and learning to smile through it all.

New Little Lady! (please don't start any pregnancy rumors)

Clara's new digs

Rio and Clara, working it out.

Clara's adoption party!

Good girl.

PUPPY!

Well, we're not bored. :) When I came home from work a few weeks ago to find Jacob and our "foster puppy". I knew we were in for it. Turns out the little lady, then named "Pearl", would quickly work her puppy magic and claim a new home. After a weekend at the ranch, where she exhibited a shy side, she came home with us to show us and didn't take long to show us her frolic-in-the-snow side. We chose the name "Clara" as a tribute to Lonesome Dove, as Augustus' one true love. She is ALL puppy, full of snuggles and accidents and chewing and wrestling. Augie loves her so much, and they seem to exercise each other. Now, if we could only get them both house-broken!

Ride Bus?

Because we can.

Our home is often filled with the tune and MANY, MANY verses of "Wheels on the Bus". We also happen to live right by a bus stop. Crazy how our days can seem so busy that there's not time to take advantage of what's right under our nose(s). This week, Augie and I finally hopped on the bus and rode to the next stop. Where Jacob and Clara (the puppy), just happened to be waiting, and we all walked home together. It's nice to remember what qualifies as authentic adventure to a two-year-old. "Mas bus????"

Roller Coaster

This past weekend brought us face to face with the cycles of life. Kjera celebrated with one of her improv buddies who got engaged on Saturday. We found out about the death of a dear friend's mother-in-law after a stroke. Our East coast friends welcomed a beautiful daughter yesterday, and Jacob's Aunt Rosa passed away this morning. As much as I'd like to highlight all of the life lessons we learned and all of our personal reflection, I just want to dash home and play trains with Augie, and give him an extra couple of squeezes.

Bunny Hill

Yesterday we took Augie out to "The Village" or Jackson Hole Mountain Resort for his first official skiing! It was great fortune that we ran into our friends (and Augie's godparents) in the parking lot who loaned us a harness and passes. Then we began the shuttle of gear and child up to the lifts. With an hour left before the lifts closed, we got on Teewinot, or the easiest chair! Little did I know that an irrational fear of Augie on a chairlift would soon overcome me . . . while Jacob cracked open a beer. :) Check out the videos below to truly appreciate how our little Augustus puts the "run" in ski run. We made three laps before heading to the Handle Bar at the Four Seasons for beer and sweet potato tots. Here's to many more family ski days in our future!

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!