Family Update

We don't have any new picture of Grayson, so I thought an old one would bring back good memories.

Here is a quick update as to what have been up to lately.

I am finishing my comprehensive exams for my masters degree program. They are due at the beginning of February and I have been working really hard for the last month trying to get them finished. After this I have two classes left. One is a video course that is due in April and the other is an online course that started last week and should end by May. I assume that graduation is in May. I haven't decided if I want to go or not. I'm leaning towards skipping it, but I'm sure I will regret it in 30 years.

Trina's life is about to get a whole lot more busy. Starting February 1st, she will be at the bowling alley more than our house. Bowl For Kids Sake is a huge fundraiser that Big Brother's Big Sisters does every year. Trina is also working hard at making Dale's benefit a success. We will share more information with you when the benefit blog is up and running. If you would like to make a donation to either cause (Big Brother's Big Sister's, Dale's Benefit) you can mail Trina a check.

Grayson has been doing really well at his new daycare. Katie told us that after two weeks he only cries for a half-minute or less when I leave and typically doesn't cry again the rest of the day. He really enjoys being around three 4 year olds and two babies a few months younger than himself. This week Grayson stood by himself for about ten seconds. Five seconds of standing is about average for him. He also started to cut a tooth on the top this weekend.

Max and Marley are adjusting well to the cold weather and their new house. After their haircuts, Marley decided that he was going to learn to use the toilet. He's pretty good at it, but rarely flushes. Max continues to brave the elements. He likes to dry the snow off his body by rubbing his back and head all over the hard wood floors. Someday he will figure out to use the carpet.

Grayson's almost 1 year pictures

Yesterday we took Grayson to get his 1 year pictures taken (a couple weeks early due to our favorite store closing). He is not yet walking. His tricks these days consist of waving, pointing, clapping and shuffling along furniture. He babbles up a storm and we're pretty sure Dada is his first word. He says it consistantly when he sees Tanner, but also says it when he see me, the dogs, a book, or anything really.

A Full House

Trina and I are officially moved in. We had a house warming party on New Year's Eve and hosted the Roos Christmas the next day. It was great to have family and friends come over to see the house. We even had a few neighbors that were able to attend. Thanks to everyone for joining us to celebrate our new home.Grayson wants to wish YOU a very merry Christmas to you! Sometime between Christmas and New Year's Eve, Grasyon learned to point. He can now clap and shuffle along furniture. We all thought that he would be walking by now, but he doesn't seem that interested. He can crawl really fast! Alexa didn't want to be in the picture (sound familiar Juilfs family?)

Grandpa and Noelle

Grandpa Roos made these step stools that fold down into a chair. Trina said she had one when she was a little girl.

Grayson is opening another Gift.

A Few Christmas Photos

Merry Christmas. Here are a few photos from our family Christmas and the Juilfs family Christmas. We will try to get pictures from the Roos family Christmas uploaded soon.