Snow fun!

Hello Friends,
Well it seems nearly another month has passed us by... We have been very busy getting ready for our impending arrival, and having some special together time with Avery. With only 5 weeks to go, we are very excited ( and a little nervous of course) about how our lives are about to change yet again.

In fact, we had a small taste of those lovely sleepless nights that we have not missed just the other day. On Sunday, we Checked our American-ism in Hailey and headed up to a Yurt ( for those of you that are unfamiliar, it is like a tent for snow camping) for the night with two other families. We headed up and had lunch at Galena Lodge and hung around until the others showed up and then had a great time sledding and playing in the beautiful weather, as it has been unseasonably warm, and they tend to have an inversion up there quite often. We hiked up to the yurt in the early afternoon, and did some more sledding, playing and settling in. Here are a few snow angels.....




We started a fire (which was quite finicky considering we had 3 firefighters on hand) and unpacked our mounds of gear. Soon it was time for dinner, and we had a special visit from a local bunny- he really was dressed as a bunny- though it was more the oooohhhhhh scary kind of bunny (delivery from the lodge) that got the girls all in tears. Before we know it it was time for the longest sleepless night I've had in quite some time.


Imagine:
Sheet of plywood+thick yoga mat= Bed
2 very pregnant gals+ 3 two year olds= ZERO Sleep
Husbands=Very tolerant
= Now I can say I did it, and don't need to do it again anytime too soon.

Needless to say I was very happy to sleep in my bed last night. But please, don't get the wrong idea- We had a really great time, and I would personally miss the Superbowl for it anytime. I think Justin would agree ( though the teams playing may factor in a little)

In addition, we also have a fearless skiier on our hands. On Saturday we took Avery to Dollar Mountain with one of her other friends and they went skiing. She rode the Quarter Dollar chair and Everything!!! She did so AWESOME!! She had a great time, and wanted to keep going ( until the novelty of candy on the chairlift wore off and the lure of hot cocoa inside the lodge kicked in). But she did great, and had a great time too- so at least we'll have one person in our family with an affinity for snow.


Other than that I have been making Justin do projects around the house in preparation for #2. We painted Avery's room and re-arranged it a bit, hung curtains, got some things out of storage ect ect... It's really amazing how quickly you forget about all the "Stuff" that it takes to have a baby. Carseats, bouncy seats, slings, bath seats....oy vey!
Anyway, we'll keep you posted on any news of relevance.
Cheers!
K,J & A

Hello 2009!!

Hey Friends,
I know, I know, it's been near ions since I have posted, but we have been quite busy....

Avery enjoyed her first memorable Christmas. Snow, tree, Santa and all. It was really fun for Justin and I to see here really getting into it. As you saw in our last post we did cut down our own Christmas tree, and if I do say to myself, it was quite a fine tree. It didn't even have that Charlie Brown look that many of the cut-em-yourself kind have.

On Christmas Eve we went up to Sun Valley Resort and watched the Nutcracker on Ice, which was really quite amazing. I felt like we were in a movie. The snow was falling quite heavily, and the Ice Show was really fabulous. Avery loved it. It was really magical, and something that I think we will remember for a long time.




Christmas morning we woke up to about 20" of snow. It was really beautiful, and Christmas-y, and charming....for about an hour. No really, it was beautiful, but it did make for a lot of snow moving- or lack there-of (for some family members that shall remain nameless...). I baked some coffee cake and once the snow issue was dealt with everyone came over to open presents. Avery had a great time opening her gifts, and kind of realizing that "Santa" had come while she was sleeping. The hit of the season was the Barbie cash register, mirror, barbie-berry(which she has been sleeping with) and barbie car keys ( it was really funny- she said Where's the car?). Justin and I got a new Mac Laptop which we are loving.


The rest of Christmas day was spent really just hanging out, since we weren't cooking, which was nice. We went to Dinner at Sun Valley and enjoyed the food, and not doing dishes!! I think I want to do that from now on!!! It really makes it so much more enjoyable.



Justin Avery and I left for California on the 28th, and spent a few days thawing out. We had great weather and enjoyed going to the park, visiting the Long Beach Aquarium, and going to Santa Barbara for the New Year with some friends. It was really fun. We celebrated the New York New Year, and called it an early night- at least Avery and I did. Justin is a whole other story.






From Santa Barbara we drove back thru LA and onto Yuma, Az to visit Justin's family, and go to his Grandma Carol's (Avery's Great Grandma) 80th Birthday. We had a great time in Yuma just relaxing and visiting. Avery really hit it off with Grandma Carol. It was really adorable.





Debra and I were introduced to Wii Fit. It was quite hilarious figuring it out and doing the different kinds of "exercise". Debra finally mastered the Hula Hoop, and I worked my pregnant tooshie off doing the "dancing". What' s so funny about the Wii fit is that it doesn't really feel like you are doing exercise-so you just keep playing, until the next morning you wake up and your Glutes hurt so bad you can hardly walk. Lesson learned there....

On Sunday we drove back to LA, and headed out Monday morning. Our direct to Sun Valley tickets landed us in Boise ( of course the one time we have direct tickets...) due to the weather,and on another( we got bussed to Boise on the way out too) very scary 3 hour bus ride to Sun Valley Airport. The good news is that we made it.

We arrived home to another 6"inches of snow in the driveway, and a harder than cement snow mound at the end of our driveway courtesy of the snow plow. We nearly high centered the Yukon trying to get over the snow-bump if that gives you any idea. Not exactly the best welcome home present... but what else can you do but cry? Yes, I did. And curse the snow, and the snow plow for it's lovely deposit.

This last week since we have been home we have just been getting back into the swing of things, and doing some home projects in preparation for baby # 2. I have about 8 weeks to go. So, that's it for now. Keep you posted!

Cheers to 2009!
Krista, Justin and Avery

Santa Claus is coming....

Hello Friends,
Here I am again apologizing for my lack of posting. It's been almost a month since our last post....but at least I have lots to share!!

It has been a very bust month! We went to California for Thanksgiving, which was really nice, despite the fact that we ate way too much!! We had a really nice time in the beautiful weather, and playing in the warm California sun. We hit the beach a couple of times, but it was even for us a little too chilly to brave the water. Except for Justin of course, as he would not miss an opportunity to get some surf time in.


We have really been doing much of the same...work, ect. While trying to get ourselves geared up for Christmas. We went a cut our Christmas tree down last weekend, which was really fun, mostly in part because we didn't have to trudge through the snow to get it. After much searching we found the perfect tree, and Avery even helped to cut it down!




Avery got quite a thrill sitting next to it in the car.


Last weekend we also went to a local nursery that had an open house of sorts. We got to see Santa Clause, go for a horse drawn sleigh ride (minus the sligh, plus wheels), and Avery's favorite part was the Candy Cane that Santa gave her.





Did I mention that we went sledding too? We went to Dollar Mountain where they had a bunch of man-made snow and went sledding after we cut our tree down. Avery definitely takes after Justin in her affinity for speed. She has a blast going down the hill at top speed.


Needless to say it has been busy. It has finally snowed, which as most of you know, is not our favorite thing, but our local economy is very thankful. It didn't snow a ton, but something is better than nothing, especially for the ski reports.



I am nearly 7 months pregnant now, and am feeling(and looking- as you can see from the picture) quite large... maybe I should get a santa suit myself. Justin has been working away trying to get a job finished for some clients in time for Christmas. Unfortunately he got sick at the end of last week, but he is back to his old self now.

We are now just in Christmas mode, which is really fun. Avery loves to watch the Polar Express, and to listen to the book on CD while reading the book. We have been concentrating on the fun things about Christmas, making santa projects, baking cookies and the like. Avery loves Santa Clause, but REALLY DOES NOT KNOW THAT CHRISTMAS INVOLVES PRESENTS (grandparents please note!!!) I think that this is our last year of that.

This year we are focusing on the spirit of Christmas. It seems that the world and our nation is going through so much right now, we are focusing on the important things. We are thankful every day for all of our blessings, we have our health, a warm home, our families, friends, and food to eat. What else do we really need? Nothing.
Anyway, I hope that everyone has a great holiday and in case I don't get to posting before then, Merry Christmas, or Happy Holidays- whichever you prefer.
Cheers!
K,J& A

Mohammed Ali...?

Hi Friends,
Again, I must apologize for the delay between posts, I have just been out of the swing of things a bit...
Anyhow, It been less than dull around the Harris House...It seems that Avery has given a new meaning to the term "bruiser"- as in-she has been giving them. Yes, I know, It's nearly impossible to believe that my sweet angel child has been acting more like Mohammed Ali, than child of any sort.... She has been practicing her fighting skills on me, Justin, her friends, and anyone else unlucky enough to be in her path. Needless to say, the last few days have been less than joyful. In fact, I think torture-some is a bit more accurate. I'm just glad she didn't take up an affinity for David Beckham while wearing my Cowboy boots- that could have been really ugly, especially for Justin!!

While Mohammed is away, and Avery is around- we have been having some good fall fun. We Spent Saturday unloading wood, and doing some other chores. As you can see, Avery was a tremendous help as she sipped on her tea between supervising Daddy put wood on the porch, and harassing the neighbor's cat. Did I mention the Glamour Girl that visits? Yes, jewels, shades, a good novel, and some gummy bears, and I tell you, the little miss is in heaven.... I'm really in for it.
Have I mentioned that she is a Gemini?
Insane mother? check back later...


Other than the usual drama, we are getting excited for Thanksgiving, and heading down to LA for the occasion. Justin has been torturing himself (as usual) by checking the surf at any available moment, and watching surfing and Scuba diving videos on YouTube. All I can say is that there better be some surf.... Otherwise, I'm not sure he will be on the plane home with us.
All the while, I'm feeling quite large these days, I'm past the six month mark, and due to the latest dealings with Mohammed Ali, I have found myself thinking.... what the hell was I thinking?.... All I can say is the this one will NOT be a gemini, thank god, because I'm not sure I could handle 2!!
I hope everyone has a fabuolus holiday!!! Cheers!
K

We're Back!!!

Hi Everyone,
After what seems like a long departure, we are back!!I apologize for the long delay in a new post, but Justin's humid trip to Costa Rica was less than fabulous for our laptop.Let's just say that it beeps well, and has moved to the computer abyss.

Our trip to Cost Rica did not go quite as planned, but it turned out fine, so that's all that really matters I guess.
To start, I didn't go to Costa Rica, my doctor advised that I not go, so I went and spent the time in LA with my mom, which was really great. Justin did however go with his Dad, and well, had a wet time. It rained for nearly 7 days straight. It was a 100 year event in Costa Rica, and the country was in a state of emergency when they got back. In fact, I think that they are lucky that they got out. Had I gone, and wanted or needed to leave. I couldn't have. The roads were closed, and it was a rainy mess. To top it all off, Justin's dad got sick, and Justin barely got any surf. All I can say is.... I'm so glad I didn't go!!!


My time in LA was great. Avery went to preschool with Debra a few days, and I did yoga, and enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine. I actually read a book- usually something I never have time to do. Needless to say I had a great time. We also did a few tourist-y things with Avery that were really fun. We went to the Santa Monica Pier with Avery and rode the carousel, and Avery did a few of the other kiddie rides which was really great.




Upon our return, it was back to work. And now, all of a sudden it November!!! We had a great Halloween, as you will see from the pictures. Avery started out the day (and went to school as) a Black Cat. However, by the time it was "trick or treat" time, she was over the kitty. We managed another cute "costume" for the evening. Geisha girl?? 2 year old geisha girl- not to sure about that, but who knows. Anyway, she looked cute, had a great time, and got wired on candy-so I guess thats all that really matters. I am proud to say that by some small miracle, we averted the sugar-induced tantrum/metldown that I fully anticipated to endure. Phew!!! Now, I just have to ditch the rest of the candy while she isn't looking...




So that's pretty much it. We are sitting here in the dark like everyone else.... why do we change the clocks again? I promise to post again before New Years.... we are working on another laptop, so it will be a little easier to be at the computer.
Hope everyone is well!
xoxo
Krista, Justin and Blackie (aka Avery)

1st Haircut!!

Hey everyone,

It's been another busy week her in ID....the "work" part of the week went by fast enough... and we have found ourselves at yet another too-short weekend. 

It rained all night friday, and was pretty overcast for most of Saturday. I must say that fall weekends are great for just hanging around. Saturday morning I left Justin and Avery to make yet another mess while I went to yoga. While I was gone, they got a little laundry done (into a big heap on the floor). Really, Avery had a great time playing in the laundry basket, but lets just say it was quite a disaster when I came home. I can't imagine what I would come home to if I left them alone for a whole day..... Oh my.

After some lunch, a little play-time ( aka mess making time) it was time for a nap. Yes, this is really how Avery fell asleep. I'm not quite sure if she fell asleep mid-mess, or if she loved her latest mess so much she wanted to sleep with it. Either way, it was pretty hilarious that she actually slept like this for an hour and a half.  

During her special nap,we baked some cookies to take to our friend Skooter and Nina's house for dinner. They have a little girl named Katie that Avery had a great time playing with. They played for nearly 3 hours straight!! It was really fun to actually enjoy a dinner with friends rather than having a bite between dramas. Katie and Avery did lots of giggling, and managed to fit both of their tushies into this chair. It was pretty cute. 

Today was largely uneventful. And we even managed to keep the house in a relatively clean state ( thank god!) Our day consisted of Football, naps and yes, Avery's first haircut. I was inspired by Katie's cute "bob", and I was getting a little sick of the rag-a-muffin look that Avery has mastered so well. Her refusal to keep barettes in her hair made it a constant battle to keeping her from looking like a homeless child. Anyway, after years of honing my barber skills on Justin and other members of the Family, I decided to go for it. It turned out really cute, though I can't decide if she looks like she has a "bob" or a bowl cut. I did my best to avoid the curse of bangs, but Justin kept insisting I keep cutting. You'll have to judge for yourselves. Either way, it looks pretty darn cute.




So that's probably it until we get back from our trip to Costa Rica, from which I hope to return with lost of pictures, but probably not too many of Avery unless the Grandmas take some good ones. Hope all is well!
Love Krista, Justin & Avery

Oops!

Okay friends, I'm sorry for not posting for two weeks... however we have had a little camera problem....We haven't taken any pictures. Crappy parent move, I know.

Either way it has been a busy two weeks. Last weekend we went bowling with some of our friends. It was really cute, however my camera forgot me, and my friend that emailed me the pictures she took didn't send them as an attachment, so I cant get them on the blog. But, I assure you it was very cute. I'm not so sure that the guy that works they thought it was very cute because he had to keep coming over to our lanes to get our ball out from the middle of the lane. The girls loved making the balls go down the lane, but they didn't usually make it all the way to the pins.... details details.

The rest of last weekend was pretty uneventful, as it rained most of the time. It was the perfect opportunity for guiltless laziness.

The bulk of last week flew by, and yesterday we headed up to Stanley for the day. For all you weather buffs out there, during the winter months, its usually the coldest place in the nation on a regular occurence . Nonetheless, we caught a beautiful day- the sky was amazingly blue, and all of the leaves are beginning to change color. For anyone who has never seen the leaves change in person, it's pretty spectacular. We had a great lunch at the Stanley Baking Co. ( the Cowgirl cookies were the best I've EVER had!!!) and then headed out to Stanley Lake. We sat on the beach and watched a guy catch some fish from the beach, and then proceed to get his large dog, and large self into a small red canoe. It was really quite hysterical, but Justin thought it would be rude to take a picture. His other large dog (a chocolate lab of course) swam alongside the canoe ( though his largeness kept him from swimming as fast as the canoe). We were actually amazed that all of them made it to their camp without going for a swim (except the lab). Avery had fun frolicking in the water, and insisted on being naked, despite the breeze and chilly water. Ah, to be a kid again!



From there we headed to the Fish hatchery, where we saw about 300,000 "fingerlings" which are Chinook Salmon that are about 1 year old. We got to watch the girl feed them, which was pretty cool, and talk to her about the fish. It was very interesting. The Chinook will be released into the Salmon river in April. There were no adult Salmon at the hatchery, though Steelhead season is coming up. Apparently, this year they had 3 times the Salmon return than they had last year. This year's return was the largest since 1982, when the facility was opened.

This is a picture of Avery in her car seat on the way home. She finally fell asleep like this after throwing a total fit about something or other....Needless to say we were ready to get home.




Today we are spending time at the house, doing important things like laundry and football. I have Yoga on my agenda later, but that's about it!
Anyway- hope everyone is doing well, and I promise that my camera will cooperate this week....
xoxo
Krista, Justin, and Avery