The Natty

So, I am done wiping Alex's tears and finally have a few minutes to reflect on "The Natty." We had an amazing trip to Arizona to watch our beloved Ducks play for the National Championship. Needless to say, they didn't win...but the Ducks played a good game and we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I mean a most-amazing, scream-until-you-have-no-voice, party-like-you're-25 experience. Check out the pictures. There are a lot of them, sorry. :)

Me and the Duck's #1 Fan

Pep Rally

Here is a pic of the crowd... I heard there were more than 30,000 fans at the pep rally.

Us girls watched the pep rally from this parking garage. We had a great view!

This is what happens when Alex is in charge of the camera...who is that guy in the middle?

Dinner out after the pep rally with friends (Takeuchis, Hassmanns, Lesyks and Reeds.) Hass was standing on the bar leading Duck cheers.

Chef Jeff setting up the tailgate party.

Alex with the Kirks.

Our group of die-hard Duck fans. Check out our t-shirts. Hass made them for us, they said "It's Natty Time" on the front and "In Chip We Trust" on the back.

Good times.

Hassmanns, Lesyks and Takeuchis

Stacy, me and Mac.

Reeds and Lesyks

Gladheims and Lesyks

Our end zone.

Are we really here?

Win The Day

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Coin toss

Game on.

More game.

We sat in the 4th level, but check out the new zoom lens!

Sweet Benjamin

A little over a week ago, my new nephew Benjamin was born! I was lucky enough to be invited to his birth and it was one of the most magical moments... My sis and her awesome husband Aaron invited me to the birth of all four of their precious babies and with the exception of one (no sisters allowed at the c-section) I was there to witness their first breath, their first cry and all the joy and tears that go along with those! I am trying, but can't seem to put into words how profound the experience was and how blessed I am to have this sister and her family and all the love and joy that my niece and nephews bring. Here are a couple of pics that my sister took. You can see more if you check out her blog at www.onedayatatime5.blogspot.com.

The whole family meeting Benjamin for the first time.

Sweet Benjamin

My new camera..

Sometime this fall, I mentioned that I needed a hobby (other than my children :) ), so as an early Christmas present, Alex bought me a new DSLR camera. I am now shooting with a Nikon 3100 and I love it. The way it handles light is amazing, and the guide function actually teaches you how to set up your camera to shoot in different situations. He also gave me Photoshop Elements 9.0 to edit my photos. I have A LOT to learn, but I am having fun with it all and one of my resolutions for 2011 is to attend some classes! Plus, I am lucky to have my sister who is an excellent amateur photographer and has a great understanding of photoshop. It is like having my own personal photography tutor. Anyway, here are a couple of photos that I took and then edited in PSE...

Okay, so this photo was not good, the light was dim and cold and her hands were blurry... I cropped it and ran an action to "antique" the picture and make it appear old and grainy... Still not a great picture, but now it looks like an old photo and I think it is charming.

Here is a shot taken with my new camera and the new lens that my mom and dad-in-law gave me for Christmas. Lizzy and Jackson are adorable and I love the Christmas lights in the background.

So in this pic, I warmed it up a little, edited out some food on his face, and ran a 70's action in PSE. He is so yummy...

Christmas #3

This Christmas, the Stewarts couldn't come to Portland to celebrate because they are eagerly awaiting the birth of baby #4, so we packed up Christmas and went to them! On the morning of the 26th we hopped in the car and went to Aunti Pup's for Christmas #3. Our kids were soooooo excited to see their cousins and they had a great time.

Here is a pic of the cousins minus Jackson (he was napping)

Here is another one that I snapped... it is hard to get all these kids happy and looking at the camera at the same time.

The Stewarts gave Reiley a wheelchair for her American Girl...she has been wanting one forever.

A picture of my sweet niece Natalie escaping some of the chaos and looking at a book.

Christmas #2

We spent Christmas day at home with the kiddos and it was a fantastic day. My mom and dad and Alex's mom, dad and sister came for Christmas dinner. We played with new toys, played games with the kids and had an all around merry Christmas.

The calm before the storm...

My loves.

Jackson checking out the bath toys that Isaac and Reiley gave him.

Reiley and her doll Emily welcomed a new doll, Sarah (the one in glasses) to the family.

Isaac is crazy for legos... this Harry Potter castle has nearly 1300 pieces.

Jackson peeking out of his new playhouse. I still have some finish work to do on the cover, but he loves it!

Bubby and Papa came over for breakfast and spent the day with us!

Mimi, Grandpa and Aunt Lizzy spent the day with us too!