D1

To celebrate our return to Division 1, Seattle U played Loyola Marymount at the Key Arena on New Years Day. And celebrate we did, with a victory: 49-39! It was super fun to see such a large crowd and a diverse group of folks. This is probably old news to some people, sorry I didn't get this post out sooner. More photos can be seen here! Recap is here!








Here's a nice family photo taken after the game!

moments

I am back to work tomorrow, so I thought I would share a few random photos and moments from the last week or so. I love my new scarf from Ed and Cynthia



Ed made us a delicious turkey dinner last week, I am still dreaming about how tasty the rice was!!!


Dad took us to Southern Kitchen in Tacoma, excellent home cooking or soul food as I like to think of it. Fried okra, fried chicken, beef brisket, sweet potato fries, corn, red beans and rice, corn bread, catfish, black eyed peas, and homemade fresh sqeezed lemonade. Here is Tyler's mango lemonade, yes, it was served in a mason jar! You'll never leave this place hungry.



We travelled south to Roy WA not once but twice to look at two properties for mom and dad's next home. Both were beautiful new homes, one on 20 acres and the other on 35 acres. The beautiful gate at the entrance from the main road made Becca and I think it was meant to be because the initials were L & R (Laura and Rebecca, or Levi & Rebecca). We'll see how it all pans out, it was fun to look at them and imagine :) Or should I call it...dream!







That's all for now :)

*Happy New Year!*

Happy 2009 to all! We enjoyed a superb buffet dinner at the Muckleshoot Casino after mass on New Years Eve. An added bonus: party hats :) We came home to ring in the new year together, complete with candy cigars and confetti! I hope that 2009 brings many blessings to you and yours.

Games

Uncle Ed and Aunt Cynthia rode the train up from California to visit us this week. We played a ton of games and cards (poker, uno, stacko, yahtzee) during their stay...I even had the patience for poker. Lots of laughs, for sure!

Animals

I am pretty sure you all know that I love animals. Well, I couldn't take enough pictures of them over the holidays, so I'll share with you. I certainly have my favorites of Buttercup, but I think my all time favorite is the one of Barlee in reindeer antlers that I will post here individually.

Christmas celebrations

After a very busy Tuesday before Christmas at work, it was lovely to head to Auburn that evening for some R and R. We dug out the ugly old wrapping paper and had an ugliest wrapping paper contest. Angie and Becca were victorious, I'd say!



On Christmas Eve, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Oh Ryans, snacks throughout the day, and opening presents in the evening.







Becca and Levi were very crafty and made everyone warmable rice packs--so cozy.



We couldn't believe the snow just wouldn't stop. Here we are Christmas morning posing for some impromptu family photos.









Tyler and I stopped at our place on our way to the Vixies. My most favorite present: beautiful pearl earrings. Tyler's most favorite: a toy police car. This is the exact look he gets on his face when he knows I will be annoyed by the siren, haha!







We missed Tyler's brother Blayne and his girlfriend Megan at Christmas but thanks to technology, we caught them on video chat. Tyler and Blayne carried on tradition and played a game of 'Visit to Grandma's house' via video chat. Very entertaining!





Phew! Hard to believe this was all a week ago. Sorry for the Christmas post delay! I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Wishing you all a very blessed and merry Christmas! Many more pictures to come but here are a few taken this morning in the Auburn snow! Lots of love to you and your families!
~Laura

bored?

I continue to be mesmerized by the snow, although I am ready to move on with life :) School was closed again. I spent 1/2 hour clearing the last weeks worth of snow off of my car. The blue skies peaked through the clouds. A pretty sight to see against the backdrop of icy/snowy trees.



As you can see from this pic, I dyed my hair! A dramatic winter/Christmas look, what do ya think?