If You are Prepared, You Shall Not Fear

Last night several members of our ward called to inform us that e coli bacteria had been found in the local water supply. We were supposed to boil all water before use or use bottled water. Apparently the Alberston's down the street had completely sold out of bottled water after the announcement. I was so grateful for the counsel to "be prepared." We simply went and got a bunch of water bottles from the garage and put them around the house. We boiled some water for washing. No need to worry or scramble.

Everything was declared safe this afternoon. There was probably very little danger to us at any point. But it was wonderful to know that because we had followed the counsel of a prophet, we were prepared and did not fear.

Gorgeous Day on Mt. Hood

Mark took the boys skiing at Mt. Hood yesterday. Bennett's first time. Jackson's first time on a snowboard. It was a gorgeous day and they really had a good time.

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had a loud & lovely Thanksgiving. Dan & Danielle hosted a FULL house. Everyone contributed to meal, and while we always eat well at Friess gatherings, this meal was exceptional! Delicious! The star of the show was our still-yet-to-named nephew whom some of us all calling Logan, after his father, John Logan, simply because we are tired of calling him "baby." I'm sure he will have a beautiful name, someday. He is tiny and gorgeous and so snuggle-able.

The kids had a great time wrestling with the Pied Piper, Uncle Brent, and his buddy, Nathan. The adults cooked, ate, fed babies, kissed owies, chatted, and played "Would You Rather?" All in all, it was a fabulous day. As always, we feel incredibly grateful to be blessed with such an amazing family -- on both sides.
Smiling, happy Cocoas.
As soon as we got there, Myah asked if she could paint my nails. How could I refuse? I will have pink cuticles for a week, but we had a great time together.
Wendy's mom, Diana, was in town for the baby's birth. She and Wendy's sister, Amy, and her son, Soul, joined the party. We were also joined by Danielle's cousin, Camille, and her darling family.
Sarah tried to get away with throwing things off the upstairs balcony.
Jackson, Myah & Haven played "Dinopoly" with Uncle Brent.
Caden gives Paxton a kiss on the cheek.


Hard core wrestling with Uncle Brent. What a good sport!

Newest Nephew

Congratulations to Wendy & John who had a beautiful, yet-to-be-named baby boy this morning.
Born at home in the water. (Way to go, Wendy!)
7 lbs., 18 inches long
Great head of hair (not quite as much as Caden but still fabulous)
Absolutely gorgeous!
We are so happy for you! Thanks for letting us come and cuddle him tonight.

Happy Baby

Look at those round, kissable cheeks!
At two months, Paxton is smiling, cooing & even giggling. I love it!

Practice Magic

If you have a son who is just learning to play the piano, but doesn't really want to practice do I have a solution for you: 5-Finger Star Wars. Now all the motivation is internally driven! Jackson was at Village Home today and I heard him playing from memory in the other room. He's only had using the book for a week!

New Food Adventures

Bennett's new food adventure continues. You'll notice that the last line actually contains some "real" foods. He is now "talking" about trying to carrots. It may be a while before it actually happens, but his mindset is definitely changing. These are nine foods that he wouldn't touch a month ago so I say YIPEE at the progress we're making. Maybe he'll actually like a few vegetables in six months. Miracles happen!