Where are them fangs?

You wouldn't know from these happy pictures, but Levi has been (I hope) cutting a first tooth. The rest of us are riding out the end of a cold this week, which means no voice for me. We're hoping for snow so we can ski this weekend.

Hartman Family Christmas

We had a wonderful Christmas, though not as white as we would have liked. The ski hill wasn't even open yet. I thought I would post some shots of the chaos. My hairy brothers-in-law, my beautiful sisters-in-law, and all my fun nephews are pictured here. Featured in several of the pictures is my nephew, River, who turned out to be the life of the party. What a riot that kid is turning out to be! 

We enjoyed being able to communicate the real reason for celebration....and that Jesus, himself, is the true gift of the season. Of course, we also discovered lots of fun things under our tree. Flashlights, silly string, books, and a stroller for Priya's baby were among the favorites.

2010 will bring teething, bike riding, reading, skiiing, sledding, growing, and much more...Happy New Years to you all.

Dogless, but not petless

We've discovered more neighborhood animals since we lost Annie last summer. For instance, who knew Lake City could support stray cats? Fine with me as long as they are mousers. We have a bunny that digs for pine cones under the snow in the back yard...and this big papa deer who likes to guard my wood pile. Priya drew a picture for the buck and held it up to the window the other night, which I am sure he appreciated. However, she also referred to him as cuuuuute, which I'm sure he did not.

Thanksgiving, Birthday Party and the 2009 Tree Hunt

Thanksgiving was yummy as always. We started off the day with a Turkey Trot (2 mi stroll around town with all the folks in town). Christian had the saunas he's built all fired up for the chilly walkers to check out. Then, we scrambled to get our portion of the meal ready and headed up to C's parents. We had a total of 17 people at the table. Some family friends from Denver joined the festivities. They have two kids about the same age as Christian and a teenage girl who came with them. (They also happen to be the parents of a band member of the Fray. I'm adding him to my list of "famous people I almost know.")

After we stuffed ourselves thoroughly, I snuck in the kitchen with Silas to make a birthday cake. He had picked carrot cake and decided that it needed a real carrot stuck in the top.

Then, on Saturday, we went up on the pass to find a Christmas tree. We settled on a smaller one and have put the glass ornaments away for a few years...

Spotlight on Levi

Levi reached his first half-birthday this week, which went relatively unnoticed. However, I thought I would post a few photos of this cute kid. We are so thankful for Levi! He brings joy to all of us with his wide smiles, bright eyes and fuzzy head. 

I have to admit, I wasn't expecting my 6 month old to be crawling and pulling up and playing with pots and pans just yet, but he has some wild siblings to catch up to. I had to lower the crib mattress today after he pulled a wild cowboy stunt during his nap.

I danced him to sleep tonight (I hope this doesn't become a nightly expectation)...and just thought about the last six months with this precious one. As we are not sure if we'll have more babies, I want to make sure and relish the few quiet moments I have with Levi.

10 things that happened before 10am

1. We asked Priya if she had any dreams last night.

"Um...yeah, I dream bout, when I was in college....in Colorado, I saw Judah and River."

Christian: "you were in college?"

Priya (loudly): "COLLEGE. I told you that already. It was aaaaamazing."

2. Priya got married. This entailed wrapping something, like a measuring tape, around herself and singing., "I'm getting married, I'm getting married."

3. Levi, who is crawling all over the house at just barely 6 months, pulled up to a standing position and let go with one hand.

4. Yes, folks, 'tis the season...I put a little egg nog in my coffee.

5. Silas, while looking for his shoes, put a bathing suit on his head.

6. Priya built a train track.

7. I started the chili for dinner.

8. I brushed my hair. Some of you will understand that with 3 kids under 4, this is an accomplishment.

9. We got ready for our walk to the Post Office. Silas usually rides his bike now.

10. I posted this blog.

One week until my first baby is 4 years old. Can't decide if we should do his party on Thanksgiving, which is his actual Birthday, or if we should wait until the weekend after, which is the great Christmas tree hunt day in this family.

Levi is really cute crawling. He's only 6 months old, but as big as Silas was at 9 months. He's 19 pounds already. Yesterday he crawled from my room all the way to through the kitchen, slapping his hands down on the floor and smiling at himself. Coming soon...pureed veggies. I think I'll wait until after Thanksgiving, he's not hurting for food, obviously!

She's so pretty when she's sleeping...

Ear infections aren't lovely, but I sure think this little girl is!!