Holly and Todd: 2009

Christmas 2009

Wow, what can we say? 2009 came and went awful fast, and none too soon. We certainly had our ups and lots of downs in 2009. The housing market here in Arizona has had a lot to do with the downs. One of the 'ups' for us this year was Christmas. We were able to spend it at home and have a quiet day with the boys unwrapping presents and spending time together as a family. It was nice to relax and enjoy each others company. The funny thing about the Christmas was that days and weeks went into it's preparation, yet the gifts were unwrapped in mere moments in what seemed like a hurricane of boys around the tree. It was all in good cheer and so much fun to watch. We look forward to 2010 and hope that this will be our year in every way.

Never too big to be Mom's little boy!

Christmas eve, ready for the big day.

Lulu, sporting her new haircut and sweater.

In Gomez tradition, we made the boys wait at the
top of the stairs for a picture.

The stockings full.

Lulu and Ethan.

The stockings empty.

Lego's were a big hit with Emery.

Everett loves Lego's too!

Surprised Holly with new Hollister sweats!

Holly opening some lemon pine-sol (her favorite).

New lava lamp for Ethan.

Wii games brought big smiles.

More Wii, for Emery.

Ethan got an I-pod nano, one cool gift!

Ethan and his new roller blades.

The aftermath, minutes later!

Turkey Trot

This Thanksgiving while Ethan and I were camping in the desert, Everett and Emery ran the first annual "Turkey Trot". It was a mile run in the neighborhood at the school. It's put on by the PE teacher from the elementary school who is also our head wrestling coach (Mr. "P" or Pavlenko). His oldest son was dressed as a turkey and really motivated the kids to run fast and do their best. Everett won a metal for 5th place and Emery finished 7th in their respective age groups. Everett was so concerned that Emery get a metal that he ran back to Emery and cheered him through the finish line. They both did a great job. We look forward to the 2nd annual Turkey Trot next year.

Everett and Emery with The Turkey.

The boys with their friends ready to run.

Everett finishing.

Everett with his metal.

All of the metal winners.

Thanksgiving 2009

We were very fortunate to be able to go to Pinetop, AZ for Thanksgiving. John and Mimi asked us to watch their dogs while they went to Disney. It was a tough decision that took us all of 2 seconds to say "yes" to. They have a beautiful place on the golf course and live in one of the only places that got snow this Thanksgiving. The boys were elated and we all had so much fun playing in the snow, making snow angels and building one the the biggest snowmen I've ever seen. Scott, Tess, Cameron, and Collin visited and were able to play in the snow too. Thanks, John and Mimi!!!

Everett, Collin, Ethan, Cameron, and Emery...waiting for snow.

Our view from the back, storms are coming.

Another Golf Course view.

Snow falling during the night.

Holly, Tess, Collin and the boys bundling up.

Todd and Everett.

Todd, Ethan and Emery, Evy got cut out, sorry Evy!

Emery showing off his new toothless smile.

"SNOWBALL FIGHT!!!"

Lulu, kinda liked the snow. For a minute or two.

Todd and the boys in front of "Mt. Snowman"

John and Mimi's place, Beautiful!

A little preserve for the pumpkins.

Friends in town

We were surprised the other day with a visit from our long-time friends Susan Puls and Sandy Stewart from Florida. They were vacationing (Sandy from Florida and Susan from Utah) and stopped by for a visit. We played putt-putt golf with the boys and all had a lot of fun. Holly had lunch with them the following day at "The breakfast Club" in Scottsdale. Overall an awesome visit and it was so great to see them both.

Susan and Holly ready for competition.

Sandy "eyeing" how to attempt her shot.

Ethan waiting his turn.

Sandy, The boys, and Susan.

Camping in the desert with Ethan

Having been a scout leader for the past 15-years, this is the moment that I've been waiting for. Ethan is old enough for Boy Scouts and now gets to go on overnight camp outs. This past week was our council's camporee. The boys had lots to do including BB gun competitions, lashings, flag raising and river crossing. They all had a blast (including the leaders). We camped over Friday night and the temperature got down to 41 degrees. The following day it heated up to 89 degrees. It was a neat dynamic. Friday night we also were treated to several coyotes in our camp, who began to chorus and howl for 30-40 minutes. It was a great experience as the desert has a beauty all its own.