New Year's Eve

This is us deciding to join in the game of Apples to Apples. I highly recommend it, skeptical at first but ended up having a great time. Our friends Ursula and Paul opened their home to us churchies, kids and all (but Tayla stayed with G&G Thorn). It was great fun with more food than was necassary but an adequate amount of "New Years" beverages :). We played with my friends Angie (pastor's wife), her nephew Levi (who totally rocked and beat the pants off us adults)and her son Knox, Julie, her parents, and Ursula (but she was taking the picture). Fun times, we are so thankful for our new church The Vine (offshoot of Mars Hill, and an Acts 29 network church) and our awesome friends! Happy New Year!

Darik and Tracy on Christmas

We started a new tradition this year that who-ever handed out presents had to wear the Santa hat. Tayla was kind enough to take a nap for most of the gift opening which made for a relaxing morning. We headed to the cabin for the rest of the holiday weekend since Darik got to feeling a bit better. Merry Christmas!

My 1st Christmas

Tayla get's a drum. Although it looks as though she was interested she wasn't too into Christmas. Even the paper and bows didn't occupy her very long, but she did enjoy her new toys once we got them home.

Christmas Morning 2005

We spent Christmas Eve with Tracy's extended family at the Thorn's house and went back in the morning for a quiet morning with the immediate family. First we went to church and then made a stop at Grandma and Grandpa DenHerder's where Tayla got to open a few presents like the coat and walker she poses with here.

Bow-head

I've got bows on my head, but don't call me a bow-head! (andy melanakis, via MTV)

The Family

It was hard to get a pic of the family this Christmas because Darik was very sick. He has gotten pretty run down working 12 hour days on little sleep. He finally put in his two week notice at Starbucks on 1/6, yeah! He will be able to join the land of the living and kick all the sickies once and for all!

Mommy and Me

I love my baby!

4 Kids on a Couch

The older cousin's Kaylee and Kameron (Erin's older children) decided to give the babies some attention. Tayla loved watching them run around all night!

More Cousin's!

Finally, some Christmas pic's! Tayla Rae (10 months) and her second-cousin Peyton (6 1/2 months) were able to enjoy each-other's company this Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Erin has two older kids, too, I'm trying my best to get caught up!

Santa is Scary!

What a picture! Tayla was not thrilled with her visit to Santa but we found the picture hilarious! Better luck next year...