Helen Campbell

My great-grandmother will be buried today and even though I can't make it to Oregon to commemorate her life, my thoughts are full of her. I was asked if I had any stories to share. I don't really. Not the traditional kind of story with rising action, a climax, and a resolution. More like a string of memories: of watching her bustle around the kitchen, and then as she got older, sitting by her on the couch while the rest of us did the bustling; of crouching next to her china hutch and listening to her tell about all the places she's seen. Grandma Campbell was a traveler and each item had a story.

My favorite memory happened on our last visit. Robb, Colby, and I came to Medford for the wedding of a wonderful friend and then stayed a bit longer for some family time. Grandma and Grandpa Rigby took my parents for the night and my little family bunked down at Grandma Campbell's (their houses are on connecting pieces of property).  She came up for the weekend from her nursing home after a serious hip injury and I was in constant dread that she'd hurt herself again. Grandma Rigby had everything ready, but my sweet great-grandmother had to be sure. So she wandered around the house, pulling out extra blankets and double checking soap and towels, while I followed a few nervous steps behind her. She was the ultimate host.

I am grateful for the lessons she taught my grandmother, who then passed them on to my dad, who taught them to me. Until we meet again, Grandma.

Bits of January and February

:: I got a nursing job in January at Santa Rita Nursing and Rehab. I work every other weekend from 6:00am to 2:30pm while Robb enjoys some quality time with the kids--like building an awesome X-wing with Colby. It's a really great fit for our family. I spent nearly a year and half waffling, wondering if working was the right thing for us, and it is (just in really small quantities :) ).

::We found new ways of entertaining ourselves:

 Colby and I like to stalk/photograph the rare, and slightly wild, piggit (or rabbig, we're still trying to decide).

and we go speed racing in the mop bucket.

Basically, I have failed to document our lives for the past...well, awhile. So the following is just a smattering of my favorite pictures from this year: 

I got over my fear of play-doh (I didn't think eating an entire container would be that great for your body) and the kids love it.

Colby continues to melt my heart with his big blue eyes and his love of cuddling, He likes to tap on the leg while I'm washing dishes and ask for snuggles on the couch. I usually give in. I'm sure one day I will be the one asking to cuddle and I don't want those missed opportunities to haunt me.

Alice eats a banana every morning. Double-fist style.

She likes to accessorize and anything with an opening is fair game (like Colby's underwear)

We learned about mustaches after Colby couldn't identify Mr. Potatohead's facial hair. Note my attempts to match Colby's faux-stache with his natural hair color.

Alice likes to grab all of her stuffed animals and blankets before getting out of the crib.

My little boy loves the rain, it's his Oregonian heritage.

Alice tolerates it

Chalk drawings in the backyard:

Colby thoroughly approved of my picture of Baymax

and Alice kept trying to eat the chalk

Another fear I overcame this year: paint. So far, no regrets and I'm impressed with Colby's ability to paint within the lines.

Our orange blossoms make the whole yard (and house when I remember to open the windows) smell heavenly. Life is good in Arizona.

Bits of December

:: Random Events:

Alice finally got her helmet off! She was pretty happy about it.

We went to see the Christmas lights at the Reid Park Zoo with some friends.

A quick trip to the Gilbert Temple

First ponytail 

:: Alice's birthday!

The outrageous dress matches her outrageous personality.

The raspberry cupcakes were delicious.

I wonder what she's wishing for...

Colby can't help himself when it comes to blowing out candles.

Entranced by the Christmas lights.

:: Christmas Trip to Montana:

When you don't have snowboots, oversized socks will have to do. #ArizonaProblems

Alice sporting the traditional googly-eyed monster hat as we begin our search for the perfect Christmas tree.

Colby wasn't sure about the snow and cold at first, but he can't resist making a snowball.

COLD! COLD!

Alice finding it difficult to stand with all of that getup.

Colby loves his grandparents.

Eventually, even Arizonans get acclimated to the weather.

Beautiful girls.

Decorating the tree in time for Christmas Eve.

Colby has superb fine motor skills.

Reading some books before bed.

It's Christmas morning and everyone's awake except Grandma and Grandpa.

Colby passes the time by contorting his face.

Alice passes the time by smiling, as usual.

Colby's excited.

If you look closely enough you might just make out the vomit that's about to exit Alice's mouth.

Lakin's side note: Alice had a bad reaction to her vaccinations and later that night I got hit with the stomach flu. Boxing day was rough.

CAMERA! CAMERA!

It's the chicken game!

All of that snow fell on Christmas Eve.

Christmas dinner napkins are FAAANCY.

It's time for some Christmas day snow play.

Alice isn't so sure about this.

The 70's called. They want their women's snow hat back.

ATV + Inner Tube = Redneck Sledding