Yep, we're all missing Dad around here.  I guess the Daddy Doll will have to suffice for now.

10 Months Old

Our Ebby Boo is 10 months old now. I know you're all wondering- the nickname is from Max who originally said Baby Eh then Eh Baby then Ebby, now Ebby Boo. Ezra is getting to be quite a mischief maker and also quite a clingy momma's boy (can you blame him?).  He loves food, wrestling with Max, and laughing while he does naughty things like climbing the stairs or splashing around in the toilet.  Even though the last few weeks he's given me a real run for my money, with a face like that, I guess I'll keep him.

Long Over-Due Vacation Pics

I thought I should try to post about Thanksgiving before Valentine's is here. We had a great trip to Utah and had a wonderful time seeing family there and in Idaho.  The boys did great being in the car so long (thank you portable dvd player- perhaps the best purchase ever).  We got to meet cousin Ellie, celebrate Hayley's birthday, go to cousin Ella's blessing, and play with a slew of other fun cousins. We ate incredible food and even got to drive past the Idaho Potato Museum.  We have no complaints. On the way back we paused for some Four Corners shots and enjoyed passing through Albuquerque and seeing friends there.  Ephraim even got to pose in front one of his three high schools.  A great trip was had by all.

A big thank you to Elsha for the picture collage tips! 

Maybe I'll get the Christmas photos posted before St. Patrick's Day.

 

Ferrying across the Tigris

Ephraim and his platoon have been really busy in Iraq and he just sent me some cool photos. Here's a shot of him crossing the river on a ferry that was "quite questionable in its structural integrity".  I was glad to hear that turned out okay.  Its not every day you find yourself in the Fertile Crescent, right? At least he's getting some scenic photos.

He tells me great stories about how much the people, especially the kids, love the Americans and love practicing their English.  They've spent a lot of time at schools and the next picture is him and one of his guys at a school. Max is always intrigued with photos of Dad with his big gun.

Ephraim- if you actually read through all these words, WE LOVE YOU!

In case there was any question about whether my son resembles his father...

I like to believe that Ezra is the Lord's way of making sure I don't forget what my husband looks like while he's gone for a year.

5 Steps

Ezra took 5 steps today.  Ephraim doesn't believe me because I don't have it on film (he doesn't want to believe me because I won the bet about what day Ezra would walk).  So, this isn't a video of him walking but it is a cute picture of him modeling the new kiddie-sized leather chair he and Max got.  Videos to come.

Stay Tuned

After a whirlwind of a month, we'll be jumping back on the blog bandwagon soon.  For now, this shot of my two little crazies (clad in their Christmas charging rhino jammies) will have to suffice.

Happy Holidays!

Ode to the 40-oz Porterhouse (for two)

We have a lot of great holiday pictures to post but I'll catch up next week after Ephraim has deployed.  For now, a picture to illustrate Ephraim's amazing Christmas gift to me.  Most of you know how much I love steak. Well, Ephraim planned a surprise evening out to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse which was hands-down the most incredible meal of my life.  If you haven't eaten one of their deliciously-buttery-and-ridiciously-tender steaks, PLEASE make a point to eat there someday.  You will thank me.  And I have to thank my thoughtful husband for a great gift and my in-laws for taking care of the boys for us. 

In response to the tags....

Thanks to everyone who has recently tagged me.  I'm honored that you're interested in more of my random quirks.  However, I thought I'd mix things up a bit and share 6 random things about my amazing husband, Ephraim.  

1. He has a ridiculously high pain tolerance (as in, walking around for YEARS with injuries)

2. He reads his Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics textbook for fun on a regular basis

3. He hasn't parted his hair since 5th grade

4. He'll eat anything if its pickled (this is a direct quote)

5. He would name a child Alora Dannon Garner if I let him (yes, from Willow)

6. He got promoted to first lieutenant this week.  Hurray! The boys and I are very proud of him and his willingess to work so hard to support our family and serve his country. 

Me putting on his new black bar.

Yes, it was a very sunny day and yes, Max is saluting.

During the ceremony.

A lobster, a Chicken, and 2 Hungry Parents

That about summed up our ward trunk-or-treat.  We had a great time even though Max was afraid of a Darth Vader he saw there.  Max also went to a Halloween party dressed as a fireman so in honor of that we built him a sweet fire engine that he's had a blast playing with.