Happy's 30th Birthday in Breckenridge

Over six months ago, Happy decided he wanted to spend his 30th birthday skiing. He spent many spring break weeks in Colorado with friends skiing, but had not been skiing since college. I have never been, but was excited to learn! Grandpa and grandma Auer kept Jake while we were away, so we could devote our attention to the slopes and the night life in Breck. Kris actually drank a margarita while we were there!

Both of us did better on the mountain than expected. Kris spent most of his time on the blue and black slopes. I never made it off the green ones, but made a lot of progress!

The International Snow Sculpture competition was being held while we were there, which was interesting. Most of our evenings were spent walking from our lodge to get dinner and drinks, but we were we never stayed out too late!

As we drove home, Kris vowed to make it an annual trip. I don't think he will have any problem finding someone to go with him!

Jake's boots

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Katie sent Jake some rockin' cowboy boots for his birthday. We hate to call out one gift over all the other wonderful ones he received, but we have to share these pictures with you! (Clearly Jake is quickly recovering from RSV!)

Jake's First Birthday

How quickly this year has past! Jake's birthday weekend was eventful, to say the least.

Jake spent Friday, his birthday, with Aunt Amy and cousin Maggie at their house. They brought him down to Lockton to say "hi" and go out for lunch. Jake loved having his cheese pizza served in a little red wagon at Tomfooleries! Later night, we took our last in the series of twelve pictures in the living room chair. Those pictures have been harder and harder to take the past few months, as Jake has become more

active!

Saturday (party day!) started off typical, but quickly became unusual. Jake ran errands with me in the morning, but insisted on being carried everywhere. (It's very hard to push or pull a cart in Sam's when carrying a toddler!) When we arrived home, I discovered Jake had a low-grade fever. Calls were promptly made to all party attendees to let them know they were still welcome, but that more germs were present than usual. Everyone showed up as planned, and although Jake bawled as he opened gifts, they all seemed to have a fun time. Jake did show some inter

est in his cake, but quickly became clingy and sad. Poor baby!

After everyone left, we took Jake to Children's Mercy South's Urgent Care Center. After a few tests, we learned he had RSV - a common but long-lasting respiratory virus. We ended the weekend unpacking all Jake's wonderful birthday gifts, and thanks to some rest and relaxation he was able to enjoy them. Thanks to all who were able to celebrate with us!

Smith/Kenney Family Christmas

We picked Ryan and Katie up at KCI then jammed in the Tundra to head for Columbia the weekend after Christmas. The snow continued falling as we drove, but we made it! We went to Boonville to meet up with the Ayers' family and grandpa and grandma Kenney on Sunday. Good food and good times were enjoyed by all!

Christmas with the Auer/Wiebe Clan

The Tundra helped us get through the snow to Kris's parents on Christmas Day as planned, but it did take a little longer than usual. We started the day off by taking the traditional "kids at the top of the stairs" picture with Jake for the first time. We tried to include Spice, but he wasn't interested. Jake was eager to get into the presents. We weren't surprised to find him more excited by the paper and boxes than his gifts. He even helped trample the paper!

Jake's first Christmas at Home

Jake appeared as "Jake Claus" on his daycare class room door this year, with his classmates serving as his reindeer. That set the stage for a wonderful holiday season!

Kansas City was hit with a big snowstorm over Christmas, which was fitting because Santa brought Jake a sled! Unfortunately, it was too cold for him to use it Christmas Day, but we hope to break it in soon! We had such fun enjoying Christmas through a child's eyes this year. We can't wait to see what Christmases in 2010 and beyond have in store for us!

Thanksgiving 2009

Jake ate a TON of food at Thanksgiving dinner: turkey, cranberries, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans and stuffing. We got a kick out of watching him eat! Jake had a great time reading with his great-grandma Kenney and playing with the whole family.