Skiing for the First Time

The girls' first time skiing was a fun family event. In Boise, we have the fortune to live 20 minutes' drive from Bogus Basin. It was a crime not to get our girls into lessons. And they had a couple of friends who wanted to join them, so we have our own little private lesson group.

It took Rachael and Rebecca a little time getting used to skis -- stiff boots, - sliding backwards down the hill, learning how to stop, and learning how to get up. In the end they were fearless despite the falls and near-misses.

Take a look at the photo album to see the girls in action. 

Rachael Lost Her Second Tooth

Ok, I just had to post this since I don't want to appear to be an obsessive parent. Rachael lost her second tooth in just after a month after her first. Daddy tucked the girls in that night almost blew the Tooth Fairy gig. But with some quick sleight of hand and fancy footwork, the Tooth Fairy arrived handled everything perfectly.

Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza

The Xtreme Holiday Xtravaganza is a benefit concert that Curtis Stigers has been putting on for the last three years. This year it was held at the majestic Egyptian Theatre in downtown Boise. The show sold out in no time. It was fun to see so many people turn out to support a good cause and lots of great talent. I had a blast playing drums for Andy Byron and the Lost River Band, as well as the Moody Jews. Naturally, I couldn't resist mingling with the other performers who were genuine, cool and, of course, talented. Check out some photos from the show.

Our First Loose Tooth

Update

The loose tooth is out! Funny enough, she lost it at the dentist's office. And it wasn't at Rachael's regular dentist. See, Rachael had a play date scheduled today with one of her girlfriends. The hosting parents realized that the play date was scheduled the same day as their daughter's regular dentist visit, but they wanted Rachael to tag along. 

While there, Rachael showed the dentist her tooth and the dentist didn't give the tooth a day before it fell out. Within 30 minutes it fell out! The dentist was cool -- she gave Rachael a plastic tooth necklace so Rachael could store her first lost tooth. The tooth fairy will be paying a visit tonight. And it's a proud moment for mom and dad. Check out the photos.

Earlier Today 

Play this video only if you've got a strong stomach for loose/wiggling teeth. Rachael's tooth is hanging on by a thread. I captured this will my cell phone. Crappy quality, but you get the idea. Stay tuned since this bugger could fall out any day now.

Thanksgiving 2008

Check out photos from our second Thanksgiving at Paul and Susie Frank's house. They had Susie's sister's family, as well as several friends of the clan's, celebrate the holiday over a huge turkey.

Halloween 2008

Halloween 2008 was spent with our friends, the Willerups, at their house on Harrison Blvd. For those of you not familiar with Boise, Harrison Blvd. and Warm Springs Rd. are two streets on which the Treasure Valley converges for tricks or treats (and they're awesome streets for viewing holiday decorations). Both streets feature the grand old homes of the early 20th century. 

I didn't do a great job getting many photos. It was total mayhem trying to keep track of 8 kids and my cocktail. The paper reported that 2,200 kids did their trick or treating on Harrison Blvd. that night. Regardless, everyone had fun and it was great seeing some friends along the way.

Halloween Preparations

The girls have been looking forward to Halloween this year for quite some time. Costumes were purchased weeks ago (Rachael the Russian princess; Rebecca as Wonder Woman). 

Rachael, the Russian princess, cast aside all stereotypes and got her hands dirty to dig out the guts of of the pumpkin. Rebecca, aka Wonder Woman, couldn't be bothered to get dirty so she put the golden lariat around her dad and made him do it.

We'll post post-Halloween photos over the weekend.