Beard Off + Mouse Paraphernalia

Well, Christmas has come and gone and Kyle seems to be winning the annual "Beard Off"...poor me, I never win these contests. I doubt I'll ever win the prestigious award of everyone coming up to me and asking if I feel warmer due to my new layer on my face or if I like it or if everyone else likes it.

But I do feel at peace that I will be able have those feelings via Kyle. My wonderful, handsome mountain man. One day, back at the parents' house, Kyle just decided not to shave anymore and that was that. We'll see how long it lasts...people are starting to mistake him for their professors.

As a side note, the anniversary of my birth arrived, the same time as usual this year. And, of course, Kyle and I were still on Christmas vacation (over a month...whoopee), so we were able to spend the day together. I received awesome gifts from Kyle's family and mine and Kyle bought be some great clothes and a sewing machine! I was blindfolded and taken around town, ate at this DELICIOUS restaurant that serves only organic, local, seasonal cuisine. Decadent. I'm so very lucky, even for a mouse.

I learned from our Chinese friend in Kyle's MBA program, that I was born in the year of the mouse...but further study into Chinese Zodiac Astrology says that translates to "Rat" or "Rodent" as well...take your pick. I pick mouse, for its more delicate nature.

Luckily, it stands for: protector and bringer of material prosperity. But it does also bring a few other associations to the table: aggression, wealth, charm, and order, yet also associated with death, war, the occult, pestilence, and atrocities. Yay!

I did ask what was the best year to be born in. Answer? No, not the mouse...the Pig. Its for good luck and if a couple could choose any year to wait and have their 1 child in, it would definitely be the pig. I think that's what Kyle and I will do. Oh, I just checked...that's in 11 years. Okay, I'll be 35. Perfect. Although, perhaps the year of the Dragon or Horse might suffice.

Best Day of My Birth ever!

Oh, and since we've been experiencing those wonderful -25 degree record-breaking low temperatures, we've often pondered on the thought of running away to Costa Rica again. How we long to go and play in the sweltering heat once more!

A quick tribute to Costa Rican beaches {the most beautiful in the world...though I only have a few other Central American beaches to compare it to}. Please, oh please, take me back!

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggidy Jog

I know this is a little late of an update...but we went to Yacolt, WA this year for Christmas. The 1st year in 3 years! And we got snowed in...a local record since 1967. Whoopee!

And though we were in the middle of a snowstorm in WI, we didn't think about there being much snow in WA...so we didn't bring gear....

...except running tights, which you see Kyle modeling here. Yes, we're awesome.

So, we got creative. Plastic grocery bags took the place of waterproofing for both our hands and our shoes. Fashion awards? I think we were quite deserved.

We did find out that Amanda doesn't mind wearing shorts in the snow, so long as she has knee high rain boots.

And we built a 9 foot snowman and juiced a lot of carrots...gotta stay healthy in all this cold weather!

Being turned into a snow-caterpillar was certainly a highlight of the trip. And, yes, Amanda is still in shorts.

We also got to catch up (very quickly) with cousin Erica and her husband Brad while going to weddings at the Portland Temple. They are the cutest couple...so, glad we got to bump into them! We love you two!

Thanks family for such a wonderful Christmas! We love and miss you!

Bonus: a little adios movie clip...



p.s. "Thanks Buddy, hope you find your dad." -Norwhale