'Tis the Season

Another year gone. Unbelievable. These kids just keep getting bigger and time just keeps flying by. With an unusually busy traveling plan this year I am again relying on the Blog instead of a newsletter. Hopefully I'll get cards out before Christmas... or New Years... maybe just by Valentine's day.

This year has been wonderful. The past posts are proof of a blessed life that Brad I frequently feel unworthy of. These children keep us busy and happy and we are grateful to be making wonderful memories together.

Caitlin is 8 this year and has changed so much! She was baptized this year, is in the 3rd grade (excelling as usual), had her ears pierced, progressed as a soccer player and is the living definition of 'book worm'. Most days she is our pride and joy, although the teenage attitude seems to be sneaking in a little early from time to time. Where has my baby gone?

Amber turned 5 this month and is all giggles. She lights up any room with her smile and silly antics. Amber is becoming quite the skier and is progressing in her school work too. She can finally write 'Amber', or at least something close. Amber is our horse and animal lover and also asks every day when we will be able to swim again. She is our little ball of energy and keeps us all smiling.

Drew is almost 18 months now. Walking has been his latest development and our greatest thrill. He is coming up with new words and is a typical busy boy. Just yesterday he knocked his bottom teeth loose. Welcome to life with a son. What a joy this little guy is!

Brad and I are much the same. Business continues to be busy for Brad. We take every opportunity to get out and about with the kids. And in our spare time we give what we can to our callings in the church. I am now the ward organist (who knew?) and Brad is a counselor in the Elder's Quorum. We are anxiously looking forward to our next addition: a fawn Great Dane puppy girl named Bella. After loosing our Beau in October we are eager to have another giant in the family.

We are grateful for another prosperous year, healthy children, and our blessed life. We wish each of you a Merry Christmas and joy in the coming year.

Hugs,
Krinke Family

I want a pony!

Every little girl wants her very own horse. But Amber has a true love for animals in general and horses to be specific. She loves to ride, and will jump at any opportunity to do anything with horses. It is rare to have a week go by without Amber asking, "Mommy, when are we going to get our horses?" She has even gone as far as to say we could get rid of the pool to make room for our horses.



So for her birthday this year we decided to have a horseback party. Because our 'little Bee' has a December birthday it took two weeks of patience (and wonderful party guests who were willing to wait for last minute notice) but we were fortunate enough to have a gorgeous day for our party.



With 9 party guests in total it was amazing that they all got a 15 minute private lesson with the trainers followed by grooming and feeding the horses. And with a play set, trampoline, and other farm animals to visit, the kids were busy enough to not even complain about taking turns or having to wait.

Amber started off on a little white pony named 'princess'.



She was so comfortable they even had her doing 'tricks' riding with her hands on her shoulders, out to her sides, swinging in step with Princess' gate, sidesaddle and backwards as well.



Caitlin rode a bigger pony named 'Ernie'. She was also a 'natural' and quickly progressed to jumping position and trotting.



Because she was the birthday girl, Amber got a second 15 minute session, this time on Ernie. She too progressed through jumping position and trotting.



After riding, the kids got to groom the horses, brushing, picking hooves, and feeding them their cookies for a job well done.



It was the best birthday ever! We love you, Little Bee!

Girlie Girls

Where in the world did these girls come from? I have always known I am far from the norm with my tom-boyish ways. But I am not prepared for these shockers:

-Caitlin at age 2, standing at the top of the stairs covered in Nana's jewelry: "How do my yook?"

-Caitlin at age 4 anxiously awaiting the arrival of her teenage cousin, Andy: "If I stand here do you think he'll notice me?" (Crush much?)

-Caitlin at age 4 playing dolls with Nana: Nana:"Do the boys play with Sarah?" (the doll), Caitlin: "No, she's not popular enough."

-Caitlin at age 8 while at a sleepover with Nana holding up two different colors of eye shadow, "Which one goes better with my sweater?"

-Caitlin just this week standing in front of her closet overflowing with the latest clothing trends, "I have nothing to wear!"

-Amber at age 4: "Daddy, I have two boyfriends." Daddy: "No, Amber, you have two friends that are boys." Amber smiles a devilish grin.

-Amber this week (almost 5): "I kissed Tanner at school." Mommy:"I thought Miss Karen said 'no kissing' at school." Amber:"It was behind the playhouse so she didn't see." Daddy, with a few veins becoming noticeable in his forehead, but a cool voice: "Amber, kissing boys is not appropriate." Mommy: "Take a deep breath, Daddy."


Heaven help me!!

Heavenly

Actually, this is Sugar Bowl.(We have a resort here in Cali called Heavenly) But when I imagine heaven, it is not far from what we experienced Saturday. The snow this year is amazing! Seven feet of fresh powder before Christmas!?! Fantastic! I can't wait to post pictures of the girls ripping down the mountain this year. Stay tuned...

Freedom!

It only took about a week after my "kindergarten" comment for Drew to finally take off. And take off he has! Now he loves to run in the opposite direction of where he needs to go, squealing and laughing all the way. Walking is now his favorite pastime.