Happiness is Christmas with the Ekhoffs

Christmas with my family is happiness wrapped up in more happiness wrapped in the arms of a baby seal. It is perfect and lovely. We have traditions (staying up late, going to the capitol building to see the Christmas tree, sitting in our assigned seating, etc). But sometimes we like to mix it up a bit. This year was spaghetti for dinner and epic Nerf gun fight with all family members (including my mom and my dad).

From my 89 year old grandmother to my unborn niece, I can safely say: my family fills my heart so full.

Happy birthday Oliver John!

Four years ago a little man entered this world and changed all the lives around him. My nephew, Oliver John, came into the world at 9 lbs and continues to leave an even bigger mark. The moment I met Ollie I was in love. I can't even imagine the overwhelming love that his wonderful parents must've felt right away. If you know Ollie, then you've been swept away by his charm, his Ekhoff smile, his Dudley cheeks, his big blue eyes, his AWESOME red hair, his sense of humor, his intelligence, and of course, his incredible dance moves. He is the perfect mixture of his mom and dad and his own little self. I am constantly amazed by the funny things he says, the kindness he has towards strangers, and the wonder and imagination that resides in his body.
Ollie is going to change the world. He is a force to be reckoned with. He will leave everyone with a smile on their face and joy in their heart. I'm excited to see what he grows into and I'm pretty sure he can do anything he wants to.
When I visit Boise one of the first things I look forward to is a big hug from Ollie. His eyes light up and he runs towards me with that big smile. He is infectiously joyful. Sure he can be a serious grumpypants sometimes and he is even great at that. He is truly good at everything he does.
I'm pretty sure that Ollie is the greatest kid alive. But that will soon be tested when his little sister is born in April. She will most likely be just as incredible as him. And I think she'll make him even more awesome because he will be the perfect big brother. If he's anything like his dad, he'll play the part of tormentor pretty well but will also be protective and deep down loving and caring. I'm pretty excited to see him in his new role. But I guarantee he'll win her heart just like he has won everyone he has met.
Ollie you are the most amazing thing in this world. I love you more than you'll ever know. Thanks for being our little sunshine. :)

Ollie at 1 week old and for his first Christmas

Ollie this fall

Thankful for a break :)

I think I've finally burned off all the calories I ate for Thanksgiving. Holy cow it has been a week! But holy cow was it a Thanksgiving! An Adams Thanksgiving is a little different than an Ekhoff Thanksgiving. Here's a quick rundown:

• Adams: 20 lb turkey for 4 people Ekhoff: 20 lb turkey for at least 10 people.

• Adams: Shrimp cocktail for apps. Ekhoff: Julie and myself sneak olives.
• Adams: Buffet                              Ekhoff: Pass it around
• Adams: Mashed potatoes are mostly mine. Ekhoff: I have to share 20 lbs of mashed potatoes with Julie & Rheanne. Oh and the rest of the gang.
• Adams: Quiet conversation Ekhoff: I mean c'mon we're a bunch of former thespians and comedians. We talk, a lot, and loudly.
• Adams: We nap afterwards Ekhoff: Nap and games afterwards. We all try to beat Josh in Scattergories but he cheats.

Basically, they're different but both awesome. And with both Thanksgivings I eat way too much, laugh a lot, and sleep a lot. I love my whole big family.

And this week has truly made me thankful to be getting a week long vacation in a city I've been dying to see since I was a little girl. I head out for a day and a half in Boston early Saturday morning. Then on Monday morning I will be taking my first train ride ever and it's to the Big Apple. When I was preparing to leave for Ireland, I really earned it with a tough week at work. And it never fails, this week has been tough. Just a wild, weird, rollercoaster week at work.When you get your degree in social work you also get your degree in "multiple hat wearing". And I have worn oh so many hats this week. Realtor, exterminator, heavy lifter, shoulder to cry on, fixer, calmer-downer, friend, authority figure...bah! That's too many. So next week I take off my social work hat collection and put on my pretty crocheted beanie and walk in a Winter New York City Wonderland.


Ahhhh...