Look who's crawling

Holden had his 9 month check-up this week. He's 40th percentile for weight, and 77% percentile for both height and head circumference. "Holdy", as we affectionately call him, continues to be happy and healthy, truly a sweetheart in our home.

Photo 1 - I went to get Holden out of the back of the car, to see him covered in the rice krispie treat that I had given Marcus. I guess Marcus is learning to share.

Photo 2 - Marcus holding his Thomas the Tank Engine, his new favorite toy. This morning he helped Kjell make Swedish pancakes.

Photo 3 - Our house! The shutters and garage door will be painted a color found in the stone. The front door will be black or red, I haven't decided yet, and I'm still considering window boxes...

Let's get technical...

MIAMI BEACH, FL, February 15, 2008 -- Top marine journalists in the U.S. and beyond were recognized today in an annual writing contest conducted by the membership of Boating Writers International (BWI). Presentations in 16 contest categories representing $16,000 in awards were made to first ($500), second ($300) and third ($200) place scorers. Each recipient also took home a recognition plaque noting their "Excellence in creating compelling stories about the boating lifestyle through entertaining, educational and inspiring journalism." In addition, all move into a "Phase II" competition which culminates in a single selection honored with the West Marine Writer's Award and $5,000 grand prize at the Ft. Lauderdale Boat Show next fall.

Gear, Electronics and Product Tests – sponsored by Airmar Technology1st, “With Radar, the More Power, the Better” by Ed Sherman (Cruising World, Oct.); 2nd, “It’s Not Just an Inverter” by John Love (Soundings, June); 3rd, “Propulsion Revolution” by Eric Sorensen (Soundings, Sept.). Judge Tim Cole commented, “Sherman showed real enterprise in assembling the equipment for this detailed look at radar systems. Artwork and sidebars were informative and the writing was clear and engaging. No doubt an individual in the market for radar would be assisted by this product review.” Merit awards to: “Wood Coatings: Easy Does It” by Ann Key (Practical Sailor, Oct.); and “Wind Generators for Cruising” by Frank Lanier (Practical Sailor, July).

MIAMI BEACH, FL, February 16, 2007

Technical Writing — sponsored by Dometic Corp. - Environmental
1st, “Low-Budget Cruising” by Tom Neale (Soundings, May); 2nd, “Drive School” by Eric Colby (Speed Boat, November); 3rd, “Lessons and Statistic Crunches from Successful Minicruisers” by Marlin Bree (Small Craft Advisor, Sept/Oct). Judges Rich Armstrong and Bill Pike said, “Neale distinguished himself with an eminently accessible story featuring some great self-deprecating humor and a wealth of knowledge gained through decades of living on the water. Whether you need to know what tools will genuinely come in handy onboard your boat, or how to dislodge a bolt that's 'stuck tighter than a fat tick on a skinny dog,' Neale's got you covered!" Certificate of Merit: “What Makes a Trawler a Trawler?” by John Love (Soundings, December).

Uncle Bjorn

Uncle Bjorn (Kjell's younger brother, age 18) visited us over President's Day weekend from BYU Idaho. We put him to work moving stuff, like our pool table left by the previous owners, that he enjoyed playing with his friends. Holden taught Uncle Bjorn how to change a diaper one day and pooped all over him the next. We also went on a walk around the neighborhood, during which time Marcus threw up (are you sure you want to visit again Bjorn?), and we paid a visit to D.I.

Jacob Charles Hertz January 13, 2008-February 22, 2008

J.C. is living with his Heavenly Father once again. His time in mortality was short but his sweet spirit lives on. Life is eternal and we'll see him again. This much I know to be true.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven;
“A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
“A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
“A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; …” [Eccl. 3:1–4]
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Bathtime

Holden watching every move Marcus makes is not an unusual sight. He's smart to hold onto dear life (aka the bath curtain) as Marcus can get pretty rowdy in the tub. Holden's hair has been getting redder by the day as is his mobility. His 9 month check-up is this week. Marcus got a glowing report from his pre-school teacher this week. She said he tested at the top of his class, which is pretty good considering he's one of the younger ones.
There were quite a few built in cabinets that we opted to keep when we redid our house. I've been experimenting with stain as can be seen in the photos....

Sunny Florida

After 4 relaxing days in the sun, we're back in Utah, tanned and rested. I think this is my first posting that does not include Marcus or Holden! Still, I managed to sneak in some pics of my adorable cousin once removed - Jacob Charles Hertz (1 month old). His parents are my cousin Gregory (blue tank top) and Angela (black tank top). We stayed with Uncle Greg and Aunt Molly (4th pic) in Boynton Beach, Florida, who were extremely gracious hosts. We spent our days swimming, boogie boarding, and sailing in perfect sunny Florida conditions. We even made it down to Miami to visit Brig and Barb and receive a tour of Miami Ad School. We followed Brig's lead in scaling a palm tree in trendy South Beach. It was a sweet reunion with Marcus and Holden this afternoon as we missed them dearly. We've decided to take them with us next time we visit, but don't mark our words:) Pam and Merrily were our trusty sitters for whom we are very, very grateful, especially since our kids like to get sick at inconvenient times. OK, our turn to be the hosts...who's our first visitor? (Actually, could you wait a month or two while we finish the bathrooms, hang doors, carpet the guest room...)

We're in!