The Obringers

Madeline's Singing Debut

If you are ever not in a great mood, check these out! They are sure to make you smile!

Bob and Betsy (12/30/10-1/4/11)

Bob and Betsy had quite a trip to Fairbanks. By the time they arrived, they were extremely sleep deprived and desperately needed some sleep. Bob, Betsy, and Will visited Chena Hot Springs and not only enjoyed the springs, but the snow that fell. The weather quickly warmed up to the positives. Bob, Betsy, Will and I really just enjoyed hanging out at the house, conversing, and playing some Wii games: Glee and Monopoly. During their trip they not only saw two moose, but an aurora as well.

Mattie and Madeline loved being near Bob.

Such a cutie!

Bob and Betsy bought Madeline a mack daddy tent. She absolutely loved it!

We all took turns keeping her engaged.

Betsy's turn.

Grandpa Bob and Madeline

Yes, that is a smile!

Bob and Betsy left three days ago and Will, Madeline, and I are trying to adjust. Will and I continue to be sleep deprived. One of my favorite things is when Will tries to convince me that Madeline doesn't need to be changed during the night. Here's a perfect example:
Casey - Will, Madeline needs to be changed
Will - Are you sure?
Casey - Yes, I'm sure.
Will - zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

I, unfortunately, will be heading back to work January 31st. It is a very bitter sweet moment. I love my job and the people I work with, but it will be hard not being around Madeline 24-7. Will has said that we can make it work and I can stay home. It's nice to know that I do have that option in case I can't handle the separation.

During her last doctor's visit she weighed 7.4 pounds. It's a very exciting thing! Her next appointment is January 28th.

Next up...Will's birthday on the 19th! Cha cha cha!

Steve, Steven, Josh, Mom, and Dad arrive (12/22/10-12/28/10)

The rest of the crew quickly arrived. With our small three bedroom house you would think we would hate each other instantly. But we didn't! My parents insisted on staying at a hotel (smart move). Will and I were wanting to stay at the hotel, but my parents won. Steve, intelligently, brought and used ear plugs. Steven and Josh, thankfully are hard sleepers. Wendi and I constantly texted each other during Madeline's early wake-ups.

We had grand plans of going tubing, cross country skiing, and other outdoor activities. However, the weather was bitterly cold and everything was closed. EXCEPT....dog sledding. Even though the trip was 15 minutes, it was amazing and I was in awe how quickly my eyelashes kept freezing shut.

Madeline was a huge hit and at this time Will and I were thankful that she was over 6 pounds. Yay!

Steve's first night in Alaska. He obviously wanted the bed all to himself. :)

One of the dog mushers.

Steve and Steven are the first victims to go.

Holy cow that is cold!

Before

After

I know you are cold, but say cheese.

We thought this was very appropriate because Steven loves music.

Awww!

Poppy and Madeline

Grammy and Madeline

Josh and Madeline

When in North Pole you have to visit Santa Claus!

Madeline visited him twice this Christmas.

Steve, Will, and Steven about to endure in a snow shoe adventure.

Wendi making sure I am a-ok! :)

Outside our house. I wanted someone to sit in the poof.

Not only did Steve sit on the poof, we added the prop!

Everyone brought their stockings.

Dad receiving his Sarah Palin toilet paper

Oh Christmas Tree!!!!

Will and his super fancy cookware. Maybe now he'll cook.

Pretty picture.

Josh writing Santa on Christmas Eve.

This is during a quick excursion that Steve, Wendi, and I had at the nearby golf course.

Will would have broken up with me if we received the same shirt.

**I'm sorry about the small grainy pictures. I only could locate and transfer them from Snapfish.

When everyone left it was a very sad day. I become extremely homesick and went into a three day funk. I know that I will see everyone very soon. It was a wonderful Christmas and I'm thankful everyone was able to come to visit.

Our family time hasn't ended yet....Bob and Betsy arrive the very next day! :)

Wendi's visit (12/6/10-12/28/10)

Wendi came soon after Madeline arrived. Aunt Wendi fell in love at first sight. She helped us tremendously with cleaning, laundry, more laundry, and helping me figure out this Mom thang! A few of my favorite things of Wendi's visit:

*Liquid Ice Cream visits (a scrumptious treat)

*Smart Wool fixation

*Putting makeup for the first time on Madeline "pretty as a butterfly"

*Wendi getting to know Moose. My favorite Moose moment was that she made him do a

double jump that would make Olympian skiers jealous!