Merry Christmas!

We had a lovely Christmas this year!  While my mom was the only one joining us in person, we had all of you in our hearts.  Thank you for all of the calls, cards, gifts and thoughts that made our day so special.  

Our tree, all ready for the morning unveiling . . .
The two big gifts were the "surprises" for Katy and Emma.  (I did a pretty good job wrapping the guitar, don't you think?)  Katy had absolutely no idea what it was.  The look on her face was priceless.  I was so busy watching that I forgot to take a picture . . .

Cute, silly hats from Aunt Carlye, who lives in Hawaii.  Emma and Katy wore them nearly all day.  

Emma, in another animal hat, building her "surprise"-- the Lego Harry Potter Hogwarts Castle.  (She is still working on it!  It has been a few hours since she started construction . . .)  The purple triple decker bus is also a Lego Harry Potter item.  She and Eric assembled it earlier in the day.  She now has set her sights on the Diagon Alley set.  I think we are out of room . . . 

Taking a break from the festivities to play "In a Pickle."  

A songwriter in the making!  We have to save up for lessons now . . .   

'Tis the Season . . .

Flowers from my mom! The display is sooo cute--looks like someone named Eric will have to refill it for me once in awhile because it is unlikely I will be packing this guy away for the season . . .

All we need is music, sweet music . . .

A quick note to let you know we are all doing well here in Boise.  The girls received their report cards several weeks ago.  Straight A's all around!  No big surprise there--We are proud of them.   Katy has three accelerated classes (reading, math and English) that keep her extra busy.  Her scores were high enough to earn her first official 4.0!  Emma has made great progress in math and reading comprehension.  Neither are her favorite, but she works hard to maintain her grades!

Emma is involved with the choir at school this year.  This was a shot from their program for Veterans Day.  It was a sweet performance.  They sang patriotic songs and several students recited quotes related to America.  Emma's quote was from Thomas Paine:  "These are the times that try men's souls.  The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country: but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman." She did a great job.

For the Christmas program, they will be singing several songs that I have never heard.  I believe they will be covering every winter holiday!  For the song about Jesus, Emma will be dressed as Mary.  Much to her chagrin, she told me she was "married" to a sixth grader--the kid who is portraying Joseph.  I am fairly certain he feels a bit "chagrined" himself . . .  I am looking forward to finding out who this guy is.  She does not remember his name--she tells me he is new and he might have brown hair.  Not a lot to go on, but I hope to capture it all on camera!!  Despite the whole "husband" setback, she loves participating in choir.  They meet every Wednesday/Friday at 8 a.m. so I guess you'd have to love it . . . 

Katy is also involved in music this year.  One of her electives is band--specifically, Cadet Band.  The junior high band is significantly larger in participants than elementary band.  I believe there are seven girls who play flute as opposed to three last year.  Katy enjoys her instructor, Mr. Sprague, and fellow band mates.  This is a photo from their fall "Informance".  Mr. Sprague calls it such because it is an opportunity for the band to "inform" the parents of their musical progression from the elementary level to junior high.  We enjoyed the music.  It was obvious they had a lot of work to do, but the flutes sounded fantastic!  Katy tells me they will sound even better at the holiday concert next week.  Looking forward to that performance!  She would have liked to have tried out for honor band and/or jazz band (playing piano) but her schedule is pretty full with horse lessons/barn chores and homework.  We'll see what next year brings . . .  

Speaking of music, I have yet to write about the fabulous night we had in Seattle when we visited Washington a few months ago.  We enjoyed the evening with Eric's mom, Etta, his step-dad, Kem, and his brother, Troup (he is hiding behind his camera!)  Kem and Etta treated us all to dinner at Mama's Mexican Kitchen and a concert.  This picture was taken inside the Moore Theatre, located downtown, while we were waiting for the Seattle Rock Orchestra to take the stage.  It was no ordinary concert.  It was an event!  What makes the SRO so special, besides the fact that my sister-in-law, Karen and her husband, Danny, are members of the group? (Karen plays the cello and Danny, the euphonium) The SRO is a full orchestra that plays with a rock band!  How cool is that?!  The night we were able to attend, they presented an amazing tribute to Stevie Wonder.  They played 30 songs, with 10 different singers on vocals.  Each artist sang three songs.  It was incredible.  That old, beautiful theater was rockin'!  I provided a link to the SRO website--no description I could give would really do them justice!  They have done a tribute to Queen and will be hosting a night dedicated to the music of The Beatles next spring.
  Thanks again to Kem and Etta for the great experience.  We all had a wonderful time!  

Here is a clip from the show.  This young man was awesome!  Hope you like it . . .

49 and holding . . .

While you are giving thanks and eating your weight in turkey and pumpkin pie, remember that today is the first day of Eric's 50th year!!  Yep, the countdown to the big 5-0 has begun . . .

Happy 49th to the love of my life!  Looking forward to celebrating with you for many years to come.  

Early morning party with the birthday boy!  The girls picked out the cake.  They actually want to eat it . . . I only purchased it for it's decorative value!  Emma made the "birthday tree".  What, you don't see a tree?  It is a cleverly disguised paper towel roll.  

This was taken a decade ago! Eric hasn't aged a bit . . . but someone has got to tell the girls to stop growing!!!  

 

Everybody loves a parade . . . unless they are cold!

It's Thanksgiving break for the girls and I.  Katy and Emma do not have to report to school until the 28th.  Technically, I have no assignments this week, but due to my fabulous procrastination skills, I do have a reading log to complete and several therapy videos to watch before December 2cd. They were assigned in August.  I really have no excuse.  I have found it is much harder for me to manage one class than it ever was managing the five I took each semester last year.  Luckily, I have kept up with my required weekly work, like quizzes, essays and observations.  I enjoy the weekly online lectures, but the professor is about a month behind in grading our written reports.  I hate not knowing where I stand as far as grades are concerned.  I have to take the final by the 4th of December.  Personally, I like to know just how hard I have to study to keep an A, if that is what I have, but since she has not posted grades for several weeks, I might actually have to crack down and put some effort into it!!!  
Eric had most of last week off, so I enjoyed having him around the house.  Everything goes much more smoothly here when he is home.  I do not feel as rushed with the girls, going to and from school and activities.  He helps me with dinner prep, dog walking, vacuum operating and homework avoidance!  The girls also love having him home.  He is a lot more fun than I am!  His vacation ends Tuesday and then he is back to work Wednesday, off for his 49th birthday/turkey day on Thursday, and then he'll run the morning shift on Black Friday.  Stores opening at midnight on Thanksgiving will really kill his business on Friday.  In the old days, people would hit the 5 a.m. sales, shop all morning and then head to the restaurants for lunch.  He would have shoppers lined up at the front door before he opened for business!  Now they are all going to be at home, sleeping off their buyer's remorse.  It will be interesting to see his numbers for that day!
Well, between finishing my class work and hanging out with Katy and Emma, I will try to post a few notes about what has kept us busy for the last month or so.  Also, I need to finish up my thoughts on what we did in Seattle -- out time was not all spent the American Girl Store!

We love and miss you all.  I am sure we'll call you on Thanksgiving.  We'll be at my mom's most of the day, so if you try us before we try you, call our cell phones.

Katy & Emma trying to warm up while waiting for the Christmas parade to begin.  Not too sure what Eric is looking at . . .

This is a standard Hilburn shot!  Emma squints nearly every time I take her picture.  Really!  

Emma's favorite entry!  Pee Wee (her stuffed penguin and "muse" for last year's winning Christmas card entry) would have loved that ride!  Katy and Eric were not as enthused about the parade as Emma and I.  The parade was a bit slow, but you can't leave until you see Santa and he is always on the last float.  It took so long this year that even Santa looked miserable.  I wish I had taken a picture of his sad Santa smile, but my hands were too cold to work the camera!
One thing that Katy did get a kick out of--there were several horses in the parade.  Most were decked out with bows, ribbons, reindeer antlers, jingle-bells and glittered hooves.   A woman riding one horse waived at me and said "You should buy your daughters a horse!"  She was surprised to hear me yell back, "I already did!!!"  Katy and Emma thought that was very funny.  

Pet Project or We've Gone and Lost Our Minds!

Notice anything new . . .?  His name is Linus and he is about 6 months old.  

If it appears there is no voice of reason in the Hilburn house, it is because that voice left along time ago.  One could argue that it was just experiencing a small bout of laryngitis, but I have evidence it took off screaming after a horse was acquired!  That voice was nowhere to be found when Eric saw this little guy online.  I was under the impression we were "just looking." It became very clear to me I was mistaken when Emma excitedly announced to me that "Dad had picked out a dog and we were going to name him Linus and buy him a blue blanket!!!  We'll get him on Saturday!!!!"  Yee.   Hah.  

Another clue that reason had clearly left the building was found when I read a copy of Emma's persuasive letter sample at Parent/Teacher conference.  Can you guess what she was trying to persuade us to buy?  When I saw her teacher this morning after walking Linus and Emma to school, Mrs. Blank cuddled the dog and said, "At least she didn't ask for a sibling!"  

Halloween!

Another near balmy night in Boise for trick-or-treating this year!  We attempted to stroll along Warm Springs Avenue but the sidewalks were crazy-deep with people!!!  We made the wise decision to abandon the Avenue and walk the block behind it.  There were absolutely no crowds and the home owners had time to talk to Katy and Emma.  They both received several compliments on their costumes!  I, too, loved their costumes.  Katy really did a good job replicating the look of her character. I was amazed at the detailed make-up tutorial she found on YouTube.  Emma's costume was made from things we had around the house, with the exception of the glasses and dress. Both of the girls' dresses came from the DI, so it was an easy year for me!  Since this was most likely her last spin around the block on Halloween, Katy enjoyed the evening.  I think she is looking forward to spending next October 31 inside a warm house, handing out candy to the 10 kids that knock on our door!  

Our not-so-spooky house!

Hippie chick!  The vest is suede and was mine when I was probably Emma's age.  

Emily (aka Katy) from the movie "Corpse Bride."

Looking a little blue . . .

Peace out . . . 

Nice look for him, eh?  

Washington Weekend . . .

The girls had a four day break from school over the second weekend in October so Eric took vacation time and we drove to Index.  We made it a five day break by taking the girls out on Monday.  Besides visiting family, we had a few other "must-do's" on our list.

Open, open, open . . .  Waiting to go in!  That suitcase is full of dolls that need to spend some time at the salon!  

Our dolls took up all but one of the chairs in the salon.  Three received new hair do's and two had their curls restored!  Emma had a fabulous time.  She spent the entire amount of money she had saved up for the occasion, plus a little of mine!  Katy had fun, too, but might not admit that out loud.  

Cute photo op set up in the store.  Emma is the proud owner of the featured doll, Kanani.  Kanani is the proud owner of a few new outfits!   

We eventually left the building!  I really should have taken a before/after picture of the dolls.  The transformations were amazing!  (Just kidding--having just spent enough to take my real family of four to a salon for haircuts, I feel the need to rationalize spending the money!  They did look better, though.  Really)  The dolls actually remained in the salon while we shopped at Nordstom (Emma scored the boots she is wearing!), ate lunch (Thanks, Etta),  discovered a Japanese dollar store, and enjoyed some posh looking cupcakes.  A good time was had by all!  

We ended our day with a great concert/fundraiser in Index at the River House Coffee Shop.  A "Scottish traditional fiddler" by the name of Ryan McKasson was in town with his friend, Dave Bartley on guitar, and were the featured artists that evening.  They were there to help raise money for the Index Historical Museum and they were amazing!  Unfortunately, Katy and Emma were worn out from shopping, so the three of us left early to get ready for bed.

I will have to add another post to fill in the details of the rest of the weekend in Washington.  Between the news and the baseball game, I got distracted while typing.  If only those Rangers had sealed the deal.  Baseball confuses me, so I usually only get interested in the last few games of the World Series, and then, only if one of my dad's teams (the Twins or the Rangers) makes it into October.  I tuned in because I had heard the Rangers could finish it all tonight and I would not have to worry about catching more than one game!  Darn those Rangers--I sure hope they win whenever it is they play again . . . 

Goodbye, old friend . . .

Our sweet little Lucy left us this morning for what I hope is a big, comfy dog bed in heaven.  (I started this entry on Thursday, the 13th but hit publish at midnight, hence the incorrect date!)  She had been ill for awhile now, so Eric took her to the vet in Mtn. Home.  She had cataracts and her hearing was all but gone. What teeth she had left were in bad shape and a sore had developed on her mouth, which was what prompted us to take her to the vet in the first place.  She did not smell good and her hair was falling out.  In addition to those ailments, her back legs were stiff and she walked with pain.  When all was said and done at the clinic, it was clear she did not have much time left on this earth.  The decision was made to ease her suffering.  It was not an easy one to make, and Eric made it with much sadness.  We had warned the girls of the possible outcomes of the doctor visit.  When we were able to talk to them after school today, it was one of the worst things we have ever had to say to them. Eric picked a spot in the yard near the new oak and we buried Lucy in the soft dirt and sunshine.  We'll miss her forever!

 Lucy came into our life in November of 1997, a few years before Katy was born.  A neighbor, Shirley, had found Lucy wandering Bacon Drive on a cold fall night and was going door-to-door looking for her owners.  She had already knocked on several doors, to no avail, before reaching our house.  I was home.  Eric was at work.  Shirley asked if I would be willing to keep the dog at my house and try to locate her owners, as she had two very large Huskies waiting at her home.  I said yes.  I called Eric and gave him the details of our new "temporary" guest.  He came home later and we set her up in our bedroom.  We even let her sleep on the bed!!! How did she repay our kindness?  She chewed a hole in our comforter during the night and when we placed her on the floor, she pooped on the carpet!  But she was so cute--all 10 pounds of her . . .

I can honestly say that I don't think we gave our best efforts in locating her owners.  We named her within a week, bought tags and paid to have her licensed in the city the following week.  We also took her to the vet, bought a dog bed and carried her around downtown to show her off to our friends.  She became a fixture at Gibson & Lane and attended more than one First Thursday those first few months.  Eric used to carry her in the large inside pocket of his warm, Pendleton jacket.  She even accompanied us on our ill-fated Christmas tree cutting excursion.  (We slid off of Mores Creek Road and rolled our truck into Mores Creek on our way to cutting down a tree, about four weeks after we took her in.)  Poor thing probably thought we were crazy!  Then we rocked her world by bringing home not one, but two screaming, attention-taking, pink bundles of joy.  Lucy finally warmed up to the girls when they began to drop food from their high-chair.  She did not want to play with Katy and Emma, but at least she thought they were useful to have around!

As the years progressed, Lucy grew to know the unconditional love of the girls, and of equal importance, Grammy.  Grammy allowed Lucy to sit on her lap, something I discouraged at our house.   Mtn. Home was Lucy's vacation destination!  Long naps on the couch, special dinner treats and sleeping in a real bed!  (I don't think she ever chewed on any of Grammy's linens.)  Lucy was also fond of Ryan, as he let Lucy climb up and lick his face, ears and neck.  So gross, yet she loved every minute!

I can think of so many more memories, more than I can type out in one sitting.  Instead of going on and on, I will just share a few pictures and items that remind us of Lucy's presence in our home.  She was a great dog, loved by all who knew her.  We miss her more than you know.

Lucy Goosey Hilburn-a silly little dog who loved barking at squirrels, riding in the car, snuggling in Eric's bathrobe, begging at the dinner table, jumping through our legs, dancing, sleeping on the grass in the warm summer sun and keeping us entertained for over 14 years!   

Halloween costume we bought for her last year!  

We took this tonight, while we were looking for Lucy items around the house.   Katy and Emma made these a few years ago for the Adams Art Auction.  Without consulting each other, they included an image of Lucy in their individual projects.  

Katy drew this when she was 5 years old.  It has been pinned to the bulletin board that hangs above Lucy's bed ever since.   

Cute cartoons from my Dad!  I think we have had these on the bulletin board for over 11 years.   Dad added Lucy's name--I think even he was not immune to her charms!  

This was Lucy in our kitchen.

Paul with his family.  (He is sitting on the grass.)   Eric is not sure when or where this was taken, but we like this picture a lot!  Update from Paul--"This picture was taken in the summer of 1940, in the back yard at #9, Kansei Gakuin University.  I had just finished the third grade, and shortly after, we would leave for the US, because of the threat of war, even then.  Dad came back (to the US) the next summer, avoiding internment."  

At the stables in Kona with Paul and MaryBeth, a little over 6 years ago.  

On the beach in Hawaii!  Is there a better place to be . . . 

 Happy 80th Birthday Paul!!!  Woo Hoo!  According to my onscreen dictionary, you now qualify to be called an octogenarian!   (I sure hope we all get that chance.)  We wish you a very Happy Birthday, with many more to follow!  With much love, from the Idaho Hilburns.

Horse fun in Hailey . . .

A few pictures to enjoy before I nod off to sleep after an enjoyable weekend spent in the Wood River Valley watching the Lucky 13 Hunter/Jumper Horse Show with Katy and her barn friends!  I hope to have video available shortly.  

Mysti was unable to make the trip so Katy rode Fiddler, a great lesson pony owned by Katy's trainer. 

Making one of the jumps!  Since this was a beginners class, Gabrielle, Katy's trainer, was able to be in the arena to shout out instructions.  

First and second ribbons went to our barn.  Libby, with Rose, took first.  Katy, with Fiddler, took second.   Lily had a rough ride.  Fiddler refused a few jumps and then Lily went off course, which is to say, she didn't memorize it correctly and jumped the cross rails out of order.  It was Katy, Lily and even Fiddler's first show, so really, it went better than expected!  In the interest of full disclosure, I should mention that our three ladies were the only 3 in this particular class.  Not saying that to diminish the placing--it wasn't their fault no one else entered!!  They really learned a lot and had a great time.  

The Carriage Step Stable ladies.  Gabrielle is the owner/trainer of the stable.  They took home 5 ribbons this weekend!  Good job!!!  

Katy with her second and sixth place ribbons!  (Just so you know, it was sixth out of seven--she was happy to not be last.)  Again, they learned so much this weekend.  This was a starter show for Katy.  It was good for her to see what a happens outside of her barn in Boise.  After Katy's class, she was able to watch the more experienced girls/women compete the rest of the day (8 hours of competition!) Lots to work on before spring, and she is more motivated than ever.  We are looking forward to making sure Mysti and Katy are up to speed by the next show season!  

More random summer photos . . .

Emma and I enjoying an hour on the pond at Julia Davis Park.   We drive by this body of water on a near daily basis!  Emma has been begging me to take her on the paddle boats for a few years now, especially since they started renting out these awesome "swans."  Having run out of reasons not to go, I finally took her one morning in July.  We had a lot of fun!  Geese chased our boat looking for food. We saw a turtle on a log and then were surprised by a rather large Koi swimming near us! (Fairly certain the Koi was a regret-dump--definitely not native to the area!)  Eric happened to be driving by and stopped to see us.  He was able to snap a few photos and even managed to jump on board for a quick float!  So glad Emma was persistent . . .

Emma's favorite summer item--the gigantic beach ball!!  This one met an untimely end just after this picture was taken, with many tears shed over its demise. (Eric spiked it a bit too hard and it landed on the pointy top of one of our 4th of July lawn flags)  It took several weeks to locate another ball and then she would not let it out of the house.  

One of the fun things that Katy is able to do now that she is 12 is participate in the girls program at church.  The program is called Young Womens and they meet every Wednesday night and Sunday.  The Wednesday night meetings are often a fun activity (they went water skiing!), a service-type project (also fun!) or a lesson in how to do "something."  This particular night, it was an evening with a young lady who taught the girls how to apply make-up!  You may not have noticed, but I wear as little as possible, so Katy was thrilled to be able to watch an "expert" teach her the basics.  When all was said and done, each girl was able to try out a "new" look.  I wish I were able to take a better picture.  Her eye liner looked amazing.  Waaaay to old for her, but so fun to try it out . . . 

This was taken two nights before school started.  It was such a beautiful night--cool and clear--we let the girls stay up late and watch the stars.  Eric and I sat on the back porch under the old twinkling lights and just enjoyed the moment.  The rabbit even joined us for awhile.  He hopped onto the blanket with Katy & Emma and stuck around long enough for them to pet him!    

Katy in Kona, Hawaii, at a horse camp she attended thanks to Paul and MaryBeth!  I need to let Katy write a note about her experience.  I know she had a fabulous time!   

What Emma does when we are not looking . . .

She made this on Photo Booth, entitled it "Eyes rolling at you," and mailed it to us!   

Backyard surprise . . .

I found this bit of nature on June 4th in my hanging geranium basket!  See that water--I was pouring the wet stuff in the basket when I noticed the nest.  I screamed.  Eric thought I had seen a snake.  Nope, just surprised to find a nest in a plant that had only been in our backyard since Mother's Day!   By the time we returned from our trip to Washington around the 24th, the eggs had hatched and in their place were three little brown birds.  We heard them for a week or two, maybe longer, and then one day they were gone.  I would like to think they successfully flew away, as we did not find any dead baby birds below the hanging basket!  I hope someone replants my geraniums next May and they are inviting enough to lure the nest makers back . . .

School is in session . . .

We were up at the crack of dawn to get Katy off to junior high this morning!  I drove her today but she'll ride the bus tomorrow.  She was early, so that gave her plenty of time to put things away in her locker and chat with a few friends.  Emma joined us on the drive and she spent her time in the car commenting on how many people were out and about at 7:10 in the morning.  (A lot!!)

Obligatory picture in front of the school.  We may have to plan better next year --there were many students, bikes and an ill-placed garbage can to deal with in the shot.  (My photo cropping skills leave much to be desired!) It was a half-day today, so Katy was done at noon.  She seemed to enjoy the first day but said it was kind of confusing and a bit stressful.  She had 8 different places to be in a big three story building navigating through several hundred kids she did not know.  I hope it will be easier tomorrow because I told her it would be!! 

Emma, trying hard to not squint in front of Adams Elementary!  She started 4th grade this  morning.   Her teacher, Mrs. Blank, is a familiar one to our house--Katy had her for 3rd and 4th.  It should be a good year for Emma!  I helped out around the school office.  I directed new students to their classrooms, answered phones, filled in calendars, cleaned up a few playground wounds, made copies and chatted with most of the teachers.  The only odd thing was the feeling that I had forgot something--it was definitely strange being at the school without Katy!  Good thing I could peek in on Emma . . .