NewTraditions - updated as of 1/18/08

Family fun... i think Emily is on the bottom?

The Bynum men (Jim and Chris)... So handsome.

Brooke and her cutie pa tootie nieces.

Clark and the girls that ADORE him...

The Christmas-Eve of 2007 will now beknown as the Christmas that the "omelette" tradition began. We gathered at my step-sister Tracee's House for a morning of omelettes. Anyone who knows my brother has experienced his obsession with the perfect egg. He thinks (and some agree) that he has mastered the scrambled egg, the over easy egg, and of course, the omelette. Tracee and Rick had all the supplies on hand to create "custom, made to order" omelettes for all 14 of us.
It was a fun new tradition and one we will be doing again... Clark has plans for "a better egg" next year. He did not have his "rhythm" down for the quantity this year.


Clark being distracted by his favorite neices (Sarah,Katieand Meg)

The omelettes of course took quite a while to be made, being that they were custom and made by my brother -the perfectionist.... So, the kids had to make their own fun for a while before eggs and presents. This is my step-sister Jayme being smothered by Katie and Sarah.

Kirk - waiting patiently for his omelette.
When Peter and I visit family, we of course always do our best to convince them of their need to plan a family vacation ASAP to come and see us. Peter and Rick talked alot about a fishing trip for Rick & friends.... With the new elk hunting business being close to beginning, we of course did LOTS of talking about those possible adventures. FYI... If anyone wants to book a hunting trip for the fall- call Peter Howell at Willow Ranch Outfitters - 406.570.6651 (shameless plug)

Mom and Jim ...looking cute as ever.
Of course, we finally got to opening presents... and parent quickly had to put the presents together, finding batteries, scissors, and industrial strength jaws-of life to pry open plastic packaging. Above is Rick explaining the different countries that Sarah's "dolls of the world" came from . Each doll was made from the exact same mold... all they changed were the cliche clothing from each "country" and the color of hair. Hmmmmm....
Our children, playing on the slide / tree house. Oliver and Gaucho quickly figured out how to climb up and slide down... Very cute! We are so proud of their brains and athleticism.

All in all - an excellent new family Christmas tradition.