Tis the Season...

It would not be Christmas at our house without Tyler's nutcracker collection. When Tyler was very young my dad, Gpa, took Tyler to the Nutcracker ballet. He loved it! Gpa got him his first nutcracker and even got his name painted on it. From then on Tyler has gone to some production with Gpa every Christmas season. Tyler has also added a nutcracker to his collection every year. He has quite a variety: ranging from the usual looking to Darth Vader (on the left- too dark to really see him) and Homer Simpson, a snowman, santa and a Hawaiian Hula dancer.

So much to be Thankful for...

I am so thankful for my family and for the fact that we are all so close to each other. The picture is kinda dark but this is Justin, Lila, Evan, Uncle Daniel, Tyler, Cole, Noah, Ethan and Abby. My 2 boys, my baby brother and my nieces and nephews.


My mom and dad and my brother Daniel...Daniel is always keeping us laughing.

We also celebrated 3 birthdays. Cole, Mark and Daniel.

Cole and Mark read his card.

Lila and Daniel and one of his gifts. His FAVORITE I'm sure...

The Happiest Place on Earth!

Our 2009 trip to the happiest place on earth has been booked! Thanks Mark and Gwen for taking care of all the details! I can't wait to be able to watch the cousins together at Disneyland!

A Tyler P-D Original

This is the centerpiece that I bought at the MRLH auction on Saturday night...created by Tyler!!


The art class made all the centerpieces for the tables which made my job of "decorations chairperson" very easy. I only had to get flowers to go in them and a few other little details!

Family Time

Last Saturday we had a Duras family dinner at Auntie Ann and Uncle Mike's house. (L to R): Justin, Grandma Nadine, James, Johnathan and Tyler. This was a dinner in honor of Johnathan (James' brother) who has been here visiting from Hawaii and went home yesterday.

A Nice Recovery

This is the 'after shot": after the drainage tube was removed. The swelling has started to go down. When they removed the tube yesterday she said everything looked really good! He still has to finish his antibiotic and go back for stitches removal in a week.


This is the "before shot": before the tube was removed...YUCK!

Get Well Wishes!

My niece Lila made a beautiful Get Well card for Max!


I know he was very happy to get it Lila! It was his 1st card! Thanks!