Oh you mustn't

Elena, the practical one, wasn't too impressed.


Tater tot is going to win that coloring contest.





If this didn't make you wet your pants, I don't know what will.

Gift opening - Round one

I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it!




Elena doesn't look as impressed with the Snuggie as Rey did. Pink is a good color for you, Rey.

The elusive Shaffer Christmas card

Looking through these old photos, I remembered how fun it could be to torture Jill during these little photo sessions.


Mmmm. Trees. They're full of fiber.


"Heidi, put your arm around Jill. It will look really natural."


"Heidi, stop trying to kiss your sister."


Is that Billy Bob Thorton? I seem to think it is.

Eyes on the road, TT

Birthday dinner

Grandma, Grandpa and Mom took me out for dinner on Thursday for my birthday. It was Grandma and Grandpa's second trip to Fargo of the day, so I really appreciated their coming.

Thanks guys!

Maia & Elena

Because I have more photos of Maia and Elena than any other people, I figured I should share some of these.

Maia goes for a spin at Luther Crest.
August 2008

Elena completes a successful climb to the top of Grandma's snow mountain.
December 2008



Maia is not as thrilled to be at the bottom of Grandma's snow mountain.
December 2008



Maia looks like she wishes it was summer.
December 2008



Like all successful mountain climbers, Elena revels in her success with a mug of hot chocolate.
December 2008



Maia enjoys her hot chocolate over ice with a side of gummies.
December 2008

Christmas names

Nothing says "It's time for Christmas" like my favorite pickle ornament and a gaudy white plastic tree. Nothing except name drawing, of course.



Mom and Jill (with the help of Elena and Maia) drew names for Christmas last week. Here is the list for those of you that might not have seen it.

Bev has Heidi
Kermit has Jill
Kris has Steve
Jill has Bev
Rey has Jon
Heidi has Brian
Brian has Kermit
Geri has Rey
Jon has Kris
Steve has Geri

end of summer catch-up

These photos are from Elena's 5th birthday party that we had at Mom's. Enjoy.

From Aug. 09

Maia anxiously awaits opening her present on Elena's 5th birthday.

From Aug. 09

That's right, Elena's 5.

From Aug. 09

"Hmm. I wonder how I could get that many presents."

From Aug. 09

Maia and her little knees.

From Aug. 09

Elena shows off her latest pair of wings. I'm glad she's starting on her career wardrobe young.

From Aug. 09

Elena works on a project in her new princess tiara.

From Aug. 09

Were we singing 'Don't Worry, Be Happy'?

From Aug. 09

Project time at Grandma's.

From Aug. 09

Maia thinks Grandma is hilarious. (We're glad someone does.) I kid. I kid.

From Aug. 09

Pretzel licker.

From Aug. 09

Maia's smile is so much like Jill's smile when she was little.

From Aug. 09

Elena riding a bike that is NOT too small for 5-year-olds. Duh, Heidi.

From Aug. 09

Elena works on her strategy.

From Aug. 09

Maia wags Abby's tail; Grandpa laughs. So cute.