Snow was falling in large clumps by the time I pulled into the garage on Christmas Eve. Normally I would have felt bad for shopping on the last possible day, but with my recent work schedule I was lucky to get out and shop at all. Plus, I was getting home so that Amber could have the car to head out one last time herself, so I didn't feel too bad.

By the time Amber returned from her excursion into the masses the flakes had accumulated a few inches, softening the world with a wintery glow. We prepared a ham, cheesy potatoes, and green bean casserole for our Christmas Eve feast. And, although we missed being close to family, we reveled in the quiet simplicity of being at home.

The remainder of the evening was spent watching a short film entitled, 'The Other Wise Man,' and explaining to Ashley what was going to happen in the morning. I think we made progress, as we could hear her excitedly repeat, "Santa's coming", before falling asleep in her crib.

We were awakened by Ashley talking happily, and although it would make a great story to say that she was still saying, "Santa's coming", we're pretty sure it wasn't that. Although, we're not exactly sure what she was saying.

We started with stockings, with the best part seeing the understanding that would come into Ashley's eyes when she realized that the presents inside the sock were for her. Next came breakfast, and then our gifts to Jesus.

Watching our child's reactions was the most fun I've had on Christmas, possibly ever. Ashley was into the whole process. It didn't matter who the present was for, she was there to assist in the tearing of paper or picking off of bows. Watching her was worth every bit of preparation and work that went into the Holiday.

Following the presents we made use of the sled that Ashley got me, the snow clothes that Ashley received, and the newly fallen snow outside to give Ashley her first real experience playing in the snow. There is a slight incline in our backyard that provided an ideal sled hill for the first-timer. She laughed with glee as Amber and I pulled her around on the sled.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing, and was so peaceful. Ashley spent the afternoon stockpiling all the bows she could find; and then she ran around the house carrying as many bows as would fit in her arms.

Amber and I enjoyed the ensuing week off of work, as the university was closed between Christmas and New Years.

The beginning moments of 2008 were spent with our good friends the Billmans. Their son Sam was born on the last day of 2005 - which makes him a little more than a month older than Ashley. We partied for Sam's birthday in the afternoon. Then after the kids went to bed we played games until just before midnight, when we tuned in to watch the ball drop in Times Square.

Our festive celebrations came to an end this weekend as we travelled down to the Bagby homestead in Orem to exchange gifts amongst Ambers siblings and parents. An added bonus to the weekend was having the privilege of sharing in the joy of Amber's longtime friend April getting sealed to her longtime sweetheart Clint. It's always fun to see two people come together to start a new family, especially when those two are as happy as April and Clint.

Family is the string that ties us all together, and Christmas is one of those times where the string is tightened to pull us all that much closer together.

What started as a weekly email has now degraded to a bimonthly blog. We last wrote just before Halloween, where Ashley masqueraded around the neighborhood as a bumble bee. It didn't take long for her to understand exactly how Trick-or-Treating worked. Before we realized what was happening our quick visit to immediate neighbors turned into a trip around the block with Ashley running from house to house in search of more candy.

That same night was the start of the USU basketball season. As mentioned in our previous post, we sprang for season tickets thinking this was going to be a special season. So far, it has appeared that the basketball team has been hanging out with the football team. But, the games are fun to attend.

After her initial first game jitters Ashley has settled in to the whole basketball game routine. She'll now clap when the crowd does and knows the name of our star player, Jaycee, our coach, Stew, she can make the sound for "woosh" when ever the Aggies make a free throw, and most importantly, her favorite phrase is, "Goo Aggies!"

Thanksgiving brought family together from all over the northern part of the state. The first annual Family Soccer Game was organized at the Bicentennial Park, just behind Jen's (Amber's sister) house in Provo. Representatives from both Amber and Scott's families were in attendance, and fun was had by all who were there.

The day concluded with an extremely pleasant meal at the Bagby homestead, surrounded by family and friends alike.

One major difference from our celebrations of previous Thankful weekends was the omission of Black Friday observance. In years past, we would get up before dawn with the rest of the bargain crazies and stand out in the cold to get get some nifty gadget for next to nothing - after completing the mail-in rebate, of course.

No, this year we decided to sleep to a normal hour. Amber went out to the stores after they opened and was still able to get all the deals we were remotely interested in. Feeling rested for the remainder of the weekend was welcome change, and helped to keep all activities pleasant.

As the Christian-American population is aware Thanksgiving signifies the formal start to the Christmas season. Each year the Holidays get more and more exciting as Ashley learns more about them. This year will be remembered as the time when Ashley learned about the Christmas Tree.

A couple of weeks ago, while Amber was visiting with a neighbor in their kitchen, Ashley was playing with a couple of the neighbors kids in the front room. The oldest of the neighbor kids came into the kitchen, where the ladies were talking, to get some food. At that moment there came a loud crash from the front room, followed by Ashley erupting into tears.

Running into the room, the reflex of the mother of the two children was to yell the name of the child still in the room where the crash was heard, and the crying was still pouring from. However, the adults found that said child was fast sleeping on the couch while the balling Ashley stood next to the festively decorated tree - now lying on the carpet.

Embarrassed by the destruction that our child accomplished, Amber excused herself and Ashley after helping to pick up pieces of some broken ornaments. After such an experience, we really don't mind that according to Ashley all brightly decorated trees are called, "kiss-mass tree. no touch!".

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The sprinklers are so done. In fact, they are so completely done that I don't even want to talk about them. Just know that they are connected, working properly, buried, and there is even grass seed germinating in the soil above them.

All credit on those has to go to Amber, who single handedly polished off the yard while I was in Chicago a few weeks ago. While I was geeking out at a software conference, she was taking every possible chance to get our dirt level, holes dug for trees, and even had time to build a little retaining wall in the backyard. Yeah, I know what you're thinking. I should just stay out of the way while she works her magic. Although, I think I'll be in charge of mowing next year.

Wintery weather has been creeping into Cache Valley, and for a college town like Logan that could only mean one thing - basketball season. With our football team that gets national recognition for how bad they are (seriously, this image is not a spoof: ), most of the locals around here can't wait for the basketball season to tip-off on Halloween night.

The numbers don't lie. 8,543 brave souls showed up for the pillow fight against Louisiana Tech last Saturday. While the basketball team repeatedly packs it's 10,000 seat arena throughout the season. Let's be honest, who really wants to pay to see a football team who is 0-14?

Amber and I were pretty bummed last season when we only made it out to one basketball game, so this year we've changed that. We'll be parked on row 22 in Section Q for the entirety of the season. We even lined up a babysitter for most of the games so that Ashley doesn't have to succumb to the eardrum piercing contests that will take place later in the season.

Speaking of Ashley, she learned her first game tonight. We were playing Pass the Pig at a friends house and Ashley took over Amber's turn about halfway through the game. Before each roll she would look down at the two pigs in her hands and say, "piggie". A big grin would then grow across her face as she would drop the pig game pieces on the table. The team of Ashley and Amber ended up winning the game.

Two and a half months into my employment change I already have by boots securely in the stirrups of my new surroundings. I would be lying if I said the transition was silky smooth, but the important thing is that everything at work feels pretty good now.

Our summer, to this point, has revolved around shaping the masses of rocks and dirt around our house into something that resembles a yard. With the aide of a borrowed Landscaping Rake, yesterday's task was to even out the recently tilled dirt and sift out the last of the large rocks. Success was measured by the fact that we completed the task before noon and were able to escape some of the hottest hours of the 100-degree day.

Some highlights of fun-ness have been the Robertson (Amber's Mom's) Family Reunion at the Heber Valley Camp. To call it camping is a stretch, as each site is equipped with a sink, natural gas hookups, full-sized refrigerator, and bathrooms complete with hot water and warm showers. Our site centered around three cabins that each had bunks for 16. From what I understand, the prices are very low because the guests are expected to help out with keeping their sites clean. With that said, it was super fun and we hope that it becomes a yearly tradition.

It may even be a great place for a McAllister gathering, should we want to meet up in the mountains of Utah.

Another very high note was the wedding of Amber's sister Lara to Eric Izant - which took place the same week as the excursion to Heber Valley. It was a wonderful occasion on a beautiful day. Plus, it will be nice to have a third male to rotate with in pulling names for Christmas.

Ashley is getting more sure on her feet as the days tick by. Her vocabulary is also expanding. Her latest additions have been, "book", and "nigh-night".

Amber continues to amaze with her juggling of motherhood, work, and coordinating help and advice on the yard. Work has been especially busy with a software upgrade that she spearheaded. Although the end result was a complete success, she is grateful for back-ups, and only had to restore the database once. And, if she can get a few minutes to clink some notes on the piano Ambers day is nearly perfection.

I had the opportunity to geek out at a ColdFusion (the programming language is code in) conference in Washington D.C. at the beginning of the month. The week provided a chance for me and my co-workers to be filled with information on best practices and new technologies. While we were there, my brother Bryan drove three hours from Pennsylvania to hang out with us for an afternoon.

He chauffeured us out to the new Air and Space Museum where we were overloaded with cool and historic aviation artifacts. Among the highlights were the SR-71 (fastest plane in the world - travels more than 3 times the speed of sound), Space Shuttle Enterprise, and the Enola Gay. We rounded out our stay at the museum with an IMAX film about fighter pilot training and a trip up observation tower, before completing the day with an introduction to Five Guys Famous Burgers. It could best be described as a east coast In-n-Out.

Until next time, don't be strange...

So much time, and so little to tell...wait, reverse that. Because the way the mind works I will probably start with the most recent events and work backwards in time. And, because I put myself under a strict time limit - so that I can actually catch up on my lack of sleep - this may end abruptly.

Ashley's new trick has been to through her body into hysterical fits when she cries. There must be something terribly wrong from her point of view, but we have yet to figure it out.

Although she is crying more frequently, it is still not all that often. Ashley is a joy to have wriggling around the house.

Amber has just completed a significant chapter in her career with Utah State. While she is still employed - and allowed to work almost completely from home - she will no longer be working with Dining Services. All of her time will be given to Housing. After completing a few weeks of training with the Dining Services staff she is happy to have her duties simplified to a single department.

The Major League Soccer season has been underway since the beginning of the month. Scott has already made 3 trips down to Salt Lake to cover games. It still amazes him that he has been given such an enjoyable opportunity.

Love you all. Times up...

I guess, since I didn't burn the place down when she left back in October, Amber trusted me enough to head down to Las Vegas for four days this week. She claims that the trip was "for work", but it's well known that what happens in Vegas stays there.

While she was away, I had the opportunity to take a few days off work to stay at home with Ashley. What a great excuse not to go to the office! By the end I was quite sad that live would have to return to normal. Ashley's major accomplishment for the week was her new trick of being able to climb the stairs.

It first happened while I was talking on the phone in the kitchen and Ashley was down at the base of the steps. During my phone call I looked down and saw her at the bottom, which was a common site. Ashley has made it a habit recently to perch at the base of the stairs just to be close to what ever action is occurring up in the kitchen.

By the time I made a lap around the kitchen and gotten off the phone I returned to the staircase only to find my daughter on the second to last stair, just about to reach the summit of her first ascension. Just as she lifted her knees up onto the kitchen floor Daddy got a little excited with loud clapping and cheering. Such a startling reaction brought poor Ashley to tears. Stupid, Dad.

With just over four days experience, Ashley now cruises up and down the stairs on all fours quite effectively. Mom returned from Vegas safely, and happily. Dad finished the week at work, which even included going in on Saturday (although that had nothing to do with him taking the previous three days off).

It seems that our communication method with the group has evolved from weekly emails, to far less than weekly emails, to blogging, and now to the occasional video clip. I even contemplated just setting up the camera and talking into it each time we wanted to share something. But, then grew weary thinking of all the different tasks involved in that process and thought against it.

However, we would like to share a share a short clip showcasing Ashley's newly acquired sign language skills. We called it Signing time with Ashley. Our trick on that video was to flip the view screen on the camera around so that she could watch her self, hence why it looks as though she's mesmerized with the camera when in actuality she's just vain.

Amber and I are continually amazed at watching Ashley grow. It's truly a joy to witness.

Today the weather warmed up to the point where the neighborhood took to the streets in the evening. At first glance it appears that everyone is just out for a stroll, but there is a favorite pass time that I have discovered. Everybody, and I mean everybody, loves to explore all the unfinished houses on the block. At first, I thought it was just a quirky thing that Amber enjoyed, but she is most certainly not alone in her curiosity.

As we get to know more people we are reassured that we picked a good place to live where we could be surrounded by good people.

Well, it's not exactly forgotten, but I think NBC would come after me if I would have used Lost in the title.

In an attempt to be cute I spliced together our short clips that we gathered from the McAllister Family reunion, that took place back in August. Previously, I had thought this tape was gone forever. To our relief it was found and now you can share in our memory of the McAllister Cousins Bakers Dozen Reunion 2006.

I should mention that video file is rather large and may not play immediately. You may even have to click on the triangular play button to get 'er goin'.

Reunion Video

Monthly seems to be about the pace I can handle for updating the world on our family.

Christmas is the most exciting time of year. With this being Ashley's first go round with the unwrapping frenzy, Amber and I started feeling the familiar build up of anticipation that was common during our childhood years. Only now, we dwelled on the thought of watching Ashley discover the Holiday, rather than worry about which packages had our names on them.

Three of the four December weekends were spent in the happy confines of the Utah Valley (known as the Provo area to most of the world). The excessive driving has meshed into a blur of taillights and overpasses, with only warm memories of moments spent with family and friends left to enjoy in our minds.

As a new father my thoughts repeatedly touched on the carpenter Joseph this season. Something struck me while watching a short film depicting the story of the Savior's birth. I had seen this actual rendition several times. But this time, after Joseph was rejected by the inn keeper, and just before he turns back to his very pregnant wife, he paused to express a look of utter frustration. He wanted nothing more than to provide comfort to his wife and unborn child. Yet, he seemed to be failing miserably. The fatherly role of doing everything possible to comfort a wife who was large with child was something I could relate to this year.

We stopped by the Perego's - home of my sister Jenna - while traveling down to the Bagby's the day before Christmas Eve. We caught the Perego's at a bad time as they were all sleeping with the exception of Ugo, who was freshly home after spending several weeks in his native Italy. After chatting with him other family members began wake up one-by-one.

Christmas Eve issued the return of The Nativity Reenactment, brought to you by the Bagby's and Friends. Ashley and Amber tag-teamed as the star while I played the vital role of the videographer. Such an eventful performance had to be captured in full motion and sound. You can purchase your copy at our store for the low price of $19.95 (plus S&H).

The big day dawned with nary a stir through the Bagby Place. After showers and bit of breakfast my girls and I decided to slide on over to my sister Julia's place on the west side of town. We arrived there just in time for the assembling of the Christmas gifts.

For me, that meant getting beaten at Spider Chess by a seven year-old. And then celebrating victory by trying out their new sleds in the backyard. We finished our visit with a hardy breakfast and then returned to a still silent Bagby house.

At the stroke of 2 p.m. - after all the siblings arrived from their homes - the unwrapping commenced. Our video camera was glued to Ashley as she tugged and pulled on the paper and bows. The colorful toys underneath the packaging also captured her attention - much to the relief of her parents.

We travelled south one last time for the year the following weekend. We used this jaunt to celebrate the first birthday of Ashley's boyfriend - Sam Billman - born on New Years Eve.

The calendar year switched over just following a game of Settlers of Catan, and just before falling asleep.

Who ever came up with the idea to have holidays that force employers to give you time off should be given a gold star. This four-day weekend could not have come a better time. With the deadline of a major upgrade in our software that we're building at work looming at the beginning of December we've been spending many a day coding into the the darkness of night.

The idea of getting an extended break was a great motivation, and that break has been well used. I've kept my distance from computers for much the break, with the exception of a few rounds of Halo with my brother in-law Serge.

After another late night of coding we left Thursday morning and traveled south to the more densely populated areas of Salt Lake and Provo. We stopped off at the Perego's, the home of my sister Jenna. After a tour of their house - they moved across the street about six months ago and Amber had yet to see the new place - we discussed our strategies for attacking the Black Friday sales over some fruity juice. The juice was unlike any I had ever tasted, so I had to make mention of it here.

On to our destination at the Bagby home for a gathering of family and good traditional food. It was during that evening that Serge broke out my one video gaming weakness - Halo. I'm absolutely awful at the game, but I've played enough to feel comfortable with the controls. Serge still obliterated me. But, it was fun to do something different. A rousing game of Loaded Questions concluded the family portion of the evening. After everyone left - around 10pm - Amber and I went for a quick drive to scout out the Black Friday situation at the local stores. Every store already had a line forming, with the exception of Comp USA which was still open. Serge was nervous about the situation. He dropped off his wife and daughter and zipped back up to Comp USA to start the line at that store.

Amber and I were already back home before I knew Serge was in position as line leader. When he and I touched base we decided that I would get a few winks in before joining him at the store entrance. I was very concerned that I would sleep through my 3am alarm - it being nearly midnight now. Amber reassured me that if the alarms didn't wake me she would. The next thing I heard was my wife's voice whispering, "Scott! Scott! You were right! You slept through the alarms!"

Sleepy eyed and groggy I stumbled quietly down the stairs, opening my phone to check the time. Instead of the time I saw the message that Serge had called around 1:15am. I hit talk, half expecting him to tell me that something went wrong and that I shouldn't bother coming out to the store. Such was not the case. He was still there and actually quite grateful that I had called as he also dozed off in his car for a few hours.

It turns out that while waiting by the store entrance Serge made friends with the security guard on duty. As the guard was leaving he told my brother in-law that he would come back on duty at 4am. He also mentioned that since he had seen Serge waiting where the line might be that he would allow Serge to go wait in his car if he wanted and would allow him to reclaim in line position at 4. Serge took full advantage of this and grabbed a quick nap that last until my call woke him up at about 3:40am.

I grabbed half a pumpkin pie out of the fridge and headed out. The sight of food brought a smile to Serge's face. No one was yet in line, but cars were beginning to swarm the parking lot. We claimed the top spot and had no trouble getting our items once the doors made way for the stampede at 5am. What was worth braving the cold all night, you might ask? Both of us were there for the 250-GB external hard drives that were on sale. And I picked up at wireless router for a couple bucks.

Amber had her eye on some deals at Staples, but wasn't willing to arise early to get them. Staples opened an hour after Comp USA so I headed up State Street to save Amber a spot in line. She was able to get mostly everything she sought after as well. Not a bad turn out for another Black Friday.

During my drive back to the Bagby's my body felt pretty good considering my lack of sleep. Of course, my mind changed while I found my self on a six-foot ladder that afternoon putting up the Bagby Christmas lights. It was there that I muttered to myself "never again" would I participate in the early morning rituals of Black Friday. But, that totally depends on the deals that get offered next year.