Liam with his new fire engine.
Liam and I spent an afternoon last week making Valentine's Day cards. It was the usual fun, messy art project that holds Liam's attention for way less time than I imagine. But, he was a sport.
Liam carefully roles some paint on a card.
The artiste.
Chef Liam whips up some of his famous bean muffins....mmmmm.....
Silly Liam.
Last Friday, Liam's friend Julia came to our house to play for the morning. We took a nice long winter walk and when we returned, both kiddos wanted to hop in the tub to warm up. The animals got to come in too, of course, and bubbles were requested.
Julia (3) and Liam in the tub.
Liam feeds Noni's horse ("Esprit") some hay. We moved Noni's horse to a stable that is closer to Mount Vernon. On Sunday, I helped trailer her down to her new home. We were coming through Bellingham on our way south, so we drove by the house so that Liam could say "hello". He is thrilled by the prospect of seeing her more often when he visits his Noni.
Liam tries out his boots and tests the "depth" of the snow.
Gazing at some snow geese from the dike.
A little ride from Auntie Lu.
Liam, Lu, Perrin and Me
A "Liam" look.
The real challenge in the winter is to keep Liam from getting too wet. I usually put him in full rain gear to go to the beach, but he wades right in....but I didn't have it this day. 
Finding treasures.
Strolling along the boulevard on this rare, sunny winter day.
Dancing with our friends, Reese and Finn.
We love you very much and send you hugs and kisses all the way to Paraguay!
We think of you often and are so proud of all that you are accomplishing and learning!
You are so brave and beautiful!
The Peace Corps is so lucky to have you as part of their team!
This is a special photo set up by your beloved brother, Gabriel. He wants you to know that while we cannot send you these (goooooooooooooood coffee, gooooooooooooooooood chocolate and gooooooooooood wine), we will consume them today in honor of your birthday (OK, you know your brother.....).
We rented a "sled" for Liam, who was a pretty good sport about being pulled each day. We learned to bundle him, stock the sled with snacks, books and blankets. We had to make sure that he got some good, hard "snow time" before we took our ski each day so he would stay put in the sled.
A picture of the valley. It is one of our favorite spots to visit.
Mama Hana's turn to pull the sled. Man...what a work-out!!! Gabe says, "I told you so!"
On our last day, Liam unzipped the side and spent the last half-hour with his head out. He enjoyed saying "hello" to the skiiers who went by.
We broke up our longest ski day by skiing into to the "Mazama Country Store" for lunch, cookies and hot chocolate/coffee. Liam gives his cookie a "thumbs up!" Boy, was it hard to get back out on the trail after that nice break, but we did it.
Liam got his first headlamp and decided to wear it through most of Christmas.
Helping Daddy open a present.
Stacking his new blocks.
A new Christmas outfit! Way to go, Daddy!
Liam and I arrived home from Hawaii late on the 23rd. Christmas Eve was spent with Gabe's family in Mount Vernon. Here, Liam, Ashton and Finn play with Mutti's (very large) stuffed penguin. 
Poppi reads "Twas the Night Before Christmas" with much enthusiasm and to the delight of Finnegan.
Liam opens his stocking on Christmas Eve (a Mast tradition)
Our little Christmas tree.
Here, Grandpa and Liam head across the dune.
Racing across the sand.
Because we spent our week on the "rainy side" of the island, we decided to drive around the island to Hapuna Beach (near Kona) for a day of sun and sand. Liam had so much fun. Here, he and Noni make a sand castle.
Oh, that sand feels good!
Rory (Perrin's boyfriend), Auntie Lu, Auntie P and Liam hang out on the couch in the condo.
Liam gets ready to "hit the beach" in his surf/sunwear, compliments of his Noni.
Uncle Reub, Auntie Lucia (Reuben's girlfriend) and Liam get ready to hike around part of the volcano.
"The girls" - Mom, Lusana, Perrin, Lucia and Hana
The first day, I skiied with Liam on my back. What a workout, but we had a great time.
Liam and Cousin Ashton cuddle in bed together.
The second day, Uncle Damian took Liam on his back. He is a much better skier and very fit, so it was a welcome break. We called him our "Ski Nanny" the rest of the weekend and Liam talked about it for days.
Liam and Cousin Finny (not a great picture of cute Finn) enjoy some time at the condo.
Here, Liam sizes up the situation.
Posing with Mama and Santa.
Liam's Noni bought a horse this year. Liam is very excited (and a little cautious) about the prospect of one day riding her by himself. Right now, he likes to give her carrots and "just sit" on her back. Here is Liam and Noni and "Esprit"
Liam gets a hand from Auntie Lu and sits on Esprit. Our little equestrian - what a thrill! Esprit is very sweet and gentle with Liam.
