Seattle

Ben had a job interview/presentation in Seattle so we decided to go with him and site see when he was done. The Space Needle was the hot spot that the kids were looking forward to.

Little Ballerina

Amelia has completed her first semester of ballet. She LOVED it and is looking forward to her next class.

The Little Cousins Visit

Terry and the boys came to Portland for their spring break. I would like to say they enjoyed it but the rain kinda ruined that!! Not a good first impression for these young-ins. We still made the best of it and enjoyed having them here. We headed downtown on a day that it wasn't raining to take some photos for my Mom's 60th birthday.

Amelia's 5th

My how time flies! Our baby girl is 5 and I still can't get over the fact that she will start school next fall!! Here are some pictures of her small gumball themed birthday party.



Ben and the kids made this gumball poster to play 'pin the gumball on the machine' so cute, right?

Happy 3rd Carter!

Our sweet little boy turns 3 today! He is such a joy and so COMPLETELY different from his sister- it's amazing! He has a huge love for trains, cars and pretty much anything else a little boy would like. We love you Carter Dillon!

First Sewing Project

Here it is, the first thing I sewed (semi) by myself. I had assistance from my Mom but for the most part I did the whole thing from start to finish myself. I made this apron for Hannah (Ben's niece) for her birthday. She LOVES baking and anytime we're around her she is whipping up something yummy for us to enjoy. When I saw this fabric I instantly thought of her and decided to try my hand at sewing. Stay tuned for pictures of my next project... a small quilt for baby Noah (Ben's nephew.)

Hansen 2009

Click here to view this photo book larger

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm well overdue for a blog entry so I thought this weekend would be a good chance to post one. I just want to share how greatful I am to have a wonderful, caring and great friend like my Mom in my life. I feel extra greatful to have married into such a wonderful family and to have such a great mother-in-law!! I wish all the Mother's out there a happy and joyous day- may you be celebrated!!

On a misson for the "perfect tree"

This year I wanted a different tree from the one we get every year. I knew in my mind what it looked like but had no idea if it truly existed! Skinny and tall is what I was picturing. 4 stops later we end up back at the first place we went. I knew this place had the most variety of trees and I also knew if I didn't choose soon I would end up with nothing! I had exhausted my family and Ben was at his wits end with me... what can I say? I'm a Libra and it's never easy for me to make a decision but I'm quick to let you know what I don't want! So we/I picked a winner, skinny and somewhat tall. I like to call our tree this year the "Charlie Brown Christmas tree." We love it and it fits perfect in our house, even though I couldn't tell you what kind of tree it is!

Can't get enough KISSES!

Happy 4th Amelia!

We were so exited this year to celebrate Amelia's 4Th. We had some very special people in town visiting (Aunt Amy, and the Boise cousins.) Grandma, Aunt Amanda, Grams, Uncle Terry and the Little cousins were all there too! We had a great time visiting and seeing a very happy girl turn 4! Thanks to everyone for making memories with us!

**Eugene Newspaper Obituary**

Linda Falcone was finally free from pain November 2nd, 2009; after passing away following a courageous eleven month battle with pancreatic cancer; Linda was 60.


Born Linda Lou Zwibel on May 2nd, 1949 in Phoenix, AZ to Louis and Jean Zwibel. She graduated from NorthHigh School in Phoenix in 1967, and was married twice.

Linda worked as a secretary in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Ariz., and in Santa Barbara, CA. and then as a dispatcher for Mohave County Sheriff’s Office in Lake Havasu City, Ariz. A Legal Secretary in Arizona for several years, she then started her Real Estate career in 1977 and became an agent in 1981. She was the co-owner of a Real Estate office in Arizona until 1989 when she moved her three children to Eugene, OR. She was a Real Estate Broker in Eugene for 20 years, becoming well known for hard work and dedication to her clients, building a unique rapport with them and including many in her extended family.

Surviving breast cancer 20 years ago, Linda became an inspiration again during her brave fight against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by love and support every single day during her painful battle. Linda’s legacies will continue in the lives and words of those who knew and loved her, and through her unbreakable bond with her daughters. The focus and joy of her life was always her three children and grandchildren. Linda loved to garden, laugh, read, dance, shop, and be with her family. She enjoyed the ocean and the beautiful Oregon greenery. Linda will be remembered for many things, her amazing smile, her contagious laugh, her love of animal prints, accessorizing, and her flare for fashion.

Linda is survived by her son, Chris, of Hillsboro, her two daughters Kelly and Amy of Eugene; Chris' wife Jenifer and 3 children; her sister Suzie and brother-in-law Dale of Eugene; her brother Tom and spouse David of Scottsdale, AZ; three nieces and many "adopted" daughters.

Arrangements made by Musgrove Mortuary in Eugene. A heartfelt thank you to MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX and Sacred Heart Hospice in Eugene, OR for their outstanding kindness and care. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (pancan.org), Sacred Heart Hospice (www.peacehealth.org/Oregon/Foundation/GivingSHMC.htm) or Green Hill Humane Society in Eugene (green-hill.org).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 16th, 2009 for all who knew Linda and her family at 5:30pm at the University of Oregon, EMU Ballroom located at 1228 University St., Eugene, OR97403.

New Arrival

As I was downloading my photos onto my computer I realized that I am so behind on blogging, sorry to overwhelm you all with so much information at once. We recently made a trip to San Diego to meet the newest addition to the Drew family. Noah Benjamin was born on July 30Th weighing over 8 lbs. By the look of Ben I think he's a proud uncle and Amelia was super cute giving him kisses. We were delighted to finally meet and hold him. It's always nice to escape the heat and visit the Drew's.




Oh, I can't forget this precious picture of Carter and Grandma. He took the ukulele to her and crawled up next to her as if she knew how to play it and they began singing and playing Twinkle, Twinkle little star. I couldn't resist a photo of this one.

Cherished Friendship

I had the opportunity to travel to Eugene, OR in the middle of July to be with some very dear friends of mine for a week. For those who do not know, my good friend Amy's Mom was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in December of 2008. Her battle has been a long one and she is still fighting but now in the comfort care of Hospice. The weekend I flew in was the Relay For Life that the American Cancer Society puts on. Amy had an idea to make shirts for us to wear as we went to the event. Although I was sceptical about her ideas (no offense) I was very pleased how they turned out and we rocked them well! It was so nice and meaningful to take part in this wonderful event and I'm glad we had a chance to attend. My visit with the girls was great and I was deeply sadden to leave. If you were to ever meet Linda you would instantly know what a beautiful, strong willed, caring, fabulous dresser, great interior designer, hard working, and most compassionate friend you could ever have! She will forever hold a special place in my heart and I will have lots of cherished memories!






During the week I was there I was able to catch up with my cousin Mandy and family. It was so good to have those couple hours with her to visit, reminisce and share laughs. Her kids are growing so fast, it just seems like yesterday that I went to Oregon to meet baby Kaya- I remember thinking that she was the most perfect baby I had ever seen (and not just because we share middle names!) She is now grown into this beautiful little girl and is going to break many hearts- look out Mandy and Brad! Then there is Danae, my most fondest memory of her is her 1st birthday. I gave her these cute piggy jammie's that she looked so adorable in. I often times look at my little Amelia and she reminds me a lot of Danae. And what about the 'oh so handsome Cameron? Mandy knew what she was doing when she picked Brad for her husband! Then there is the irresistible Haley, though I haven't had much time around her I just wanted to pick her up and squeeze her! She has the biggest blue eyes you have ever seen. I sure miss that little family! Even though my visit was brief, I'm so glad I got to see you all.

Swimming Lessons

Amelia has been taking swimming lessons at the Kiwanis in Tempe and has been doing very well. Her instructor's name is Karla (who Amelia adores) and we were pleased to find out she would be her instructor for the second class. She is in what they call "Sea Horse Swim School" where there are 5 session: white, red, yellow, blue, and green. The classes are two days a week for a month and she is about to finish the red class. After sea horse is starfish then stroke school. We are so proud of the progress she has made. She is now at the point where she no longer needs floaties when we go to our pool- she is thrilled.

Happy 2nd

We decided to have Carters' birthday early since I had made plans to travel to Oregon to be with my dear friend Amy and her mother Linda. We had a great time. Uncle Terry, cousins Anthony, Kaleb and Payten, Grandma and Grams were all there to celebrate. Of course Carter received so many fun toys it was well into the next day that he was still finding something new to play with. And, as always Amelia snatched up his books to read!

Lake Mead

We (including Sheila) were off on our next trip to meet Ben's brother Will and his family, his youngest sister Amanda and Heidi's 2 oldest boys at the lake. We stayed on a house boat for a couple days, Will brought his ski boat so there was lots of boat rides, knee boarding, and skiing. Amelia loved getting in the water to swim even though it made her teeth chatter. The house boat had a slide that the older kids enjoyed. We really enjoyed ourselves and our company but we're happy to be back home from all our travels

Happy 75th Uncle Bart!

A little history about Alamogordo (Spanish word meaning "fat cottonwood") It's somewhere in the middle of southern New Mexico and is home to White Sands and Holloman Air Force Base. I'm sure there's plenty more history than I'm aware of but that's all I got!! This is where my Uncle Bart and Aunt Sharon live and it's where we traveled to celebrate my Uncle Bart's 75th birthday. We were very exited to make this trip since most of my family would be there (minus some cousins, a brother and nephews.) We ate too much, played hard, visited and shared plenty of laughs and storeys to hopefully last us till next time we can all be together again. We had a great time!!

Mozart in the works

I can't take credit for these photos, they were taken by Sheila when we were at the Drew's house. I have it set up where I can download her photos on our computer for this reason! Can I just say, there is no way this kid gets any musical talent from my side of the family (that I'm aware of) now on Ben's side they are more musically inclined. If any of you have been around Carter you know the kid has a set of lungs, pair that with his new found skills on the piano and we may have the youngest American Idol! Just look at his form.