Rose Bowl Champions!

GO DUCKS! We were able to watch the Ducks get a W at the Rose Bowl this year - I am thinking Nolan was their good luck charm ;) I took the boys to my parents to cheer them on, while Nick went and watched the game with his dad. It was a special day for them and Mike got to watch his beloved Ducks win the day before he passed away. This win will always be a extra special one in our eyes.

The boys got into the spirit with their many outfits and poses :)

New Year's 2012

This New Year's we decided to stay low-key and have the Fetrow family over for some family fun. We of course ended up having a bit too much champagne, and had a slumber party and Elmer's breakfast the next morning :) We did manage to have a dance party with Wyatt and a New Year's cheers before he went to bed! It was a great time and we are glad we got to spend it with the Fetrow's :)

Mike Bales

As many of you know, Nick's father Mike has been battling pancreatic cancer since we found out in June. It has been a tough battle with rounds of chemo, radiation and a trial vaccine for months. Mike was a fighter, no doubt, and he certainly gave his all during this fight. His motto was "Give 'em Hell" and no one doubts that is exactly what he did.

Unfortunately and sadly, Mike left us on Tuesday night around 10:15pm. We are all so incredibly happy and blessed that we were able to spend as much time as we did with him all the way through his last day. Nick, myself and the boys had a wonderful visit with him Tuesday afternoon and got to say the things to him we had always wanted to. He got two "I love you's" from Wyatt and tons of smiles and coo's from Nolan. We all got to kiss him and tell him we loved him before we left that day.

As we have said several times throughout this past 8 months, we are beyond lucky and blessed to have the support and friendships we have. This overwhelming support has humbled us and is something we will never forget. Thank you so much to everyone who has been there for us, is there for us now and will continue to be there for us as we move forward and heal.

In the words of Mike Bales, "We all have led a charmed life" and it is thanks to many of the wonderful people in our lives that this is true.

Love,

The Bales

Our big boy!

Here are a few videos of our big boy, Nolan :) He is so much more active, interactive and smiley than just a week or two ago! He is so much fun and we love watching him learn and grow...

Our poor dogs

Wyatt has taken to chasing the dogs around with any toy he can get his hands on...poor doggies! This is a video of him chasing them and giving us his "devil laugh" :)

The Garbage Truck

Wyatt is obsessed with the garbage truck - we have to make sure we wave and say hi every Thursday morning :) His routine with the garbage man is too cute, so I had to take a video.

Christmas 2011

Nolan's first Christmas was a ton of fun for all four of us - we got to spend time with family and friends, Santa came (!) and lots of new toys have found out house :) These past two weeks were packed full of events - including Wyatt turning seventeen months and Nolan moving into 6 month clothes. Our boys are getting so big and it was nice to focus on them and enjoy this stage during the holidays.

Although we had a great and memorable Christmas, it did come with some not so great news. Nick's dad, Mike, had an appointment with his doctors on the 22nd and they all decided that further treatment for his Pancreatic cancer was not in the best interest of Mike's health. The cancer has seemed to spread throughout the body and Mike is too weak to handle anymore chemo. In order to preserve his quality of life there will be no more doctor visits or treatments. It was hard to hear, but we are happy he will no longer have to endure painful treatments and that he will be home. Hospice is now coming to the house to administer pain medication which is also a good thing - we don't want Mike in anymore pain if possible. We appreciate everyone's thoughts, prayers and help during this trying time. Without all of you we would be much worse off and we take comfort in knowing we can lean on all of you for support.

As we approach the new year, we are wishing you all the very best and quality time with the ones you love.

Happy New Year,

Nick, Alicia, Wyatt and Nolan