Santa Train in Boulder City

Mom bought the whole group tickets to the Santa Train in boulder city dec. 5th. We have never been and it was so neat. kids loved it. Santa and Mrs. Clause visited with all the kids and since GG was in the hospital Noah's buddy Hunter and Stephanie joined us too. Think we're gonna make it an annual thing, ride was short but, kids really enjoyed it. great way to start off the season.

Cookie Exchange

My good friend Stephanie hosts an annual cookie exchange. This was my second one and what a blast. You bake umpteen dozen cookies and then exchange and bring home a yummy variety of everyone else's recipes. Not to forget to mention some great company of ladies. She did such a great job and really out did herself with soup, sandwiches, homemade rolls, pepermint bark and pies, and cider. tim now loves sending me to these as when i get home it's like a party we dig in and take bites of every cookie. Thanks so much again for hosting a great cookie exchange Steph.

Thanksgiving

So, since i've slacked off and haven't kept up in a couple months have to back track a little. We got some great news that Ryan would be returning home for the Thanksgiving. Unfortunatly his time with the Navy has ended early so he is home for good. He started his LONG journey home and got here the night before Thanksgiving. Needless to say we all missed him very much. It was definetly time to have him back for some holiday crazy fun. We stayed there pretty late playing rockband. So the next day of course mom went all out and made the most fantastic meal ever. I did my usualy baking of the fudge, apple pie and some pumpkin cookies. It was such a great time to have everyone together. Aunt Shirley, Uncle Doug and Steve all made it too from CA. Definetly lots to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Disneyland Vacation 11/12-15

We had an amazing time at Disneyland with all the family (almost) and friends. We started out on Ella's birthday. It was so fun to have everyone together, i think we sang "Happy Birthday" 10x in the truck. Robin, Cole, Sue and Gale met up with us right when we got to the hotel. Which by the way loved the hotel, I miss the comfy bed and pillows (I never say that)They went to spend the day at the beach and we headed out to Downtown disney. Kids loved the lego store and the live music. It was great way to get ready for all the fun the next 2 days. We woke up really early (thank God for the coffee makers and good coffee in the room) and the whole gang walked to Disneyland. Thanks to a great tip we didn't have to pay for Noah to get in either park, for both days (saved $$$) Thanks Stephanie! As tradition we rode It's a small world first then, teacups, and dumbo. Had to get those outta the way first. Forgot to mention it was also the first day for Christmas at Disney so it was beautiful and got everyone in the spirit. Noah wasn't able to get on Splash Mountain the first day, but, we lucked out and got him on the next day. So glad, it was his favorite ride and highlight of the whole trip. We went to california adventures both days too. can't believe they got me to ride that roller coaster again. It was fun, but, LONG...Ella just loved everything. all the lights, she kept saying "Lights up". The parades were wonderful we were able to stay for fireworks and snow the last night we were there. It was magical and everything disneyland is supposed to be. It was by far the best trips to see all the smiles and giggles on my babies and all the grown ups too. I don't care how much it costs those memories we made are going to be in our hearts forever. It was a BLAST!!!

Ella's 2nd Birthday Party

We had a little Minnie Mouse party for Ella's 2nd birthday on Sunday Nov. 8th. Party was at Papa and Yaya's clubhouse. It was a lot of fun this year. She understood the party was for her and had the biggest smile when we sang happy birthday to her. The kids all had a great time playing games. We played hoop toss, Mickey, Mickey mouse (like duck,duck, goose) and pin the bow on daisy. Papa grilled some Mickey burgers and Pluto dogs and the kids really loved the Goofy Juice. Gotta love playhousedisney.com for the great tips. we also had cheese and quackers and Minnie salad. She loved every minute of having all her friends over. I made her cake and it turned out pretty good. I think Ella and Gabe would of ate the whole thing if we didn't intervene. My very favorite part of the day was seeing her face when daddy brought out her bike. She threw her hands out and ran for it yelling "bike". She just had such a special day. Of course she got lots of great presents from everyone and is still enjoying them now. Now we are off to Disneyland in 2 days to celebrate her actual birthday. Thanks family and friends for celebrating with us!

My sweet sweet baby...

My baby, just 2 short years ago you came into the world. I swear they all better watch out now that you are here. We all thought for sure you would be born 11/11 but, you always had your own plans even then. finally you made your entrance just 8 min after midnight on 11/12. sweet baby, you and I have had lots of memorable moments. i love you so much and here are a few things i will love about your 2nd year.

I love that you LOVE your brother so much and used to call him Nah-na

I love the way you light up when you see a doggie

I love that you know when it's time for daddy to come home

I love painting your toes-ies

I love how you have always known what you want and know how to express yourself

I love how tough you can be

I Love how sensitive you are, most of the time...

I love how you sneak into our room and think we can't see you

I love that you have your favorite bunzy

I love the way you try to talk so much when it's bedtime

I love that you like me to rub your back or "rock you"

I love the way you say Back, Hand, Please or tease, with your southern accent?

I love that you ask for "help tease"

I love how polite you are

I love that you say " I sawwwy"

I love how you say your name

I love how you love to look at pictures

I love that you like music and rock out in the car w/ your brother

I love when you say Papa, bye, bye baby

I love when you are so cuddly and kiss me at night or in the morning-it's rare!

I love that when you tell me "showsies on" and wheres da memote"

I love that you love your baths or baaffs

I love when you get so excited you turn red and shake

I love you on your tippies all the time

I love how you say I wuv oooo

I love how you love to dance with your brother

I love how messy you eat

i love that you put (the sound eee, after everyword) milk-y, bunz-y, shows-ies

I love that you tell me you're scered and I can make you better

I love that you cover your eyes when you don't want me to see you

I love that you call monkey boo-boo sometimes

I love that you blame your pooters on your brother already

I love my stinky girl

I love that when i ask you what is on your hands you reply "me fingers"

I love every bit of you and are so proud to be your mommy!

Uh Oh Tim's the BIG 3-0

So this fun Halloween was also Tim's 30th so of course the planner that I am threw a big party for him. He is just such a great husband and daddy and deserves so much. so a party with all our friends and family was a great way to celebrate with him. Festivities actually started Fri. he had the day off so he took the kids to the park so i could run some errands. Then Lisa watched them so we could go on a date night. He wanted prime rib so we went to outback then to see Couples Retreat. It was cute but, really made us want to go on a retreat of our own. Soon, hopefully!!! Anyway time together was great. Then everyone came over Halloween night for food and drinks. I made a video of course with pics of his younger days and then our life together. It makes me so proud to have such a good man that jsut gets better with his age. After the party mom and dad let the kids spend the night so we could go out to Tim's favorite Irish pub Three Angry Wives with some friends. It was such a good time. My turn next for the Big 30! Can't wait!!!