Christmas Sunday

Sunday morning the kiddos woke up, ran downstairs to SEE their spoils then back upstairs to get ready for church. Once church was over, we could not get out of their fast enough. The kids were so anxious. Didn't matter though, Paul worked Christmas Eve and wouldn't be home until 10:30. Once he was finally home the fun began.

The kids in their Sunday best.



then onto the gifts.


And btw, Santa does put COAL in stockings of the naughty kids. Here's proof.

It was a great day spent with family. I am however, feeling quite overwhelmed with stuff. The next few weeks will be spent cleaning out and donating...one of my favorite things.

sugar cookies

I was too lazy to make ginger bread houses this year, so we did sugar cookies instead.

Anna's gift to herself was this cookie.


Lainie was concentrating so hard that she didn't have time to say cheese.


Lily LOVESSSSSSS sprinkles.


Ava-always ready for a picture.


and then there's Owen. Enjoying some frosting for himself.

Family Photos

These two people...

Made these beautiful babies.

Anna 9. Creative, intelligent, witty, dependable.

Lainie 7. Talkative, caring, joyful, smart.

Ava 5. Photogenic, energized, confident, sociable.

Owen 2.5 nonstop, charismatic, determined, protective.

Lily 2.5 Patient, sweet, silly, affectionate.


From our family to yours...Merry Christmas!

(Many of you will receive this photo in the mail around New Years as I just ordered them last night.)

Obsessed with Dora

This is not an open invitation for all you grandparents to start sending Lily Dora stuff. This particular gem was given to Lily by the Brewers when they moved. Thanks Kath.

Disney Day 3

Last day was spent hitting a few we missed and all our favorites a few more times.








We were pooped and freezing after 3 days of spinny fun. I'm hoping to take a break from Disneyland for a few years before we come back with the twins.

Disney Day 2

Met up with my gal pal Jess and her family who recently moved from WA to CA. So fun having even numbers on rides!





Just a bit of info on that last pic. Ava remembered Splash Mountain from last year and wasn't excited about going at all. The only reason she went on it was because she wanted to be in the picture at the end. The entire way through the ride she was screaming and wanted to get off. I told her it was too late and we tried to get through it. Well, right as we were going up the climb before the big drop she really starts freaking out and I grab her and put her in the section where I am...all of the sudden, the ride stops and a man comes out of the darkness and says I can't do that. Awesome. I stopped splash mountain.

Disneyland Day1

Our first ride of the day while waiting for Ca. Adventure to open...space mountain.


In the Astro Orbitor. Not my favorite ride, but Ava loves it.



Onto Cal Adventure..
We LOVED the new Toy Story Mania ride. Didn't love how long the line was though.






Such a fun day.

Jana Visits

My little sis and her family came to town from DC. It was so great seeing her again and meeting my 1 year old niece Nyah. We went to Jumping Jacks, had a girls night out to see the latest addition of the twilight series, and ran a 10K together. So fun.
Me and my lil sis.


Lainie and cousin Maylie


The kids enjoying some jump time @ jumping jacks.