Merry Christmas!

We had a fabulous Christmas this year!  It was fairly laid back and relaxing!  We spent Christmas Eve going to church and to Brian's side of the family!  Brian's mom cooked a wonderful dinner and it was fantastic spending time with his family!

My mom stayed with us on Christmas Eve and we celebrated Christmas at our house again.  We enjoyed a Christmas Brunch with my Mom, aunt, Brian's Mom and Grandma.  

The kids were spoiled by all including Santa, they were definitely on the "nice" list this year!  

We are looking forward to a fabulous 2013!  

 Setting out cookies & milk for Santa & carrots for the reindeer!

 Christmas Eve tradition to sleep in the same room!  

 Santa delivers!

 Our sweet Christmas pup!

 Christmas brunch!

 More presents!

 Happy kids, happy parents, Merry Christmas!  

Santa!

The kids saw Santa today!  I loved every minute of it...it's so magical to see their faces in awe of the big guy!  

Brindley asked for a bow and arrow and Santa sort of gave me a look of fear!  I guess Santa hadn't brushed up on Merida from Brave this year!!  ; )

o' christmas tree

We ventured out and got our Christmas tree today!  I wanted a small one this year because I saw a cute idea on Pinterest!  The idea is to put your tree on top of a galvanized pot or pail...you could set it inside too, but the idea is that you get more floor space by heightening your tree!  Plus a galvanized pot is super cute!  

There it is~I'm almost taller!  

 Annual pic of Brian's balding head!  Ha!

 No help needed!  

 She really wanted this one!!!  

Ta da...still a Starbucks tree!  

a new member in our family...

We had a fabulous Thanksgiving this year...really the whole weekend was fabulous!  My mom hosted Thanksgiving this year, and we had most of our family in town!  

Our elf, Filbert, arrived Saturday morning with a VERY BIG surprise!  

 He came with a note that said to open this box at 8:45 am! 

They waited oh so patiently and finally it was time to open this box.  Inside the box was a leash, collar, dog toys and a mini sweater!  Colden asked, "why are we getting all this stuff now, I thought we were getting a dog this summer?"  I, very excitedly and emotionally, said we are picking up our puppy in one hour!!!  They were OVER THE MOON!  

 Here he is: Gizmo!  He is a half maltese, half yorkshire puppy!  He was born on October 5th!  

He is so sweet and lovable...I am absolutely smitten over him!  Brindley keeps asking if we get to keep him!!  And Colden just keeps saying he can't believe we finally have a dog!!  Such sweet kids!!!  

Brindley as a Court Jester!

Brindley's annual holiday recital is next Friday night, but we had a photo op during dress rehearsal...so here are the darling Court Jesters!  

I can't wait to see them perform!  

Happy Halloween!

We had such a fun Halloween this year!  

I always invite my mom, aunt and cousin over for a warm dinner & drinks and then we trick or treat!  This year, however the kids were pretty set with trick or treating with friends, so the fam still came over and stayed to answer the door, while Brian and I took the kids trick or treating with their friends!  We had quite the group of kids and had a blast.  Tons of candy, a neighborhood DJ, wigs, red cups & a haunted house filled our evening!  

We got tons of candy, but this year the "switch witch" came to our house.  We left our candy out for her and she switched the candy for toys!  

Hope you had a wonderful Halloween too!

pumpkin carving...or painting...

We carved our pumpkins last night!  There were very simple requests this year...YAY!  Colden wanted a one-eyed monster and Brindley decided to do her initials and paint the rest black!  I also opted to paint mine with chalkboard paint and add "A" with white chalk...thanks pinterest!  

our trip to sunny So Cal...

We just got back from a fun-filled trip to sunny and HOT So Cal.  We planned a trip to San Diego for two nights and a three night surprise trip to Disneyland for Colden's 7th birthday!  My mom aka Gigi was able to join us this time!  We all have to admit we are shocked with her inner-dare-devil!  She went on every single ride at Disney and CA Adventure!!  

SAN DIEGO

San Diego was beautiful!  We stayed downtown on the harbor, went to Sea World, toured the  Midway Naval ship, explored Coronado and even drove by my childhood home!  

We also had the pleasure of seeing my sister!  She picked a fabulous place to have an early bday celebration for Colden!  Sammy's had great food and the best desserts ever (a mound of cotton candy and doughnuts)!  She brought wigs and props to complete the night and we had an absolute blast!  Not to mention...she really spoiled the kids!  Thanks for a fun night Diana!  

 So excited to be on vaca!

 Had to have a pic with the Gigi Sea World Bug!  

 Breakfast with Shamu!

 Touring the Midway

 My two adorable jail birds!

 Ejection seats-yikes!

 Ahh the beach...

 Brindley rockin' the pink wig!  

 I'm loving my inner Ariel coming out!  

 Still laughing...

Sisters!

DISNEYLAND

Keeping a secret about going to Disneyland was quite a challenge...in fact we slipped up many times, but covered up quickly.  We did not tell the kids at all that we were going until we got to our second hotel (the same one we stayed at last time we were at Disney).  

We knew Colden would recognize it, but we didn't really have a plan because what if he didn't or what if it was late and he couldn't tell, etc.  So when we were unloading our lovely rental van, he asked, "isn't this the place we stayed at when we went to Disney last time?"  I replied with yes, it is.  He then said, "well, I know we aren't able to go this time."  And I couldn't keep it in any longer...and practically, jumping for joy, said, yes we are, it's a surprise for your birthday!!! They were beyond excited...it was the best surprise ever!

We walked, rode, walked, rode as much as we possibly could at Disneyland and CA Adventure!  It was blast!  We were also able to take advantage of the trick o' treat party that Disneyland does! It was so fun for the kids to wear costumes and get candy at Disney!  

Birthday boy-7 years! 

 Halloween at Disneyland!

 So happy!

 One of his birthday presents!

 Ready for some trick o' treating at Disney!

 Princess Ariel and Scary Darth Maul!

 Special affects! 

 Last ride of the night-Brindley was sound asleep!

 Cars Land!

Our last day!  = (