We love the Wii!

I had to share this because it was just about the funniest thing I have ever seen. Jason's parents got a Wii for Christmas so we've been playing as a family-so fun. Last night we got Jason and his dad to box each other. I have to tell that it's been a long time since I have laughed this hard. I was trying to video tape it but I couldn't hold the camera still. It's hard to describe, I guess someday you'll have to see it to believe it. I think in the end Jason's dad came out on top but I think the spectators we're the real winners in this one.

The First Sleepover!

Jason's dad has been building a beautiful lakehouse on Haven Lake for the last 5 years. He had done almost all the work himself and it's amazing. Well, this trip it was ready for overnight visitors, so we, Jason's parents, and his sister Natalie and her little boy all went out for a sleepover. It was so fun. The lakehouse was so beautiful and as an added bonus we woke up to about 2 inches of snow. It was so fun. Of course Emily has never really seen real snow so she had a great time. It really was such a special visit. Kudos to dad for building a great family retreat.

A view from the deck-so amazing!

Emily's first snow ball

Seattle in the Winter (and the rain)!

One thing we always love to do when we come home is to make a trip to downtown Seattle. This year we went with a big group of my family. The best part about the visit to Seattle is the ferry ride. I don't know why but this has been one of my favorite things ever since I was a kid so it's fun to now be able to share that with my own kids. We always take french fries with us on the ferry and we feed the seagulls. The birds are so crazy, or hungry, because they will come and take the fries right out of your hand. Emily was even brave enough to do it. We were pretty proud. Emily, Lauren and Jason with my parents.
Us with beautiful Seattle in the background.
Jason and Emily
Me and Lauren
One of my most favorite views-Seattle and the water-what a beautiful place.

Merry Christmas to all!

We had a great Christmas. Santa's sleigh was definately full. Emily got a cute dollhouse and the car to go with it. She loves it. At least we hope she loves it because now we have to find a way to ship it home. Lauren got a variety of toys and books, with some cute clothes on the side but her favorite gift was, of course, the wrapping paper. Why don't we just give our kids wrapping paper and boxes for Christmas? Emily's toy collection grew by leaps and bounds so she's a happy camper. And of course, the best part of Christmas was being with our families. It's always a treat (and busy) when we come home for Christmas, but it's so special to be able to spend time with both of our families. Ultimately, we leave this Christmas feeling very blessed for great families.


The dollhouse
The SUV (a very loud one, I might add)
The dollhouse came with baby twins-she's in love!
Lauren's bear..and getting to the good stuff-the paper.

Cabbage Patch Kids!

This goes back to the theme of classic toys. Jason's grandma sent Emily a Cabbage Patch Kid for Christmas. I have to tell you, I'm not sure who was more excited me or her. I just think they're so cute and hers actually came with a big girl and a little sister (a preemie, aren't they the best?)Thanks Grandma Polson!

Snow in L.A....

Ok so not really but it's the closest that we come. At The Grove (a big outdoor mall) it snows every night in December. Really, it's just soap suds blown off the tops of the buildings but it's still really fun. We always feel a little more festive after we go. I know it's hard to tell in the pictures but it really does look like snow when you're there in person. Emily wasn't so sure at first but then she ended up really liking it.


Lauren was very curious.

The whole fam-not our take out, by the way.

What a Classic!

While at the Scott's, the girls discovered the joy of a good old classic toy. The sit and spin. Do you remember these. I'm sure they still make something like it but there's nothing like the original. The girls had a great time. Emily could get herself going pretty fast and even Lauren got a little movement. Doesn't it seem like the toys were better when we were kids?

F.H.E with the Scotts!

Last night, Tyson and Jen's parents were kind enough to have us down for dinner and Family Home Evening. After a wonderful dinner, Jen and Tyson had a super fun activity-gingerbread houses. I have to admit, it's been a very long time since I've done a gingerbread house but it was so fun. We kindof made it a little competition, but in the end everyone's houses looked so cute and unique. All and all it was a very fun and festive night. Thanks Scotts.

Our little house.
The line-up for judging!
The whole crew (minus the twins who were too busy playing.)

Santa Claus CAME to Town!

Our little city of Torrance has the cutest Christmas tradition. Every year, the fire and police departments decorate and staff a float that has Santa on it. Every night (for a couple of weeks) the float visits different neighborhoods in the city. The past couple of years Emily has been asleep when the float has come to our neighboorhood. We missed it again in our neighborhood again this year, so Sunday night we went and found Santa. It was so cute (it's hard to tell from the picture.) A truck comes down the street announcing that Santa is coming and everyone comes out of their houses. The float does stop for a few minutes and all the kids get a chance to sit on Santa's lap. Emily was so brave. She just marched herself right up there and sat on his lap. I think she was pretty motivated by the candy cane he had for her but either way she was in heaven.

Even Lauren got a chance on Santa's lap this time.

A push from behind..

We're just waiting for the day the Lauren gets the little extra push!!

Tickle Me Elmo!

Emily brought out her Tickle Me Elmo for the little ones and the were mesmorized by it for quite a while. Berkleigh was the only one brave enough to go in for the kill. Lauren and Merrick would get close but then retreat when Elmo moved to much. It was pretty entertaining for the rest of us.

One Fish, Two Fish.....

Saturday we went to the Long Beach Aquarium with Jen and the twins (Tyson, we missed you!). We always love the aquarium and this time we were able to catch the seal and sea lion show. Emily loved it. She would stand at the glass and stand up when they were above water and then when they went below she would quickly squat down. It was pretty funny to watch her try and keep up with the seals. The little ones (Lauren, Merrick and Berkleigh) were more fascinated by the pigeons than anything else, so easy to please.

Emily checking out the harbor seals.
These are usually the faces she gives us, we just don't always post them.
Merrick and Berleigh taking everything in.

This is our favorite-the Lorikeets-you feed them nectar and they'll sit on your hand.

Merrick and Lauren (and Berkeigh) loved being up close.

Kick off to Christmas!

Our good friends Tyson and Jen (and their super cute twins Merrick and Berkleigh) are in town for the month, so to kick off the Christmas season we went to the Irvine Spectrum mall with Jen and the twins. Tyson couldn't make it to the mall but Jason was a trooper. He and Emily entertained themselves on the carosel and the Polar Express, a cute little train that drove around the stores, while Jen and I did some Christmas shopping. It was fun to be at the mall and hear Christmas music and see the fun decorations. Sometimes it's hard to get in the holiday mood here when the weather is so warm, but yesterday was actually pretty chilly so it made it even more festive. We topped the night off with a lively dinner (always lively with 4 kids under 2) at Islands. We had a great day and look forward to few weeks of playing with the Scotts.

Another carosel. Sorry, it never gets old for her.
Emily and dad on the Polar Express.
Lauren in the stroller. Pook kid, one of these days she'll get to do the big girl stuff.

Santa!

At the mall, we thought we would have Emily sit on Santa's lap, but unfortunatley since our day of sitting on Santa's lap the cost has risen dramatically. Remember the days when you could sit on Santa's lap and they would give you a poloraid to take home...those days are gone. At Santa's little house they wanted $15 for 1 picture with Santa. Fortunately for us, Emily chose to ride the Polar Express instead. But, as we were leaving, this cute Santa was sitting in Nordstrom and we even got to take our own picture for FREE. Emily was so excited. She sat on his lap for a while and told his she wants a house and a car (play ones, of course) for Christmas! Good thing she's been a good girl this year.

Attack!

After we went to the mall, we went to Tyson and Jen's parents home to regroup. While we were there one of Tyson's sisters gave Emily a little muffin. When she layed down on the floor to get her diaper changed (we know, she's not potty trained), little Berkleigh came crawling over as fast as she could and just attacked Emily's muffin. She was on Emily with her mouth all over the muffin trying to eat it. It was so funny and I was sad I couldn't get my camera out fast enough. This is only the aftermath. I guess the saying is true, "it's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Just one of those days....

Today was "just one of those days." It wasn't bad, in fact it was a really good day just with lots of twists and turns. We started the day by going to a park in our area that we had never been to. It has this great rocket ship toy. Emily imediately fell in love. It's pretty high, with 4 ladders to climb to get to the top. She was a champ. I couldn't help but feel proud of how brave she is. Sometimes it's a little scary but she is so adventurous. She went up and down those ladders about 5 times. I was thoroughly impressed. So that was a high. While at the park, I went down the slide with her. It was super fast, kindof shocked me and I let out a "holy crap." She didn't seem to noticed then but later in the day she was playing with her Little People and she had them all saying "holy crap, holy crap". I could hardly be mad since it was pretty cute. Eye opener, I really have to watch what I say. Another high was how good my girls played together today. Emily is so good to Lauren. Lauren love the swings at the park and Emily is great to push her. At this point Emily still even likes to share her toys with Lauren. I'm sure there is a time when it will not be so simple so I'm enjoying these moments now. Well, later tonight Emily was playing with her dolls and really wanted to push Lauren in her doll stroller so I obliged. It was super cute to watch. Emily was so proud and Lauren just giggled and giggled until....Lauren fell out onto the kitchen floor, the lowest point of the day. As soon as I picked her up, she had the biggest bump and it was already black and blue. It was a nervewracking couple of hours watching her to make sure she was ok but fortunately she seems to have weathered the storm. What a trooper! At the end of the day, what can I say, it was "just one of those days." (With many more to come, I'm sure.)

The Rocket Ship... with little tiny Emily at the top.
Good times in the swing and the stroller.
Pre-accident...having fun.

Comments!

Ok, so I finally was able to fix my comments. I won't tell you how mostly because I don't want you all to laugh. I'll just tell you it wasn't rocket science.

Happy Thanksgiving!

So this post is late and it comes with no pictures. I'm a slacker. We had a great Thanksgiving in San Diego with Deborah's family but unfortunately I reverted to my old habits and didn't take out the camera at all. I am kicking myself now. We had a really fun weekend and even squeezed in a visit to the Wild Animal Park again. Emily loves to ride the bus that takes you out to see the animals. We have spent the last 3 Thanksgivings at Deborah's and love the traditions there. Jason is even considered a regular at the ward Turkey Bowl. Thanks Haynies for a good time.

Girls Week In :)

So we've been slow on our posts, but we have a very good excuse. Last week, the girls and I got to go up to Sacramento to Diana's home. Her husband was out of town so she imported all the girls. My mom and Deborah joined us for a fun week. We enjoyed lots of down time, lots of talking, some shopping, a few lively games of Blokus and of course a Wii bowling tournament (Deborah came out victorious!). I had such a great time. I love my mom and sisters and it was so fun to spend some quality time with them. Thanks Diana for hosting.


Girls Night Out-at Lucille's.

Peanut!

Peanut is Emily's cousin Maddie's guinea pig. Emily was totally obsessed with her on the trip. Peanut is kept out in the garage and Emily was constantly going out there to see her. I feel a little bad for Peanut because I think there might have been a lot of poking going on but fortunately she survived Emily. Maddie was really good to help Emily hold Peanut. Thanks Maddie!

Peanut with Maddie and Emily
Peanut on a skateboard (Maddie's request)

Cousins!

Emily and Lauren had a great week playing with their cousins. It's always fun to have them spend time with family.

Lauren and Charles
Emily and Evan enjoying a friendly game of Blokus.

Mirror, Mirror?

She thinks she's the cutest one of all. And, actually we think she's pretty darn cute too. She loves this little mirror, she can always make herself smile.