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!!