File Cleanup

Trying to clean up my own files…need to post these for the book :). One of my favorite things to do is take the kids to Springs Preserve…so much to see, do, learn, play, create, etc. They love it and so do I! Also posting pics of Mike's latest triathlon…so proud of him for all the work he puts into his body - er…racing :)

Christmas Pics!

So my mom and Chuck always come to town at Thanksgiving time and not only do we get to celebrate a nice Thanksgiving at home, but we get to celebrate "Christmas" too! I'll share more pics soon of both holidays but need to post the pictures that we took for our own holiday cards while they were in town. Both mom and Chuck let me run around yelling at everyone, checking camera settings, posing, and basically being the crazy person that I can be but they kept a smile on their faces the whole time :). Thanks mom for taking pics so I could be in the pics and thanks Chuck for getting the kids to smile….You guys are the best!

Day 2: Pinocchio spills the coffee!

Pinocchio is Back!

Chase is very much so old enough to fully understand the spirit of Christmas this year which makes me one very happy mama! I'm looking forward to bringing back last year's Elf on the Shelf (our Elf is Pinocchio) and starting a few new traditions as well…Pinocchio came back a couple of nights ago but last night he filled up our advent calendar with lots of fun surprises. Some are fairly sweet (this morning was to walk to get a hot chocolate) while others are a bit more thoughtful (taking all of our change to the Salvation Army, bringing dog food to shelters). Chase is beyond excited about both the elf and the advent calendar. I think Mike would agree that his face lit up when he saw the elf brighter than it did at Disney!

California!

What a fun trip we had to California for Chase's birthday! Beach, Disney (his first time!) and hanging out with Pete and Katy equaled a seriously great time!

Mike and Chase spent all day playing ball and Audrey could practically live at the beach. She can dig for hours upon hours :)

 This was actually on the car ride down…loved her sweet sleeping face...

 Birthday celebration in Newport… this kid had a lot of celebrations!

 On to….DISNEY! He chose California Adventure to hang out in Cars land. Both kids were super good, Auds even napped a couple of times there. We had a full day from 9-7 and they were such troopers. Unfortunately Chase wasn't tall enough for the coolest ride there but he had fun none the less!

 I definitely think I was more excited than the kids were for the end of day parade but we all had fun (I think!)... I wish we had gone to the Disney side just for the parade….the CA parade was cool but nothing like seeing the Disney classics in parade mode!

 On to Pete & Katy's…we met a pig, carved pumpkins and did lots of catch up!

 Halloween was spent in Brentwood where Mike was mistaken for David Arquette (by Courtney Cox herself :)), Audrey counted her candy every couple of houses, Chase wasn't scared the least by the Modern Family style haunted houses that were put on in garages, and Audrey pounded on doors like she owned the places! This was our first year trick or treating with both kids really doing it and I hope I never forget the fun and excitement in their eyes. Trick or treating this year was the most magical part of the trip. Even if she didn't get to keep her candy, Audrey was sooooo beyond thrilled to get it. She even started bartering at the end of the day, trading perfectly good candy out for suckers which are her favorite! Chase was not as excited about his own candy, just so long as Audrey didn't steal it!

 Pizza party after trick or treating…those kids were HUNGRY!

 Visiting Shane on our way out of town...

 Oops…back to the hotel with his Disney loot….sideways pic and all :)