For he's a jolly good fellow...

We had a night away from the kids and were able to go to San Diego to celebrate my father-in-law's 60th birthday. It's been a rough year, but family is what really matters and I think that's what keeps this man going. He sure is a hard worker and a fighter. We feel blessed to live nearby to celebrate these days together!

Preschool Program

These are always entertaining aren't they?
The Gals

Here she is towering over everyone...just like her mommy, poor kid.
These two have grown to be great friends....I wonder if they'll be in Kindergarten together?!

Audrey's Birthday

Audrey turned 7 this year. 7!! She and Alli have been great buddies. It's been fun seeing them get along better and better as they get older and the age difference starts to blend together. Audrey is an energetic little cookie. She is amazing when you give her a task to do. She is a take charge kinda girl and loves to do things for others. She is a HUGE animal lover (hense the dog cake--created by her daddy) She loses teeth like it's goin out of style. She is a crack up when she plays house...she's very imaginative. I've loved seeing her really delve into school and excel. It's hard to imagine not seeing her grow up before my eyes. I love it.! And with a birthday, always comes....a party!!! And THOSE are NEVER dull...trust me.


I dream one day of Alli and Cole being close like these two.


It's gonna be hard to see this little guy grow up...he is a DADDY'S BOY!


For posterity's sake, here is Alli biting her nails...not sure she is ever caught NOT biting them. It's gonna be a hard habit to break. Maybe the caos led her to do it this time :)


And last but not least, Dan, Uncle Dan, never fails to make someone cry.


And that's how it's done folks...never a dull moment when it comes to celebrating together!

Now THAT's a birthday party

I'm not sure how Brittany pulled it off but she never disappoints! She went all out for this one...Todd's 30th birthday. She rented a hotel room and we all came in disguise and then revealed our true superhero selves before the guest of honor arrived. How did he get in costume without knowing about the party you ask? Um, his wife brought it, and how she got him in it I'll never know. He's a good sport that kid. A little mask action, some gloves, a wig in my case, and some mens underwear for most, and voila! You have yourself a super action packed party. BAM!

The Incredibles

Who says you have to drink to have fun? We just dress up like superheroes...although after we left the place, I'm sure the cleanup crew wondered where the beer bottles were....they musta thought we were looney.

You went to Disneyland??

Of course what's a birthday celebration without going to Disneyland?? This was for Audrey-

I love this sequence.
Audrey wanted a picture by herself.
Well, then Alli wanted one by herself but Audrey wanted one with Alli first. Alli was not thrilled.

Then we explained that Audrey just wanted a picture with her first and then she could do one by herself. So she humored us.

But Audrey certainly couldn't resist the temptation to be seen in Alli's photo (see the background) I love that kid....she's a lot like her uncle :)

Maddie is old enough to take the younger kids on the ride!!
(We didn't tell her he likes to dress up as her...we're hoping it's a phase...do they sell prince costumes?? We need one. BAD.)
Is that Cole on Tower of Terror you ask?? Why yes....
...and this is how. Cole?! Whatever could that be in your shoes?
...

You know how you give a kid a present and they just want to play with the box? We take our kids to Disneyland and they prefer to wash the walls with a wipe. Go figure.

Allison's Recent Masterpieces

(Baby Kaitlyn)

(Cinderella)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

I would say most of our family traditions are centered around Christmas time. There are tons of traditions that I have brought from my upbringing, but the fun part is creating traditions that just started with us and our little family of 5! We have the kids write to Santa each year and he ALWAYS writes back. Good thing Santa reads code because that's what Cole's was written in. Allison on the other hand is starting to do the laundry list of wants for Christmas. I think all the items revolved around Ariel. I think it will be cute to look back at how the things she wants will evolve...from Ariel to cell phones no doubt!
(Ariel Costume and Ariel Purse)

I love love love the way a tree looks with large light bulbs...it makes is glow.

It's so cute to look at the tree when we're done and see how the kids placed 4 ornaments on one low branch. They really love decorating the tree.
At some point, we'll have to put together and sequence of these pictures from year to year. I think I'm pregnant or have a new baby in each one!