THE COUSINS ARE COMING!

My kids have been so excited for Chad & Jackie's girls to come down for Christmas. We all went out to BJ's tonight and the girls plus Gavin are all asleep downstairs by the Christmas tree. They took turns singing reditions of their favorite Christmas songs by the tree.

Temple Night with the Girls

Carmen, Kelly, Jenny and I went to the Los Angeles Temple Friday night. It was a long drive, which is always interesting with me in the drivers seat. The lights were so beautiful and the Temple was peaceful and beautiful. We finished off the night with some yummy food at PF Changs. Thanks Jenny for setting it all up!

Work Family Christmas Celebration

This particular party marked the kids 4th, that's correct Fourth, visit to Santa. I intentionally left out the other pics as I knew there would be many more. There was the Santa at the old and new Ward, the Santa at Knotts, and now the Santa at the work pary that came in a fire truck with a police escort. There are also 2 other scheduled Santa encounters. Sadly, at this point the kids are becoming a little disenchanted with the Santa's lap thing. "Again?!?"

Ward Party

We went to the Christmas party in our new ward. There was a Santa, of course, and a "snowball" fight hundreds of jumbo cotton balls (which was probably the most awesome thing Gavin had seen in his four years!)

It's Begining to Look a lot Like Christmas!

This is without a doubt, our favorite time of year. It was hard to move in December and make sure all the Holiday traditions were remembered and executed. But we made it! I am really loving the new place and wanted to take a few pics of our House gone Holiday.

Happy Who-lidays

Halle had crazy hair day at school and so we did Who Hair. It was pretty cute... it was my first time and next time will know exactly what not to do.

Knotts Berry Farm

We went to our annual trip to Knotts for the police and fire salute. Mike got us hotel rooms in Anaheim so we stayed there the night before (thanks again, Mike). It was very crowded and very cold, but we made the best of it and ended up having a really good time. The ice skating show was probably the best part of the day. It was really fun to watch and really nice to see a public show that incorporated the birth of Christ!

at the hotel

all gavin wanted was this lollipop

the boys on Supreme Scream

Halle's missing tooth

Halle FINALLY lost a tooth, as many know, she has been waiting and waiting for this day! It had been loose for a while and after dinner last night she popped it out! I have never seen her so elated!!

putting it under the pillow


in the morning, less a tooth and $4 richer

Thanksgiving

Here are some of our favorite pics from Thanksgiving. Eric had to work but was able to stop in for the food at least. It was a nice, lazy day.

Grandpa carving the turkey

"why the heck am i not at the table??"

When i got to my mom's, i asked her if she was going to change or wear sweats all day like last year. She came out in different, i suppose "dressier", thanksgiving sweats.

special isaac

We went for a bike ride the other day and Isaac saw the other kids putting on their helmets so he wanted to wear one too which was kinda cute, for a minute or so. He wore the helmet ALL DAY! In the car, at dinner, and he tried to wear it to bed. It has been hidden ever since.

Isaac is 2!

My little baby turned two! I can't believe how the time has flown! He is truly a joy. He is as sweet as he is monstrous and has taken me places the other kids never have! I have called pioson control numerous times and tore lots of hairs out, but he is so stinkin' cute it's easy to get over. Happy Birthday, Isaac!

Some of Isaac's favorite things

person: mommy or maybe grandpa

food: alfredo noodles

thing to piont out: motorcycles and policeman, said "meatman"

drink: water

place to go: mcdonald's

thing to get into: any cupboard, extra danger = more fun!

friend: katie (halle's friend, but he speaks of her often!)

book: goodnight moon & nursery rhymes

tv show: my friends tigger and pooh & of course, elmo

phrase: "i have a idea..." & "no, i don't want to"

Isaac's dr appointment was yesterday, he weighed 31 pounds and was 34.5 inches tall! When the nurse came in with the little shot tray he started screaming, "No, not today... not today!!"

new motorcycle

And the winner is...

Halle! She got 2 awards at her school's assembly on Wednesday. She got an Attendance Award and the Excellence in Reading Award. We are so proud of her. She loves school and homework and is obsessed with math and is constantly doing math problems all day. She plows through her homework the day she brings it home and is always sneaking books in bed with her. We love you

Halle!!

A Day Out with Thomas

This is the 3rd year that Eric has taken Gain to see Thomas. He comes to Perris every November and it always happens to be right around Gavin's birthday. This year Isaac got to go too. Here are some pictures of their day...



getting new trains
isaac thrilled with his tat


riding Thomas
with the conductor

Gavin is 4

I am a few days behind, but Gavin turned 4 on November 12! Here are his current stats (thanks for the idea Beth)

Gavin's favorite things:
Color: Red

Foods: Spaghetti (but this really means plain noodles with parmesan cheese) & Chicken Nuggets

Drinks: Water

Movie: Power Rangers Turbo
TV Show: Power Rangers SPD & Operation Overdrive & Ninja Storm

Song: The Grinch Song

Book: Diego Halloween Book, Any Dr. Seuss

Toy: Cars

Store: Stater Brothers (this is funny... I am laughing and asking Gavin why and he replies "they have donuts, I like donuts")

Games: Hide & Seek

Best friends: Miles & Ian & cousin Zack

Word/phrase: "What the..."

Lists from Kera...

T.V. Shows I Love To Watch
1. Survivor
2. The Soup
3. The Young and the Restless (I know... I know... I thought about lying)
4. Chelsea Lately
5. Hannah Montana
6. Gossip Girl
7. So You Think You Can Dance
8. Biggest Loser
(wow... how embarrasing!!)

Things that Happened Yesterday
1. Had Gavin's 4th birthday party
2. Looked at some homes
3. Talked to Jen on the phone
4. Went to Party Tyme
5. Ate WAY too much cheese ball
6. Baked cupcakes
7. Visited with friends and family
8. Read some more of The Letters

Favorite Places to Eat
1. My MOM's... it's soo good and free!
2. Juice It Up
3. Chili's
4. Ruth's Chris
5. BJ's
6. Taco Shop
7. Claim Jumper
8. California Pizza Kitchen

Things I Look Forward To:
1. Bedtime! (not mine, but the kids)
2. Thanksgiving
3. Christmas
4. Spending time with family
5. Colder weather!
6. A good work-out
7. Vacationing (someday)
8. Having some "work done" (amen, Katie!)

Things on My Wish List
1. Be more organized
2. New beds for the kids
3. See last list #8
4. Improved Economy
5. To be in better shape
6. Getting my fitness certification
7. Financial Freedom
8. More down time

Before Church

Just a cute picture of the kids playing before church