Disney for a Day!

So last Saturday Sharie and John called us up and asked if we'd like some FREE tickets to Disneyland! We drove out Monday night, played all day Tuesday, and drove back Tuesday night. The boys had a blast!

Jacob's favorite ride was (of course!) the "Buzz Lightyear" ride-- we got to spin in our seats and shoot aliens! You can just barely see the tops of the boys' heads.

The new "Nemo" submarine ride was really cool--had underwater animation from the movie. I love the expression on Braden's face in these photos-- he was just fascinated with everything at Disney--never scared and never cried--amazing! His face was constantly puckered saying "ooo!" and pointing with delight.

The boys had tons of fun at "Goofy's House."

"Tarzan's Treehouse" was a fun climb... hmm.... does anyone besides me remember this as "Swiss Family Robinson's Treehouse?"

Jacob was always plugging his ears. He still had fun though!


We loved the "Autopia" cars too--check out my hottie boys!

"Tinsel"

This Christmas we have a visitor. We named him Tinsel, and he is one of Santa's elves. Every day he hides somewhere in our home and watches us. Then at night he flies back to the North Pole to report back to Santa. This helps Santa to know if we have been naughty or nice. Ava and Brycen love Tinsel. They watch him to see if his eyes move or if he turns his head and try harder to be EXTRA good for Santa. It is so cute to watch their faces and answer their questions about Tinsel. I think this will be a fun tradition for our family.

Oh, Dallas!

MIA - our camera's battery charger. So I haven't been snapping photos lately. Maybe sometime I'll get some Thanksgiving pics from my sister or mom to share. We all had a great time with my family this year and of course the food was fantastic! I love me some good food. Now we're looking forward to Christmas, realizing that it is coming TOO fast!

Just thought I'd share a funny photo from a while ago. This is what happens when mommy is not paying attention. Dallas LOVES to climb onto the counter and get into things. Here he got into an ink pad and had some fun! Luckily it was washable!
Another time he was in my lap while I was working on something on the computer and I let him hold my empty hot cocoa mug - I thought he might get a taste. No. When I look down a little bit later, he's covered in chocolate with his hand in the mug trying to dig more out! I should have known - he always knows how to make a good mess! I just had to laugh because even when I'm holding him, he can cause trouble... I constantly have to keep my eye on that kid or else I find him "discovering" something new and fun! =)

Jacobisms from Grandma Day

Jacob: "Sometimes I get food in my toes."
Grandma: "And what do you do then?"
Jacob: "I just pick it out."

"I wasn't being a good boy and I was making my mom a little bit crazy. But I said sorry to her."

(While holding up and "reading" the directions to a board game)
"Get one card out and see wherever you go and you bonk it with a bonker first you scrompt it with two letters and you shut it down and get it two times ready. That's it Grandma!"

Grandpa: "Where did you get that happy meal?"
Jacob: "I went to McDonald's"
Grandpa: "Oh, did your Mom take you there?"
Jacob: "Ya, but when it was time to go home I freaked!"

Last night it started snowing. Then it snowed all day today. After work, we all went outside and assembled the biggest snow "princess" I have ever seen! It is a snow princess because Ava said so...

It probably snowed 8-10 inches in the last 48 hours. This snow princess is close to 9 feet tall! (or more - we are not really sure!) The other cool part is that most of the snow used to build her is from the driveway. We still have most of the snow on the front yard still available! I can't remember the last time it snowed like this here!

Next on the list... SLEDDING!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, we faced the weather and traveled once again to Portland Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with the family. It was wonderful to see my parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, and the little cousins! Ava and Brycen love to play with their cousins Jett, Tucker and Dallas!

On Black-Friday - Mom, Ashley, Kimbre and Mandy - all got up early and headed out for long lines and great deals. We did pretty good and had fun!

A great surprise for the weekend was when Ava asked Kimbre to cut her hair! FINALLY! - I have been wanting it cut for-ev-er! It looks SO cute!

But the BEST surprise of all... well, you'll have to ask Kimbre!

Service is Sweet!

A 12 year-old girl in the YW in our ward called me a few weeks ago, and asked if she could use Ava as her fist 10 hour project for the Personal Progress Program. She wanted to learn to sew. So she decided to make Ava a princess dress, and a skirt for herself. Then she invited Ava over for a tea party! What a special treat for my Ava! Two of her favorite things - with one of her favorite people! I thought this idea was so tender and showed a unique perspective on what service CAN be. Here are a few pictures of the party!

Doll face! - She is getting so big and beautiful!

Sweet boys

Jason posted this on facebook and it's definitely blog-worthy.

I was laying on the floor because I didn't feel well and Jacob said "Head up Dad." Then he stuck a pillow under my head, put a blanket on my back, and sang me a song while he patted my back. Then Braden sat on me like a horse, pulled my hair, and stuck his finger in my nose. My boys always know how to make me feel better!

Halloween 2010

Our little Ballerina and our handsome Pirate! Aaarg!

GO BRONCOS!

KISS ME! Family Fun & Catching up

Pucker up!!

Blowing Kisses!

All Done!

Braden's Birthday-- AAA! So this is TWO MONTHS LATE! Oops! He had fun picking at his cupcake and openning gifts. The guitar from Nana was lots of fun! Thanks Nana!

Airplane show with Grandpa. I love how Jacob and Grandpa match with their hats and glasses in this photo!

Family Night building with Daddy. We love going to Lowes and Home Depot on Saturdays for their free kids workshop. We took this one home and decided to don our safety glasses and have some fun. Braden always wants to do it too!

Snort! Haha! Jacob had these glasses on a little low!

Happy Halloween Buckaroo!

We had lots of fun this Halloween! Holidays just get better and better with kids. This year Jacob was a cowboy and Braden was his cow--haha! We had a little trouble getting Jake to wear his costume, until he figured out the candy part of things! He was so cute! I taught him to say "Howdy Buckaroo!" to people and he was very polite saying his "Trick-or-Treat!" and thankyous. It was a fun time at our ward's Trunk-r-Treat. Afterwards, Braden wanted a candy too, and was DETERMINED to get through that wrapper. He finally did, and after a few licks used it as hair gel-- very fun! He's getting bigger and smarter every day-- determined to do whatever brother is doing! We love our boys!

In Tribute

Happy Birthday, Daddy - I miss you. You would have been 89 years old today!



It's a beautiful Autumn day in Portland today, so I took some photos and dedicate them to you - for all the years of unconditional love you gave to me and our family; for all the laughter you brought to those around you; for your kind, gentle service; and especially for your courage, and patience, and dignity during the last years of your life. You are my hero! I love you forever.