CUTE LITTLE COUSINS...

After visiting the Nativity, we went to Pizza Factory (a family favorite!) for dinner. While trying to entertain so many kiddies in a restaurant can be a bit on the challenging side, we always end up having a great time.







These photos do a great job at showing Cole and Capris' little LOVE-HATE relationship. They are either the very best of friends and inseparable or at eachothers throats the whole time! They were holding hands without being prompted. Pretty cute...

LIVE NATIVITY...

I, like so many others am playing catch up, trying desperately to post all the christmas photos before they become passe. We had the neatest experience with the kids this year and plan on making it a tradition - we visited the live nativity in Alpine. We were able to see it the very last night it was running - otherwise I would have alerted all my family and friends that it was a must see... They do it every year -- so I will keep you posted next year! It was incredible... The kids had so much fun seeing (and even petting) a camel, a donkey and sheep up close. There were different representations of normal life during that time - i.e. what it was like to bake bread and make clothing. I think the whole experience made the story really come to life for them. The sweetest part was how reverent they became when entering the barn where "Mary" and "Joseph" held their "Baby Jesus." The children all stood so quietly and were mesmerized by the little scene. It was a really tender and special memory for our family and the perfect reminder of what we really celebrate on Christmas.


I know this seems like a funny little photo, but I couldn't resist documenting a dream fulfilled for little Coley. He LOVES school buses. Everyday we drive Bella to school in PG and we spot four or five on the way out. He ALWAYS asks, "Is that my bus? I want to go on a bus!" Well, for the nativity they make you park your car at a church and they bus you up to the location... He was giddy happy. Too cute!


Dave and Shelby and Girls on the bus


They had a real camel!






























Our beloved Mimi and Papa


At the very end, we all tried to squeeze into Papa's truck so that we could get back to our cars sooner than having to wait for the bus to pick us up again... So many people in such a tiny space - it had us all giggling the whole way back. :)

Breakfast with Santa...

McKay's family has the cutest tradition - breakfast with Santa Claus for all the kids. It is so adorable and we look forward to it every year... The kids had a great time. And it totally helps that the Santa is the cutest Santa you have ever seen. I was so excited that Cole was actually into Santa - he didn't scream like last year. It is so special over here -- both the kids are so excited for Christmas.



Bella with Santa



Cole with Santa



Mommy with her very own Santa ;)

To Pose or Not to Pose...

Bella is my poser. She is always game for a photo shoot.
She is so beautiful and is growing up way too fast.



Cole used to be to...and still will occassionally, but this is what I am getting lately. What can I say - Still so cute!

NAKED CHEF

Cole is currently totally into aprons. A fascination I have as well, but somehow a little less appropriate for a toddler boy! :) I am working on finding one that is a little more masculine - maybe some kind of sushi chef or bbq apron? He makes me giggle on a daily basis - just thought that I would give you a sneak peak as to what it is like around here.... I couldn't possibly love him more.

LAKE BOYS REUNION 2007

A little history first... McKay has this group of friends that he has known and grown up with his whole life. There are too many details to explain how they came to be the self-titled "Lake Boys" (A whole story in and of itself.) but that is what I have known them as since Mac and I were married. They are all amazing and all bring something different to the crowd. They are totally the type of friends that no matter how long they have been apart, things are exactly the same when they get together. I love watching them interact. We wives have grown close too - and I really enjoy spending time with them!
Our "reunion" this year was in Vegas and we spent the weekend catching up, boating, shopping, watching shows, eating out and laughing. Lots and lots of laughing... We love you guys!


Rick and Marci


Logan and Jamie


Adam and Megan


Ryan and Lisa


Mac and Steph

More Halloween...

So I for sure don't get the Mother of the Year Award for halloween pictures. I was lame and not totally on top of things - so what we did get will just have to suffice! You can tell from these photos that Cole was having a rough night - no nap...His pirate tantrum was loads of fun. And to be 100% honest - none of the kids were that into sitting down for the photos. I wish I could describe how cute everyone looked though - we had so much fun despite the chaos. Mimi (McKay's mom) always makes us feel so special and spoils the kiddies absolutely rotten. We are so lucky to have her!

Could be...

Cole (my two year old) just came to me sobbing. Really sobbing - not the pretend kind that I get a lot of the time - real tears and a runny nose too... He can hardly talk and I am having a really hard time understanding him because he is crying so hard. I get a little panicky as he tells me that his stomach hurts - what mom doesn't jump to thinking "Oh no, what did you eat?!" Then the following conversation ensued...

Bella: "Ooohh - his stomach hurts real bad mom."
Me: "I can tell - what happened?!"
(I get this real sly look - she is totally checking me out to see what my reaction will be... And all of the sudden it clicks.)
Me: "Bella, you need to tell Mommy what happened!"
Bella: "Well his stomach is hurting real bad...And it COULD be because I did it."
Me: "Did what?!"
Bella: "Well, it COULD be because I punched him."

Of course she apologized and is now in her room...Anyone want to trade? :) They are lucky that they are so cute because it saves their lives on a daily basis! :) Only teasing... I will keep them and wouldn't trade them for anything! Punching and all...

Papa's Halloween Party...

We have a monthly family night with my Dad - it is his way of getting all of us together in the same spot at least once during the month. We love it! You have never seen a cuter grandpa that puts more effort into the happiness of his grandkids! He is precious!
So October's theme was obviously Halloween. Unfortunately, my camera was dying and I didn't get nearly as many photos as I would have liked, but here are just a few. My Dad goes all out and decorates the garage to the hilt! I am sorry to not have any photos of all his effort, but next year for sure! And I wasn't even able to get a picture of all the cousins, but they all looked so cute. Here is who we did get --


Coley was and still is OBSESSED with his Pirate costume. Best money I have ever spent!


Our Beautiful Little Cleopatra. She picked out her costume all by herself and there was just no swaying her!


My sister Amy's little boy Lliam was the cutest chicken you have ever seen -


wouldn't you agree?! I love it!


My sister Leslie's little boy Hamilton was a precious lion - can't get enough of him!


My sister Stephanie's son Cody was a pirate too - Cole loved having a pirate buddy!


Cute Cousins - Caroline was an adorable little dorothy to go with her lion baby brother... Too cute!