We took a Family triP to the PaciFic Science Center with our Friends the Fernandez Family. There aren't a lot oF Pictures but a Few stories. We decided to venture and see our First Laser show, they were doing it to Christmas music so we thought it would be Fun 4 the whole Family. Everyone was excited until the lights when comPletely out and then desPite the really cool Pictures on the ceiling that danced to music Tyler and McKenna both went a little bizerk-clinging to their Parents and crying almost hysterically. I was able to calm Tyler down, as long as I held her, and well McKenna-I think she may have cried the whole time. I think there is a Fear oF the dark we were unaware oF, well that couPled with loud noises, not a good combination. We survived though and John and I thought it was Pretty great, as 4 Tate I don't think he was quite sure what was going on, but he survived and was a bit more stable.

The butterFly house was by Far the Favorite sPot oF the day. What's not to love? little bundles oF haPPiness Floating around.

Sadly that butterFly didn't last too much longer aFter this Picture was taken. I think John told me he looked uP and at that time Tate Fell on it?

This butterFly must've like McKenna's hair, cuz she decided to stoP and take a closer look.

One also landed on Tate, and then kids tried to coax the butterFlies to choose them next

Tyler Finally got lucky when this one liked the design on her dress.

last but not least, the Picnic table in the background-as I sat at it a short time later a 'runaway' cockroach was Found crawling uP the back oF my jacket. EW!!!

Other than that we had a Great time at the PaciFic Science Center with our Dad and Friends.

Dashing through the...parking lot

A lil overwhelmed at the amount of posting that needs to be done so I'll move forward and then fill in the blanks as I go....

With only a week before Christmas we took advantage ofp this surprisingly sunny day and The Old Cannery 4 our annual Horse and Carriage ride. It was especially appreciated my our lil horse lovers.

Tyler picked out the horse and carriage of choice after a good ride and conversation we all gave our horse Sir Lancelot a kiss on the way out.

Good Times at the The Old Cannery!

New Years Goals

Today McKenna came home with a paper titled "My New Year's Wish"
The assignment to draw a picture of something she wished to happen in the New Year.



Her wish: "To go to My cusins"
Because: "its grat"
I- my wish came true, I would -eel: "happy"

Enough Said....

Letters To Santa

On Dec 8th the kids wrote letters and mailed them to Santa:

We were surprised when a few weeks later they received individual responses in the mail from Santa. Nicely typed up letters. They were thrilled.

They also received a nice email from Santa-be4 we knew Santa would respond via mail. Guess he's covering all his basis. :) The kids loved seeing their pictures in Santa's book, and then when the elves put their names in the Good or Bad machine and the result was a green light, they started jumping up and down. Nothing like being on the Good List right before Christmas.

Coop Cleanup

ofp

When it comes to the chicken coop it evokes different reactions from the girls. Tyler is always more than happy to help clean the coop. McKenna on the other hand, struggles. It pry doesn't help that it's become a form of punishment to pay for things.

I snapped a few pictures mostly because she pretty much cleaned the whole thing (with the help from her dad) while holding her nose. It had been over a week since it had been cleaned, so I can't blame her.

A Rat, a rat....

While making dinner this evening I heard the kids playing with their new balloon animals grandma had just made them. Suddenly excited screams arose and then a claim, "a rat, a rat". My heart jumped and then I listened to the rest of the conversation....and they were just pretending. I love when real life situations make their way into pretend play. So much funnier when it's not real.

Baking with Grandma: Donuts

These are our Bakers in Training: Grandma Harris got the kids a donut maker 4 Christmas, and knew she needed to teach us how to use the machine so that we would use it. She is so wise! The kids had a great time and even started a dialogue for their own cooking show. It was funny. Knowing these were staying in the house there was a lot of taste testing.

Did I mention taste testing?

Decorating

Let the Eating Commence

YUMMY! Thank you Grandma!

Family photo Shoot

Grandma surprised us with matching pajamas this year. I think she got some for everyone in the extended Family and wanted to showcase us all to her friends for Christmas. It was fun to do and to get pictures infront of the Christmas Tree.

You always need to look at the fruits of your labor. Thanks for being our photographer and thank you for the cute pajamas Grandma. We love you!

Gingerbread Houses, Christmas Tree & parties

Dec 3rd was a busy Day to really kick off the Holiday Season.

It began with making Gingerbread houses at the library (minus the ginger). The kids love going and the library provides all the material. It's awesome!

Then off to McLendon's for our Christmas Tree. Not quite the Cut yourself but the right price.

After dropping John off we headed downtown to the Santa parade. A little chilly, but worth it.

That's a Harris Tractor-and finishing up with Santa coming to Town.

We hurried home to get the pie and the girls dressed up since they would be in the Ward Nativity this year.

Tyler was our Angel and McKenna debuted as a Star in the Ward Nativity-the kids all did a great job!

Ending the night with a visit with Santa Claus

Tate is still not too sure of Santa and that's ok.

A very busy and very fun Day.