For Ages 4 and Up (Way Up)

Sophie received this cute little Leapster for Christmas. It has these really fun games that help her learn the alphabet, spell small words, and begin the process of learning to read. Apparently, Tim finds these games useful as well. Moments before this picture he raised his hands in the air in excitement because he just achieved a new high score. The learning just never stops in this house.

What's wrong?

What's wrong Mommy? Just pretend I'm not standing on this chair....just focus on how cute I am.

Christmas 2008

Noah was very excited to get his new big wheel for Christmas! He and Sophie took a quick ride around the living room before they opened the rest of their presents.

This little butterfly dress with wings is the only thing Sophie wanted for Christmas. We made her open several presents before this and each time you could see her little face getting more and more worried that Santa might have forgotten. So, instead of having her wait until the last present, we let her open it sooner. She was so excited and had to put it on right away!

Noah is showing off his new power tools. Now he can be just like Daddy!

If it has any princess on it, Sophie is in love with it. She's pretty easy to please!

A cute picture of Sophie and Noah with their Auntie Jen....we were so glad she could make it out and spend the day with us! Overall, we feel very blessed and grateful this year. We had such a wonderful day with family and the kids were so excited all day long. Can't wait for next year!

Sophie and Auntie Michelle getting ready for the big day!

Papa and Noah hamming it up for the camera!

Auntie Lourdes reading Sophie a princess story.

Auntie Paula and Mama hanging out and having seconds!

Auntie Jen and Auntie Michelle getting ready to get their grub on.

Noah's New Game

Noah thinks it's really funny to run from me and hide when it's time to get dressed in the morning. This particular morning, he decided to run screaming with laughter to his sister's room.

Noah recruited Sophie to join him in his mischief.

They think they're a bunch of comedians.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! We are feeling very blessed this year and pray for another wonderful year ahead! Here's a picture of Sophie leaving Christmas cookies out for Santa!

Sophie and Noah do their best pose for the camera....can you tell they're giddy with excitement?

Christmas Program 2008

Sophie and her class had their annual Christmas Program this week. She did such a great job singing and was so excited to wear her beautiful Christmas dress!

Here's the whole group together. Sophie was a little nervous at first, but she warmed up quickly and did wonderfully!

Daddy and Sophie after the show.

Sophie and her best friend, Emilie. These two are inseparable at school. They were even a little chatty during the program and the teacher stuck a poor little boy in between them to keep these two quiet!!!

The things we do for a little white stuff

Yesterday, Tim proclaimed there was snow on Mt. Diablo...lots of it. It was freezing cold so there was really no reason to doubt him. We decided to bundle the kids up and take them to our bay area mountain to play and sled in the snow. Long story short.....the trip was freezing, foggy, scary, and included a 10 mile winding road that caused Mommy to, well....let's just say I felt the queasiness in a pull-the-car-over kind of way. Oh yeah, did I mention we never actually made it to the snow? That's right....they closed the road at the top of the hill and some people parked and made the 4.5 mile uphill trek to the snow. We Californians go crazy for a little white stuff!!! We took one look at each other and headed back down the hill. As Sophie said, "It's ok Daddy, maybe another day!"

I'm so cool.

Here's Mr. Cool himself. He thinks he's too cool to smile for Mommy.

Oh, here's the lovable smile I love! See why I have such a hard time disciplining this child?

Merry Christmas to Me!!

It's quite possible I'm starting to fall in love.....with (gasp!) cooking. Who knew a dutch oven named Le Creuset would do the trick?! I have been eyeing this product for a while now, occasionally wondering what all the fuss was about and hearing from other "owners" about their fabulousness. Finally, while Tim and I were shopping, they were offering a deal we couldn't refuse and since I will be cooking Christmas dinner...Tim offered to buy it as an early Christmas present. Now, please understand that I do cook all the time....I just never really enjoyed the process the way others have. I never really obsessed over recipes or felt the need to make the perfect stuffing. It wasn't me....and I don't think it is now.....BUT, I will say this little number has improved my relationship with my kitchen and if I wasn't sold on it before, I am now! For those of you who do not like to cook or never feel like certain dishes come out the right way....you MUST get one of these. It's going to cost you, but I promise your husband (or wife!) will thank you (and me!). Now, I have to go and look up some more delicious recipes to cook in my new cherry red beautiful dutch oven! Seriously, who am I?

Isn't she beautiful? I made a killer chicken tetrazzini tonight.