Disneyland

Last weekend we went to Disneyand. We only spent one day there and decided that next time we really need a couple of days. We were running through that park trying to give the kids a glimpse of the magic. It was so fun to watch their faces--sometimes terrified--mostly happy. Sammie met her 3 favorite princesses, and we had lots of interaction with characters, which Cole was not too sure about. He would get excited when we spotted them but then when we got up close he'd just say "no" and hug me tight. He was brave though and made it through.
We had Grammie and Gpa South and Gma and Gpa Loughrige with us too. It was fun. Peter and I aren't sure who had more fun-the kids or the grandparents! It was a great family memory that we'll cherish.

The night before...
Cole and Sammie were super excited the night before. Cole loved the whole "hotel experience". The big bed, the tvs, the view from the window-it was all very exciting. But his favorite-jumping on the bed and sitting right in front of the tv with his sister watching Christmas cartoons.

The park...

We had a great time at Disneyland. We went on rides, ate to our hearts content...churros, biegnets, corn dogs, candy..., laughed, watched a parade, fireworks and wore ourselves out! It was fabulous. The park was decorated for Christmas. It was gorgeous-ornate wreaths and garland everywhere you looked. The parade even had Santa and Mrs. Clause and it snowed after the fireworks. And the fireworks!!! Green and red Christmas fireworks, happy faces, and even hearts. Never seen anything like it. Not sure if I will ever want to go back to Disneyland any other time of year.

The Buzz Lightyear ride. Cole was not sure about this. It was our

first ride and we just kind of threw him in!

Cinderella.

Snow White.

Her favorite, Sleeping Beauty. We have NEVER seen Samantha

as quiet and shy as she was with the princesses, it cracked us up!

Wishing well, Sammie was singing into it.

Our first encounter--Goofy's nose bonked Cole

on the head, he didn't like that.

Minnie.

Cheeseballs.

Pluto.

On Gpa's shoulders. This is where I spent

most of my childhood!

Sleeping Beauty's castle-it was amazing, especially

at night all lit up.

Her ears. "This one will be great Mommy cause

I'm into wedding stuff". Ha!

Watching the parade in amazement. He'd wave to the characters

as they went by and yell to us like we didnt' see them. So fun to

watch him experience this.

Gingerbread House

Yesterday was Gingerbread house day at Sammie's school. Moms or Dads get to come in and help the kiddos make their houses. So much fun. Sammie had a little village by the time we were done, it was so cute. Complete with a house, lake, garden, mailbox and Christmas tree. And this year she actually wants eat the candy! (As does her hungry, growing brother too.) Last year she didnt' really get that part:)
She was so proud to bring her house home and show Cole and Peter. She didn't want to eat a bite til Daddy saw it! Ha!

Thanksgiving

This Thansgiving we were so blessed to spend with out good friends Jeremy and Rachel and their little cute guy Asher.
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It was fabulous...fresh wintery mountain air, snow, lots and lots of food, movies, apple cider and great company. The whole "travel with all ingrediants for Thanksgiving...including a 20lb turkey (Rachel-ha)" was total insanity. Delicious, comical, and ridicuous! I don't suggest it. I think next time we do this....it's pizza, or stew, or anything else-ha!

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The kids has so much fun playing in the snow, making snowmen, throwing snowballs, watching movies, playing games, throwing rocks and sticks in the river, and just running around like maniacs.


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It was really sweet...when Asher had to do his breathing treatments Sammie would go sit with him. So adorable. On the way home Sammie told me, "Mommy, you know why I sat with Asher? So his Mommy and Daddy could sit with you and he woudn't be lonely". What a girl.

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I do have to say that my favorite memories were taking the kids down to the icy river/pond and watching the line of ducks waddle in, snuggling in front of the fire with apple cider, seeing the bundled up cuties in their snow gear, and when the daddies took the kiddos for hikes so Rachel and I could have time to chat, shower, and shop at the little antique shop. So many good memories. Can't wait to do it again.

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The drive home was kind of wild. Huge snowstorm, accidents, road closures and 8 hours to get home! The kids did shockingly well, so that was awesome. Never a dull moment. It was kind of fun driving home in the snow and getting covered in snowflakes ever time we stopped.

Zoo

Last week we met up with our cousins at the zoo. It was a gorgeous day. It was a little overcast and cool. Ah-fall in AZ, I love it! The zoo was great. Saw the Koalas-which if you haven't seen them yet are very cute but don't do much other than sleep. Cole got to see his lions (his favorites!) And the kids played forever in the kids area. They love their cousins!
The big news of the day though was that Sammer Jammer wore jeans!!!!! She doesn't like jeans, has never wore them and I was pretty sure she never would. Why this bothers me, not sure. But I think it was a battle of the wills more than anything. And Mommy won! That's right. She wore jeans and looked super cute in them, so now, as promised I will be going to Target to buy her a sparkly belt. She saw the belts a while ago and wanted one and I told her she can't have one unless she wears her jeans and now she did.

Daredevil

While Nana was here a couple weeks ago, we went to this small, little church carnival up the street. It was cute. They had little rides, games and lots of prizes. Sammie and Cole did a cake walk and won an entire plate of cookies...ok, they were the only ones doing the cake walk and the lady rigged it so they'd win! Ha! The best part for sure was there was this giant slide. Sammie wanted to do it!!! Those of you who know Sammie well know she is not a risk taker or daredevil so we were shocked! Peter even went on, which may even be more shocking-:) Here they are flying down. Peter said it went pretty fast. Sammie said she liked it but her face was pretty serious all the way down.