Happy New Year!

This year we started our new tradition of a New Year's Day open house. Peter made his yummy tortilla soup, the game was on and there was a fire out back. Although, it was so cold no one really even wanted to go outside. And when we did finally go out it was so smokey from our firepit that I think we may have induced ahzthma in a couple of children!
The kids had fun playing....as seen in Sammie's room!
It was a wonderful way to spend a day-with some of our favorite people:) The food was great, the people were great and we can't wait to see you all again for next year's shabang. And I promise to take WAY more pictures. I guess I was having too much fun and forgot!
Happy New Year everyone.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Tyler, Karis & Samuel, Camille & Cole.

Nothing says happy new year like tequila.

Aaron and Christina.

Christmas

Christmas 2010 came and went in a flash. Here are some highlights....


Making cookies.

The pro.

Getting Santa's plate ready.

Christmas Eve.

Sammie got a recliner.

Dumping out the loot!

Dumping out Cole's loot.

This was the year of nerf in our house.
Nerf gun fights are pretty entertaining:)

Santa

A couple Saturdays ago Sammie's preschool did a 'Breakfast with Santa'. It was great, they had a huge breakfast, crafts, games and Santa himself showed up to spread some Christmas cheer.
I wasn't sure how Cole would handle this. Last year he did good, but you never know. To my total surprise he was ecstatic when Santa walked in waving. Cole started waving back saying, "Hi Santa"-adorabe. Then, it was our turn. We discussed the strategy and it was decided that they'd sit together. On the way up Samantha leaned over and whispered to me, "Mommy, I don't think I want to go up there." I told her it'd be fine and to be brave for her brother!:) Cole willingly walked right up and sat with Santa like they were long time pals. Sammie, too, did sit with him but she was a little leary of the whole thing. Can't blame her. It is kind of bizarre. But hey-anything for a cute photo op!
We have their previous years pictures on the mantle and this one is going up too:) On Cole's list: Mickey toys and on Sammie's list: A Barbie house and a pull-string Jessie doll. And knowing that they were VERY good this year:)--I'm pretty sure Santa's got it taken care of:)

Laguna Beach

After a full day at Disney we were ready for a change of pace. Grandpa suggested Laguna Beach. And it was great. Although it was freezing cold, we had a nice time walking around the shops, playing in the sand and in the little park on the beach and breathing in the fresh sea air.
The nice thing about the weather that day was that we hardly saw anybody on the beach. I could get used to having my own, private beach!


It was a gray, cold, windy day. But still beautiful.

We ate lunch at this wonderfu little restaurant. The food
was great but the view was even better. Every window
had ocean views.

Gma and Gpa with the kiddos.

Writing her name in the sand.

Our silly, little Cole.

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.