Finally on two wheels!

What a momentous day! We took the kids to the park this afternoon to let Brayden try out his new bike from Santa. While there we watched a little girl the same age as Kaity learn to ride her bike without training wheels. When we got home, the little girl next door came over with her new Christmas bike-without training wheels. Within 2 minutes Kaity came running in the door begging daddy to "take off my baby wheels." We took them off and Kaity took off like a rocket! She's riding like she's been on two wheels forever. Now Brayden is trying to keep up. We give him another couple of weeks and then he'll be on two wheels as well.

Merry Christmas!

I thought that Kaitlynn was going to have a heart attack when she opened her Hannah Montana doll from Santa.
Brayden sure had a good day as well- a new bike and candy candy candy!
My little Diva.
Happy 34th birthday Travis! What a great Christmas we had. It has been a long day but a peaceful day. Each kid played with their own new toys so there wasn't an argument all day! What a great Christmas present for mom! Wish you all could have been here with us! Merry Christmas!

Nutcracker

I remember when Bryce was little and he would line up all his stuffed animals and they were on Santas sleigh. Well Brayden is the new updated version of that. He plays polar express every day all day. I couldn't resist snapping a shot of this. So like Bryce but uniquely Brayden!

We decided that Kaitlynn was finally old enough to attend the ballet this year, so for one of Kaity's gifts we took her to see the Nutcracker last night. I don't know who was more excited. Kaitlynn or daddy. She loved every minute of the first half, but started to droop after intermission. She was pretty excited that she was able to go out with mommy and daddy without Brayden. I think that this will be our new Christmas tradition.

Cold Snap!

At our adult ward Christmas party grandma convinced Kaitlynn to sing a song as part of the program. Too be honest it didn't take much convincing. Kaity LOVES to be in the spotlight! I was pretty worried about it because while practicing all morning long she didn't have the right tune. By some miracle when push came to shove, she did great!

He thinks he's flying to the moon.
Today we woke up to a cold snap. I know that we are wusses for crying about 58' degree weather, but that was freezing for us. Especially when yesterday was 85 with 85% humidity. It was exciting to pull out our jackets (even if it was just for today) and head for the park. Brayden was ecstatic that mommy was finally playing with him. Usually it is too hot and we sit in the shade for as long as we can stand it. Brayden has a great imagination. He took us on the polar express to the north pole and ended the afternoon fishing for whales and turtles with daddy(last picture). What fun he is!

Christmas at Seaworld and down-town Disney

What another busy day we had today. We took Kaitlynn out of school at noon today and headed for Sea World. We had a beautiful day- warm weather, no crowds and lots of Christmas fun. We even got to ride the polar express to the north pole and see Santa. After we were soaked on the boat ride, we decided to hit the streets of down town Disney. We watched a few Christmas programs and window shopped. It was a great family outing. We sure wish more of you lived here in Florida with us. Wouldn't you rather be wearing shorts than shoveling snow!!! Just something to think about! :)

Gear'in up for the holidays

Howdy! Hang'in Christmas lights in shorts! Gotta love Florida!
Someday I might learn to ride on two wheels!:)
Sundays wear grandma out!
What a busy day we had today! It feels like I have been going since the crack of dawn! Today our realtor wanted to have one last open house before our listing contract is up. I have been doing last minute cleaning since 8:00 am then managed to get us all to church semi- ontime. After church we headed to the grandparents for a yummy lunch!- thanks grandpa!- where the kids "helped" supervise as grandpa hung the christmas lights. After awhile (much to grandpa's relief I'm sure) they decided to amuse themselves riding bikes. Mommy thought that was a fine idea- she just didn't realize they were riding through the neighbors sprinklers! So we had to dry off before we could head over to the festival of the nativity. The stake across from the temple goes all out for 3 days and it was incredible. I have been to many wedding receptions in cultral halls and have never seen one decorated as beautifully as tonight. We attended a concert in the chapel that lacked a little talent but definitely produced a few giggles on our row! The kids were able to make a few christmas crafts in the primary room and then dressed up to participate in a live nativity in the relief society room. We made it home just in time to tune into the first presidency devotional. Wow! what a jam packed fun day! THANK GOODNESS IT IS NOW BEDTIME! :)

Festival of the nativities

This was the most beautiful ward building I have ever been in! Trees and lights galore!
Making Christmas ornaments!


Outside the stake center in front of the Orlando temple

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well Thanksgiving has come and gone, so the official start to the holiday season has begun! Hoorray!! We had a great day yesterday. Travis, Dad and Bryce did their annual golf game in the morning where dad missed his first hole in one by one inch! (He then talked about it all day) Meanwhile I was home getting ready for the big meal. I made the turkey and stuffing all by myself- thank you very much! and the hardest thing I have ever done in my life was get that stupid bird in the bag. It was quite a sight to behold I am sure. Finally it was in the bag and then I had to sanitize the whole kitchen! Next year I will make Travis do that before he leaves for the golf course! We had a great time with mom and dad and Bryce and my neighbors Heather and Weston. This year they had a new baby to add to mix. Needless to say I went to bed very tired and of course very full. Did I tell you I also managed to put up one of our Christmas trees as well?! Like I said it was a very full day!

Hannah mania!!

I'm sitting here crying and laughing my eyes out at the same time. I tried to use my camera but I am out of batteries, so hopefully I can accurately describe the frenzy that Kaitlynn is in. In case you didn't know, Miley Cyrus aka "Hannah Montana" was on Opera today. I think that Kaitlynn has had a heart attack and went into some wierd convulsions! She is shrieking at the top of her lungs trying to sing at the same time and lying on the floor having a fit. It really is a sight that is quite undescribable!! I think that she is possessed! I don't know what to do to make her stop!!! I can't believe that she is this crazy over a pop singer. She knows every word to every song and even the right dance moves. I am feeling very old right now. I look at her and wonder where the time has gone- where is my baby!? I would take her to the Disney store and buy her every princess item ever made if it would turn back the clock and make her my "little" girl again. The part that really scares me is the fact that she is only 7. What am I going to do at 13?!!!!

Kaitlynn's "big girl" haircut

Okay Aubrey, here are the pictures of Kaity's haircut. I told the lady just to bob it, and the next thing I knew, Kaity was getting the cut You and I have been trying to duplicate for a year. Go figure! Kaitlynn also pulled her tooth out last night so now the last picture she is down another tooth. She is very proud of herself. She wants to go to the bank today to put her money in for safe keeping. She is saving up for a Hannah Montana doll," just in case Santa doesn't have enough to go around this year! Because ya know mom, she is the most popularist girl ever!" Where do they come up with these things!?

SEATTLE

Iam so glad that Travis was able to take his trip to Seattle! He had a great time. I am also not to proud to say I am glad that he is home!! I think that we both went to sleep as soon as he came in the door and unloaded the kiddies gifts! Thanks for those presents! Brayden slept with Superman tucked under his chin. :) It was nice to sleep all night without hearing all those weird night sounds!

Travis said that it was great seeing his family especially his grandmas. He was also able to reconnect with Matt which is something he has wanted to do for a long time now. Thanks to all who housed and chauffeured him around! Next time the whole family will come- in the summer so I won't have to buy a new wardrobe for a week of different climate! :)