Disneyland - Feb 2011

I'm not sure what it is about Disneyland, but our entire family absolutely loves it there!  We returned over President's weekend this year, and once again had the best of times.  Maybe it was the rain that made us so giddy (no lines), or perhaps it was watching Kayla fight Darth Vader in the Jedi Training Acadamy show.  Or, it could have been the smile on Matthew's face as we rode Pirates of the Caribbean over and over and over again.  There is something about that place that is so special for us.  I'm sure our love of Disneyland sounds silly to some, but making these happy memories with each other as a family is priceless...and we can't wait to go back again.

Happiest Family on Earth!

Happiest Kids on Earth!

One Year Ago...

Wow, I just realized that it was exactly one year ago that we were meeting with a realtor and getting prepared to list our house for sale.  We were entering into uncertain territory, with no clear end point that could be seen, and it was scary.  But, we knew we needed a change for our family - that was the one certainty in it all.

Now, I can't imagine not making that decision.  Our lives are so enhanced by that move, and while it might sound strange to some, perhaps others of you out there can understand..  I'm so thankful for new friends, more laughs, less commute, better schools, happy kids, more space, great neighbors, proximity to family, and the promise of so many more wonderful memories to make.

Another life lesson learned...
Don't be afraid of making those big moves in your life.  Big changes often bring about big rewards.

Snow Day

Our kids have never seen the snow.  So, we decided to take a day trip up to the Sierras for a half day of skiing, and a half day of sledding/tubing.  We picked the perfect day to make the trek - 22" of fresh new powdery snow and a beautifully clear day awaited us.  Unfortunately, everyone and their third cousins also decided to go that day.  Skiing turned out to be a "no go" - WAY too crowded, and no lessons available for our first-time skiers (both kids).  So, we spent the day playing in the snow instead.  It ended up being a wonderfully fun day for all of us.

Here is the view from our car on the way to the ski resort - a perfect winter wonderland.  The snow was amazing!

Here are the kids in the car - finally there after a long drive!

We all bundled up, and the kids immediately had to try and make snow angels.

We took a break for ice cream.

Both kids LOVED the snow, and were so happy to be there.  It was so great to see smiles on their faces all day long.

Here is the tubing hill we all thoroughly enjoyed.

Christmas 2010

We spent a wonderful two weeks at the end of the year together as a family.  It was a much-needed break from our daily rush, and we had a great time.

The kids were excited for Christmas.  Matthew asked Santa for a Pokemon DS game, and Kayla joined with Mom and Dad in asking Santa for a family Wii.

My Grandmother and Aunt were out visiting from Kansas for a few weeks before Christmas, and Andrew's dad came for a short visit prior to the holiday, as well.  Andrew's mom joined us for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner at my parents' house, as well as Christmas day.

Here are some pics...

My sister's kids with Matthew and Kayla.

An attempt at a family picture on Christmas morning.

(Clockwise from top left) My mom, Kayla, Me, my Aunt, and my Grandma

Grandma, Kayla, and me.

My Dad and Kayla - he's still going strong 18 months after his ruptured aortic aneurysm

Matthew and Kayla after decorating the tree.

I love this expression on Matthew's face when he sees that Santa has brought us some exciting stuff on Christmas morning.