Winter Fun

We took some pics when the sun has come out. (These were last week or earlier) The kids love to sit in the wagon starting at the neighbors driveway and go down the sidewalk luge. I thing it is actually safer with the snow walls on each side. They just kind of bounce off avoiding a crash.

Pathetic

A quote that I just can't get out of my head comes from the weatherman a week or so ago,

"Well folks, Saturday will be the day to get out and enjoy the weather. It will be in the low 30's with clear skies."

Okay the high today was 25 and it seems like it is always snowing here, but COME ON - ENJOY?!

Blast Off!!!

Brayden used to take a mommy and me gymnastics class until the mommy became to large. His favorite part were the bungee cords that they would do about twice a session. All of the other kids would go to other activities while waiting there turn, except Brayden. He would sit there intently and shout 3,2,1 BLAST OFF everytime a child was catapulted in the air. Our den has a 17 foot (really lame) vault but it could be put to good use if I could talk Brian into rigging up something similar.

Christmas Day

Christmas morning always ends up on video camera and the pictures are few and far between. Every year I say it will be different next year and I still forget. The kids made out with too much loot as usual. They ended up playing most with the nerf dart guns that day. No one was safe. Brayden took a break from his new race track to try out Hailey's karoke machine which has turned out to also be a big hit. Here Brayden was testing the warranty info. He wanted to see if a constant flow of drool was equivalent to a stream of water.

Another momentous occasion this holiday season was the farewell to the kiki (pacifier). After months of attempting to reason with the child (meaning bribes) it just had to disappear. Brayden was not willing to trade ANY toy in Costco, Toys r Us, Walmart or Target for his prized possession. He still asks for it daily, but I think we are at the tail end of this ordeal.

A few days before he became a "big boy." Now about those diapers.........

Fully Recovered

We have finally recovered from the holidays. Things were much busier this year with family nearby and friends coming into town. Brian took over two weeks off and started a few projects around the house. Thanks to Brian's bravery swinging from the rafters in the attic we finally have a well lit entrance and mud room.

We had Brian's family over a few days before Chrismtas for dinner and gingerbread house making.

Concentration

The guys used glue guns instead of frosting.

It is funny how on Christmas Eve the children magically turn into little angels.

Hailey has picked up reading very quickly. She read the family a children's version of the Christmas story before bed.

Friday & Saturday

I don't know why this has taken so long to finish this trip! At least I will have finished Thanksgiving pictures before Christmas.

Friday- The attempt.....

A Family Photo

It is a toss up.

My Sister-in-laws....Some marry in spite of the family....some for the family. Brian is great but his sisters are awesome!

Saturday - Muir Woods

It was a cold day but worth it to see the giant redwoods.

Brian carried Brayden and his binki the entire time. Good thing we have a stroller! Maybe we just need a heated stroller.....

I know there aren't any great pictures of people standing in giant trees but our camera died because it is a battery guzzler. Anyway I think Santa is bringing a new one for Christmas. I will let you know...

The End

Wednesday & Thursday

Wednesday- San Francisco Exploratorium - http://www.exploratorium.edu/

Everyone enjoyed this museum. Hailey's two favorite displays where the least scientific but no matter. When your five what could be better than having a conversation with a fish or drinking out of toilet fountain?

This exhibit was all about the mind and exploring out it works. I could not bring myself to take a drink. Hailey has never cleaned a toilet so it came a little easier to her.

Here you can ask the fish a yes or no question and it would respond with pre-recorded answers. Hailey really thought the fish was talking to her so it was very cute. Unfortunately the fish had some response that Hailey now uses when I ask her a question like, " You are crazy! I am NOT going to answer that question!"

The fam at the Golden Gate.

Thursday - Thanksgiving dinner in Capitola and pie at Natural Bridges State Beach. To get to the restaurant from the parking lot you could take the hillavator or small tram instead of the stairs. The kids are wondering where are all of the other hillavaters are. The elevator has definitely gone down in the rankings.

At the beach there was a seaweed jump rope contest to work off the pie. I did not participate but Brian did surprisingly well. However, the gold metal went to Hailey's cousin Jessica. I stole this picture from Melinda's blog. Just carrying Brayden around is a challenge, jump roping with him, now that is love.

Thanks to Brett and Michelle for planning such a wonderful day.