Christmas x2

Kyle came home Sunday night from a week long visit with his mom and we celebrated Christmas number two. Daisy took a long nap after church Sunday so we were able to open gifts Sunday night when he got home. The kids opened all the gifts from their mommy & daddy plus gifts from Aunt Susie and the Legarza family. They were so excited. Christmas #2 was a hit. Thanks everyone!

The next morning they woke up way too early, ready to play with all the new toys. We spent the day running errands, doing yard work and setting up all the toys for the kids to play. After naptime, we headed over to Grandma & Grandpa Marz's house for Christmas. We exchanged gifts with them, Lindsay, Sam and Nate. I think all three of my kids left with completely new wardrobes and tons of new toys. Thanks everyone for your generosity!!!! After presents, we had a nice dinner and hung out until my kids hit meltdown and it was time to head home.

When we arrived home, Paul and his family came over for a short visit. The girls were in bed but everyone else gave Kyle's new Rock Band game a whirl. Jonas Brothers, look out!

We head to Cedar City today for a few days with MamaThom & PapaThom. Catch you all in the new year.

Kyle and his new iPod Nano

Abbie opening her art kit from Aunt Susie

Kyle & Abbie taking pictures of each other with their new cameras.

Abbie working with her chalkboard the next morning.

Kyle and Abbie playing Kyle's new "Whoops e Whoops" game (so says Abbie)

Daisy and her ladybug ball - Thanks Nate!!!!!

Grandma & Nate

Daisy and her piggy bank...Aunt Lindsay & Aunt Sam gave the girls cutsie banks.

Me next to my dreamed about compost bin! Thanks Dad & Barb!!!!!!

Kyle almost drooling over Rock Band

Abbie chillin on her sleeping bag shining her flashlight into poor Nate's face

Testing out Rock Band with all the pieces.

Isabelle and Laura get in on the action...

Christmas

We've had a very happy Christmas and hope you have as well. Grandma Sandy arrived Christmas Eve morning. We headed out to the Springs Preserve that night for their lights festival but it started raining so we couldn't stay for too long. Abbie got to sit on Santa's lap and make one last plea for a doll (Santa seemed a little familiar...possibly John Hanks is a little helper????), get her face painted and ride the train before it was starting to really come down and we had to bail. Thank goodness for season passes!
Christmas morning the girls woke up at their usual early morning hour and we filed downstairs to see if Santa came by. Abbie got her doll, complete with a ton of clothes to dress her with. Needless to say, Grandma Sandy has been busy dressing and undressing the doll during her visit. She also got a "Cars" CD in her stocking so instead of Christmas music, we've been listening to the "Cars" soundtrack for two days straight. Santa left Daisy a little stroller that is just her size and a doll to fit inside. But she loves all the new toys from her stocking and her sister's as well.

Abbie wasn't feeling too well on Christmas and wouldn't really talk to anyone on the phone. Later that night, she puked but insisted she was feeling much better afterwards and was ready for some candy! After dinner we piled in the car and went to the light show at Sunset Park. Again, it was raining but we didn't think much of it. Unfortunately, it was closed. We are guessing due to the weather since the sign said it was open holidays but I suppose we will never really know. Strike two on the nighttime holiday events.

With being out of town earlier this month, Tripp's travels, the snow day and everything else piling up I literally haven't baked a thing this year. That's pretty unusual for me as I bake a ton in general and step it up over the holidays. This year, nothing. So it was a wonderful surprise when the Nielson Family dropped off an authentic German gingerbread house kit Wednesday afternoon. I didn't bake our gingerbread house this year (again, baked absolutely nothing) so it was great fun receiving something for Abbie to decorate. Thanks Nielsons...that was the perfect gift!

Grandma leaves tonight and we plan to spend the next couple of days just hanging out and getting ready for Kyle's return home Sunday night then we start Christmas all over again Monday morning (we didn't open any gifts except for Santa deliveries since our entire family wasn't home).

Grandma Sandy and Abbie on the train at the Springs Preserve Festival of Lights

Abbie getting her face painted at the Festival of Lights

Christmas morning...Abbie and her Santa booty

Daisy and her Santa gifts...

Abbie not feeling well on Christmas Day

Two Parties

We had two parties in two nights...first was the birthday party of Grandma and Grandpa Marz who celebrate a birthday 12/22 and 1/1 respectively. The Marz family met at our favorite family restaurant, Metro Pizza, for some yum food and presents. Daisy was a bit of a stinker at the end but Abbie enjoyed sitting in between Daddy and Papa. Nate made funny faces across the table at us most of the night...kept us laughing. We haven't really seen my family since our return from London (outside of running into Sam at the Gap and LJ & Dad at the office) so it was great to get together. Happy Birthday Grandma & Grandpa!!!!!

Tonight was Tripp's office Christmas Party. We met for dinner at Morton's Steakhouse. It was a little strange since Tripp actually works out of our home now that he is on an International Improvement Team but since he spent the first 11 months of the year plus the last three years running the Vegas office, it would have been more strange not to go. It was a nice dinner and since the local sales guy decided at the last minute not to go, Paul & Laura - in town for a visit, came instead. I was thrilled since it is always nice having a sister-in-law at a company function. Dinner was delicious and we all had a nice time. It was a good way for Tripp to say "Goodbye" to his Vegas employees and a great way for me to catch up with family!

Welcome Madeline Grace

My oldest friend Katie just had her baby girl, Madeline Grace. No, she isn't particularly old (although we both are starting to feel like it) she is just the friend I've had the longest...since 7th grade to be exact. I did the math recently when Sam posted something about her "Besties" being friends for so long and figured it has been over 22 years. Crazy.

I love this photo of Maddy. The cutest little smile and mohawk. She looks like she is snuggling under those covers. The smile makes me wonder if she is going to be less of the angel that her mom and I were in middle school/high school and more of the hell-raiser her dad was. Watch out Martin...this sweet, darling bundle of joy could be your payback for the Reno High reign of terror!

Afternoon at the Movies

Tripp took Kyle and Abbie to see Madagascar 2 on Saturday afternoon. We had a ton going on this weekend but he wanted to squeeze in something specifically kid oriented. Abbie wanted to go see Cars but enjoyed it once she got there. Tripp said she was even able to eat the popcorn this time instead of covering her ears the entire show (I think she wore her hat the entire movie).

When Daisy and I picked them up, it was all smiles. Tripp was singing a song from a hippo and seriously belly laughing, Abbie loved the popcorn and the "Move it Move it" song and Kyle recited the movie back to me word for word. So I guess it was a hit.

Abbie's Snowman

Please note: We don't own cold weather clothes and don't plan to buy any as our kids grow really fast and this is a once every 30 years occurrence. Converse, raincoats, legwarmers and mom's gloves are appropriate attire for such an occasion.

Snow Day

In Las Vegas...you betcha. Our very own snow day. We don't get the fancy phone calls that my cousin Jennifer does in Iowa but Kyle didn't have to go to school today so I'd say it all equals out. Hopefully we'll have photos to post later on.

Let it snow!

For those of you who don't live in Vegas, this is what it looked like this afternoon here. The snow keeps falling and we have at least another inch or so on the ground as I type (8 p.m.).

Kyle and his friend Ryan played soccer outside early in the afternoon but lost the ball and then got too cold. Later, he went down the neighbors driveway in the sled a few times but mostly has been marveling at the scene from indoors.

Abbie loved the snow. She stomped it, ate it and threw it. Tripp and Kyle were gone so I had Daisy out with me and it shortened Abbie's stay outside. She would have hung out there forever if I let her.

I heard at the store that it isn't supposed to stop until around 4 a.m. I guess when it snows here, it really snows. My co-worker Dana called it a "Winter Wonderland". For Vegas, I suppose you could call it that.

London

Tripp had to go to Scotland for meetings a few weeks ago and he convinced me to meet him in London for a few days of play. Thanks to fantastic family members who where willing to stay with our kids, I was able to meet him for a few days across the Pond.

I flew out Tuesday, arrived Wednesday and spent two days with my dear college friend Tracy Keller Oxtoby. She has been living just outside of London for a few years now and I promised to do my best to try and visit her while she was abroad. Luckily, I was able to keep my promise and spend two days with her and her darling girls, Emma & Sophie. We spent Wednesday afternoon lunching and running some quick errands then Thursday we headed for the city to do some shopping. We hoped to meet her husband, Andrew, who has in the city for meetings during my stay but unfortunately, he was swamped. Next time.

Tripp arrived late Thursday night and we chatted with Tracy before crashing. The next morning we headed to London for our three day holiday. It was hard leaving Tracy (holding back the tears hard) but I hope to meet her in Columbia this summer at her parent's house for a visit. Besides, she was leaving for Christmas in MO Saturday and needed some time to pack.
Me and my Grandma. Well, pledge grandma that is. All we were missing was Seiler to complete the family tree. Maybe next time.

Friday:
After arriving in London and getting our bags to the hotel, we walked to Harrods and spent a little time looking around. The holiday crowds were crazy (not that Harrods isn't always packed but in December, yikes!) so we set off across Hyde Park and over to Kensington Palace. We toured the palace but unfortunately the Orangery was closed for a private party that day so we couldn't stop for tea. Instead, we headed back to our hotel, found a wonderful Italian restaurant for dinner then hit the sack. We were both pooped.

Saturday:

It was raining outside so definitely a day for inside sightseeing. Our first stop was Westminster Abbey. It's always such an amazing place to be. I find something new each visit. This time, Jeremy Irons voiced the audio tour which was a nice addition.

Next, we headed over to the Cabinet War Rooms and the Churchill Museum. I've never been and was so happy to squeeze it in. I'm fascinated with WWII so it was definitely a hit with me. Tripp took a picture of this poster we liked - could be my motto for 2009!

At the end of the day we decided to try the Orangery again. It is my absolutely favorite thing to do in London and we were thrilled to get right in. There is nothing like tea in the Organery. If you are ever in London, I suggest you give it a try. A big thanks to Lindsay's friend Lauren who introduced me to it during their summer abroad.

Sunday:

Luckily the weather cleared up so we could venture outdoors. First stop, Tower of London. I recommend it to everyone. The Beefeaters are so much fun and give a great group tour. Below is our Beefeater, one of Her Majesty's Guards stationed outside the Royal Jewels and a shot of my single favorite thing about the Tower of London - the blue doors.

After several hours at the Tower we headed to Oxford Circus to pick up a few remaining gifts then sneaked into the National Gallery a couple of hours before they closed. After heading back to the hotel, we walked around the corner for some fish & chips before packing our bags for our early flight the next morning.

We had a lovely time. The trip flew by but we definitely missed our kids and were happy to arrive home shortly before 10 p.m. Monday night. Tripp heads to CA Thursday and Houston in January...I'll definitely be staying home for those trips.

Abbie's Christmas Dance Show

Abbie's first dance recital was tonight. I started calling it her dance show because she seemed to understand what that meant.

She did a great job. She's not headed for Ballet West anytime soon but she had a ball and that is all I want for her (after having a Nazi dance teacher growing up). She tried really hard and loved every second of it so I'd say it was a big success.

It started out a little rocky when the little girl next to her peed on the floor while waiting for the recital to begin. Abbie had to run and tell me what happened and seemed a little yucked out but she got over it pretty quickly and was ready to boogie. After her dances she stood on the sides and danced to the big girl music.

We have another recital at the first of June. It is the big one with costumes and an amphitheater. Abbie is looking forward to January for her class to start again. Thanks Ms. Lori for making dance so much fun.

The first photo Lindsay took and color touched. The below photos are from our not-so-great camera and I don't know how to touch up anything. Thank goodness for sisters.

Daisy Doodle, One Year Old

Daisy turned one year old today. It seems like forever ago that I was in the hospital with her and that we brought her home yet it's gone by in a flash. She is truly a happy girl. We know that many people might disagree with us because she has been known to cry her eyes out when others want to hold her but it just takes her a little time to warm up then she is happy to play with anyone and everyone.

Her feet are still tiny but her little tummy and legs make up for it. I wish I could say this was her first taste of cake or ice cream but sadly, she's had both several times. She loves to crawl but has no desire to walk yet. All in all, she is a joy to be around. We love her old man laugh and big fat smile.

She had a lot of fun at the party opening her presents and playing with Kyle, George, Lulu, Abbie, Ruby and Nate. She was happy to share and all the kids (minus Kyle & George) enjoyed trying out her birthday booty. Sadly, her daddy wasn't able to join us as he is still in Scotland but hopefully he'll see the photos and feel like he was here.

Opening the gifts - all the kids got in on the fun.

Abbie with her very own talking purse (lucky Mommy)

She even liked the packing material.

Her very own baby doll....

Trying to get into the baby doll package.

Really excited about that baby doll...thanks Nikki for unpacking all the goods.

Reaching in Mama & PapaThom's mystery sack...

George and his Pops

Everyone checking out the new garage...another big hit.

The birthday cake girls...
Princess for a day!