Ughhh... the Tradition Lives On

Dec. 2009

Dec. 2008

Ribbit Ribbit

Nate told Kalli about this place he used to go that had hundreds of frogs, so of course she wanted to see them too.

And of course, we didn't see a single one.
I am starting to wonder if Nate really saw any frogs either...

Spot Check

The waves were supposed to be huge today, so we had to check it out at the best spot in Monterey, just past 'Lover's Point'

and they were HUGE. (I hate that pictures don't do waves justice)

As usual, Kalli looking for shells

These 2 can't get enough of the beach!

Someone is in love...

with his lawnmower!

He takes after his dad :)

I just want to pinch those cheeks!

And here is Kalli trying out her new raincoat (from gma) in the rain.

A Monterey Christmas

This year Santa came to visit us in Monterey. Kalli was excited for Christmas and had soooo many questions about how 'everything' works with Santa. She is a smart kid and super observant. If I am not more careful, she is going to have it all figured out by next Christmas!

Kalli got oodles of fun stuff in her stocking, including enough candy to last her a lifetime (thank you gpa :)

Treyvan was just happy to be with all the family. He could care less about opening presents.

Kalli's stash - some of the things on her Christmas list were a tape measure, computer and snow globe (random, I know). She got the first and last items - maybe when she is a teenager she can have the middle one. Also, this year her FAVORITE present was the mini snow globe.

Trey got this foam ax. Loved it!

This was the BIG present of the year. She loves it. Now I won't keep finding random pictures of walls, floors, closeups of feet and heads of people on my camera.

Nate got some 'tatts'. Now someone thinks he is hard core...

These are two of Trey's fave presents. He can't get enough of either one of them!

Checking out the goods

We went for a drive to the beach. (I really do like our beaches better - sorry Monterey)

We ended the day with a little nature walk not far from the house.

Christmas was perfect this year. I couldn't ask for anything else. We are very blessed to be surrounded by good friends and family, not only around Christmas, but all year long!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Someone is Very Happy to be in Monterey

Merry Christmas from Us to You

In case we missed you on our mailing list...


We hope you all have a Merry Christmas!

Survivorgirl

One of Kalli's favorite things to do is lay in our bed and watch Survivorman with Nate. So it didn't surprise me when I found those two making their own bow and arrow. Kalli was pretty proud and even showed me how to use it.

Look at that form! I am so proud :)

A Fashion Island Christmas

Fashion Island was bustling tonight. We stopped in to do a little shopping and found the huge Christmas tree next to Santa's house. It was so beautiful, I can't imagine decorating a tree that size!

A Little Preschool Fun

Kalli's preschool group sang a few songs for us moms on the last day before Christmas vacation. They did more laughing than singing, but I enjoyed it all the same. I am so glad I joined this little co-op group and Kalli has had so much fun. She can't wait to go to Kindergarten and I can't believe I have a school-aged child. Where has the time gone?!

Our Little Nativity

The last couple years for FHE in December, we pull out our little nativity and tell the Christmas story. This year Nate told Kalli, then she retold the story to me. She did a wonderful job, the only problem was the 'little hands' that kept getting in the way and moving things around. These 'little hands' love to be in the mix of EVERYTHING :)

A Visit From Santa

Tonight at our ward Christmas party, the kids were supposed to come dressed in their pjs. Besides having breakfast foods for dinner, the kids were read The Polar Express by the engineer

I invited Julie and her kids to come too. They had fun and Tyler wanted to sit with Treyvan during the book.

they did lots of different crafts and then Santa arrived. Kalli was excited to sit on Santa's lap, but I was curious to see how Treyvan would react...

this is what I thought would happen.

Kalli waited in the long line patiently and when she finally got to Santa, she had lots to say. This year on the top of her list...a snow globe.

The party was lots of fun and the kids played really well together. Good job activities board (Nate and others) for putting this wonderful party together!

Two Princesses and a Frog

Kalli and I went on a date to The Princess and the Frog.

We got Cold Stone ice cream and popcorn, ready to sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

We sat next to the Lowry's who were just as excited to see the princess kiss a frog

So here's my critique: I didn't really like the dark voodoo that the villan played with throughout the show. I won't buy the movie, but I had a great time hanging out with my daughter!

Mommy's Little Helper

Trey's newest obsession is sweeping. You would think this would be nice, but when I have a tidy pile of dirt ready to be scooped up and a broom comes from out of nowhere and dashes it into little pieces - you would think differently. For now, I will just enjoy how cute he looks with a broom in hand. In a few years I will be begging him to do this :)

The Perfect Tree

I love the smell of a fresh cut tree!

Kalli was so excited to pick a Christmas tree this year and set it up.

Kalli and Trey loved going through all the old decorations
and stringing up the lights

Treyvan crashed early. but Kalli stayed up until the tree was finished

Now, let the holidays begin! Merry Christmas!

A Farrell's First

While Jess was in town we wanted to hit up the new Farrell's that just opened in the mall. I had never heard of it and Jess said it was great, so we went for a late night treat. That atmosphere was cute and I enjoyed the company, but the service was awful. We waited 30 minutes for our sundaes and the only reason we got them that soon is because we finally asked for the manager. I will give the place a break because it is new, but seriously 30 minutes is a little ridiculous for ice cream (and then they screwed up the order...) I will have to try this place again but maybe in a couple months when they have worked out all the kinks. Anyhoo, glad we could spend some time with Jess. I miss that girl!

A Few of My Favorite Things...

It is time for the bi-annual Favorite Things party hosted by yours truly and Wendy. We love throwing this party and look forward to a GNO. My favorite item I gave away was a necklace I LOVE from Forever 21. I got some great gifts too!

Here are a couple of my favorite people

Jess (far left) drove from St. George to come to the party - and of course will stay and visit for a few days. It is fun having her back.

some of the partygoers

The perfect party planners.

Already looking forward to the next one in the summer, I'll keep ya posted!