Bugseum Field Trip

We took a preschool field trip to the Bugseum in Shafter.  It's a really neat place and is the main headquarter where all of the butterfly kits are ordered from throughout the world.  The kids had a great time seeing all of the different kinds on insects.  They even got to pet a hissing cockroach.  

Here is one van full of kids ready to go.

Our little preschool group.  Absolutely impossible to get them all to look at the camera at a place like this.

Things that make me smile

Parenting is definitely filled with challenging, sanity questioning moments.  But it is also full of moments that make you laugh, smile and feel extremely grateful for the unique and lovable little souls you have been blessed with.  As I was looking through my phone photos, I came across some pictures that made me smile.  Hope you enjoy.

Bath time is a favorite for me.  I read somewhere: If your kids are crabby, put them in water.  So true.  Sometimes my kids go for a swim in the tub in the middle of the day.

 Doesn't get much happier than this!

 I can't tell you how much my girls loved this shopping cart.  They laughed and giggled the whole shopping trip.  Definitely worth pushing that big hunk o' junk around the store.

 I love having my little "helpers" with whatever I'm doing.  They are always so interested in anything different that I do.  Susie especially loved gift wrapping at Christmas.  She played with the ribbons for hours.

 Love this ritual that Tyson and Nina do.  "I love you this much."  Now they just abbreviate "this much".

 Who couldn't love this face?  Even if it is a bit black and blue with crawling mishaps.

 Nina's new glasses.  I also love how Tyson's biggest concern was how Nina's self esteem may be affected.  He makes sure to always tell her how beautiful she is in them.  (Ashamed to admit that I was more worried about her breaking the glasses or refusing to wear them.)  Dad definitely takes care of his little princesses.

Christmas 2011

What a wonderful Christmas!  Christmas has got to be the best time of year.  Having a three year old made it even more magical and special.

Our family Christmas photo taken at Tyson's parents house.

 Christmas morning was a bit crazy because it fell on a Sunday and we had 9:00 church.  We decided we would just focus on opening stockings and the kids' gifts from Santa and leave the rest for after church.  Here are the girls in their matching PJs excited that Santa didn't forget them.

 We were so excited when Tom, Mayer and Billy decided to drive from Utah to join all the us (and my dad and Beth) for Christmas.  

 The only thing Nina asked for was Rapunzel.  She was beyond thrilled to get it.  To top it off Grandma Beth and Grandpa Larry got her a Rapunzel tower to put her dolls in.  This girl couldn't have been happier.  She was definitely on Santa's good list this year.

 Tom and Tyson drew each others names for Christmas this year.  So of course they got each other gifts that any manchild would want.  Here is Tyson with his air soft gun.

 Susie got an Alphabet train from Grandma and Grandpa and the girls had a blast cruising around the kitchen on it.

It turned out to be a wonderful day.  All in all I think it took about eight hours to open presents that day (between naps and eating).  This time of year makes me reflect and realize how blessed we are with wonderful family and friends.  But most importantly how blessed we are for the Savior, whose birth we celebrate this time of year.  I am grateful for a holiday which focuses on His birth.

Santa

We were lucky enough to have three separate encounters with Santa Claus this year.  With each meeting Nina warmed up more and more to the idea of sitting on a strange, creepy man's lap.  I'm not really sure if this is a good thing or not.  Nina wanted just one thing this year: Rapunzel.  She also let me know that Susie wants a yellow duck.

Tyson's work Christmas party (picture of a picture, sorry.)

Hmmm...this Santa Claus looks awfully familiar.  This is at Mountain View High School where Grandpa Mack just happens to work.

Grandma Connie's annual Christmas party.  This year it was at Brent and Marsha's house in Roosevelt, Utah.  This year we learned that Connie's mom, Great-grandma Lyon, started this tradition years ago.  Everyone always gets Oreo's, Lucky Charms, cheese and meat.  Grandma Lyon started the cereal tradition.

Susie didn't know what to think of Old Saint Nick.

Did I mention that EVERYONE sits on Santa's lap regardless of age or affiliation to the family.  If you attend the party, you sit on the lap.  No questions asked.  Poor Santa.

Festivities in Utah

We were able to spend a week before Christmas up in Utah.  It was great to be able to visit our family and friends that we don't see very often.

One of our first activities was Grandma Connie's Christmas Party in Roosevelt, Utah.  It's so fun seeing all of Tyson's aunts, uncles and cousins.  We haven't been able to make this party in years.  Here is Susie mesmerized by all the people and, of course, Santa.

 Nina had so much fun playing with all of her second cousins.

 Grandma Connie and all of her great-grandkids.

 We got to visit with my Grandma Wood in Kaysville.  The kids enjoyed playing with all of her fun toys.

 Nina watched this train for hours.  We may have to get one for our house.

We got to spend some time with our friends, the Bilbaos.  Our kids are the same ages and it was fun to get together with them.

And of course no trip to Utah would be complete without a visit to Temple Square.  We were so lucky to see Aunt Bea (Sister Wood) before she left for Kentucky the next morning.  We got to hear the sister missionary choir do a "beautiful rendition of Silent Night" (Tyson's quote, I guess you had to be there.)

 We got a VIP tour of the Beehive House where she was currently serving.

 And, oh my goodness, the lights were magical!

9 months

This little chica is 9 months old.  Whenever I read the book The Boss Baby it reminds me of Susie.  This little peanut if packed full of personality.  She can be demanding and bossy, but never forgets to smile and laugh.  Here's a few factoids about this sweet little 9 month old:

• She is a tiny little thing, weighing in at 15 pounds 12 ounces (5th percentile) and measuring 25.5 inches tall (3rd percentile)
• We're not too worried about her size because this girl LOVES to eat.  She will eat everything offered to her and won't stop.  She will eat until she throws up in fact.  If you don't feed her fast enough she slams her hands angrily on her high chair tray and yells at you until you feed her. 
• Still no teeth and it doesn't look like she will have any soon.
• She loves to "talk".  Says dada, mama, baba.
• She LOVES dogs.  She gets so excited whenever she sees one.  She starts breathing heavily, her heart races, and she squeals and kicks her legs.  Pretty much the cutest thing ever.
•  She is crawling, kind of.  She mostly army crawls and gives up easily.  She will crawl a little bit, then look at me with sad eyes and will whine until I pick her up.
• She is still an "orangutan leech" baby, who insists on physical contact with "mama" at all times.
• She loves to laugh, especially at the silly things Nina does.  Her sweet smile melts our hearts and causes us to count our blessings every day.

Retail Therapy

Occasionally a girl needs a little bit of "retail therapy".  Our therapy sessions occur at the Valencia Towne Center (mall) with Grandma Beth.

Doesn't  get much better than lunch at Dink's.

 Gotta love the poinsettia tree

 A carousel ride is a definite must to keep the kids sane.

 Nina is all girl.  Here she is trying on knee high women's boots.  It's so funny how she is already interested in fashion.  She told Tyson this morning, "Dad, you look really cute in that outfit."  Are we in for some trouble or what?

 Nina must feed her obsession with trains.

Enjoying the ever-so-early Christmas decorations.