New Balance

Sophie trying out her new New Balance shoes from Grandpa Ralph and Grandma Shirley.

Lincoln Logs

Maddie finds a quiet spot to build with a classic toy from Granpa Dean and Granny Mel.

Christmas Day

After gift opening, we headed over to Aunt Jessie's for some good food and holiday cheer. Above, Grandma Connie works her magic on Sophie.

Go Emmet, Go Emmet:


Emmet was kind enough to let his cousins play with his new toys.


Our best shot at a family photo. Happy Holidays!!!!

Christmas Morning

Looks like Santa made it to Los Angeles!!! Here is a picture of what the kids woke up to Christmas morning.


Maddie asked to go to bed all day on the 24th. When I finally tucked her in at a record early time of 7:00, she cut our story time short and asked me to quickly get into my bed in case Santa came in. Christmas morning, Maddie remarked, "I must have been pretty good to get all these presents." In addition to the great toys and clothes, Maddie also got two ear infections and bronchitis as an added bonus.


Not to be left out, Sophie got her own double ear infection along with her own baby. Now she won't have to share her big sister's.


Sophie also got this great vacuum from Grandpa Dean and Granny Mel.

Two More Days . . .

Two more days until Christmas . . . so, I think it is safe to post some of our Christmas card outtakes. I took so many pictures of the girls in their matching sweaters that it was hard to choose my favorite eight for the card. Here are a few extra . . .




Merry Christmas, Leroy!! It's hard to believe he'll be 11 in just a couple of months. People have told us that that is old for a large dog, but he isn't showing too many signs of slowing down.

Santa Clause!!!

The best part of the day was seeing Santa Clause. I think I may have been more excited than the kids were. One, Santa was at the zoo, this meant I wouldn't have to take the kids to the mall. Two, there was not a single kid in front of us, no line at all. Three, my stage 5 clinger (Sophie, duh!) didn't shed a single tear or utter a single protest about being out of my arms and in those of a strange fat guy. The only downside, the lies Maddie told Santa. She fed him all kinds of garbage about how good she's been this year. Hee, Hee.

Merry-Go-Round

After the zoo adventure, we were off to the merry-go-round.
Maddie and Grandma run ahead:





Emmet's first ride on a carousel:


Daddy and Sophie, just chillin:

Escaping Animals!

More Zoo Pics

Maddie in monkey-mode.

Holiday Zoo Trip

We spent the day at Griffith Park with Grandma Connie, Grandpa Tim, Jessie and Adam. Our first stop was the zoo. It was a great day; I guess everyone else was shopping because I have never seen the place less crowded. In the picture above, Sophie and I check out Santa's reindeer while Maddie works on her antlers.

Santa Sophie

I guess she looks more like an elf than Santa. Either way, she is super cute in these jammies given to her by Granny Mel. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Down Time

We've all been enjoying a little down time over the past week. We really haven't been up to much except hanging out together and relaxing. Above, Maddie spent a morning with her jewelry box, and below, Sophie got a new hair-do. Quite cute, if I do say so myself.

Holiday Songs

I snuck out of work for a couple of hours yesterday to watch Maddie sing in her school's holiday program. They did a little play, recited a poem, and sang several songs. The whole thing was too adorable for words. If you can't tell, she's wearing antlers because she played one of the reindeer parts.

Christmas Break!

Yesterday was my last day of work for three weeks! There aren't too many perks to teaching these days, but a nice long break over the holidays in one of them. Who looks happier about the break, the students or the teachers????

It's Getting Cold!

After months of scorching temperatures, I think it is safe to say winter has arrived in L.A. When I left for work yesterday, it was 32 degrees outside!

Christmas Lights

I took the girls for an evening walk so we could view some of our neighborhood lights. In true LA style, Maddie opted for sunglasses.

Sophie-Lou-Who

Squeaky Clean

Door Knobs, and cabinets, and faucets, oh my!


Check out my belly, now that takes balance! Thanks to my big belly, Mommy doesn't even have to edit my picture!


Beware of the big green swamp monster!

Morning Time

Quick pics of the girls at breakfast.

Big Sister Helps With Breakfast

The Almost Christmas Card

I've had this picture for a bit, but didn't post it because I thought it just might be our Christmas card this year. But, if possible, I think I have something better; you'll just have to wait until yours arrives! As you can see, we've been enjoying some fall-like, dare I say winter-like, weather. We are loving the cooler temps, long sleeves, hats and sweaters.

Deck the Halls

We put our tree up Thanksgiving weekend. Madeline did almost all of the work, and the tree is beautiful.



Posing in matching Christmas jammies.