Christmas morning!!!

Santa made it to our house!

Christmas Eve

The best part of Christmas is the night before and the anticipation. With new jammies and a plate of cookies for Santa... we were all ready!

During the day Chuck had to work so we just hung out and baked cookies. Cole wasnt in the mood for his picture, so he isnt in as many.

They liked eating the dough better than the cookies. I do too!

Coles Preschool Program

Cole had his first preschool program for Christmas. It was seriously the CUTEST thing I have ever seen.
The best part was Cole was totally into it singing every word and doing all the actions. I wasnt sure if he would do this or not, because sometimes hes shy. But he did GREAT!
Here is a photo of his fan club... Ali and Libby.

How do you cheer up a 2 year old girl?

Aliyah has been a bit upset today (getting into things, screaming at Cole, etc.)
She was up coughing last night and just didnt feel to good. So I was trying to think of something to make her happy. Then I thought about what a girl ANY age would love......



A manicure and pedicure! We filled up the sink with warm water and bubbles, I rubbed her feet and painted her nails.



I think it worked!

Utah Adventures

Here are some of the highlights from my Utah trip:

HaLlOwEeN

Ali was a princess and Cole was spiderman, they had so much fun trick-o-treating!

HoGLe ZoO

We always love going to the good old Hogle Zoo! This year there was the cutest baby elephant and giraffe... so Cole thought every animal should have a baby and would ask me "where is this animals baby at baby, mom?"

TeMpLe SqUaRe

We headed downtown on one of the days, Ali loved the big statue of Jesus. And Cole... well he loved the water out of the reflection pond apparently.

Cole also loved being with uncle Brian - they were pretty much inseparable.

After a great trip to Utah now I am back to 17 degree weather and 5 inches of snow... and SO excited to start the holidays!!

Disney on Ice

We just got home from an amazing trip to Utah to see the family. I will be posting more pictures and details of the trip later on. One really fun thing we did was go to see Disney on Ice. My kids love Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs... so that was Coles favorite part. Ali would have loved it too... but she slept through it! She was terrified of the loud noises and made me cover her ears, then the next thing I knew she was sound asleep. Cole was completely intrigued. We didnt tell Cole it was the Disney "Princesses" on ice. That would have made him not want to go. There was enough boy stuff (Aladdin, the Beast, etc.) to keep it entertaining for him.

Dancing Queen

Ali started her gymnastics class and is loving it! She is a bundle of energy and this is a good way to get some of it out. Ever since she turned two she is just a pill. She is constantly climbing out of her crib (now we have a tent on her bed), drawing all over herself with pen, taking off her diaper, screaming, etc. But at the same time she has so much fun and is a happy girl. Good thing shes so cute!

Funny

I have to get this down before I forget.... I went to pick up Cole from school and his teacher told me this conversation-

Teacher: Cole whats wrong? You seem a little sad...

Cole: Ya well Jesus is coming back

Teacher: Well thats a good thing isnt it?

Cole: Im just worried hes gonna come back before music time today

Saving Money

Dollhouse retails for about $90.... I found one for $10

Train table retails for about $160-$200..... I found one for $15.00

Ive seen this piano for $1500.00 and up... Mine was $300.00

This Pottery Barn kids chair costs about $129.00.... I bought it for $30.00

This clock was $1200.00 online... I paid $150.00


These are only to name a few!


I have turned into a Craigslist, Garage Sale, Clearance shopper. I cant stand paying full price for things if I can find them cheaper. This is something I have done a little in the past but especially since moving up to Alaska. Probably because everything is way overpriced here! I definately have to be patient and wait for things.... but its so worth it!

Partners in Crime

Just when I thought these girls were being so good and playing so quietly together (Yep thats mascara!) Ali's little cousin Libby actually got it on the eyelashes- Ali needs a few more makeup lessons. LUCKILY it came out of Nicholes carpet only days before she turned her house over to the new owners.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALIYAH!!!!

I cant believe my little baby is now 2 years old! She is full of spunk and energy and sweetness. She had a fun day and a great party with friends and family. Thank you everyone!!!!