My Big 3-0!

What a great day! Tony gave me a day of pampering and play. I can't wait to see what the rest of this decade has in store!

Sledding

So, we just have a slight incline from the front yard to the back, but it works for now! Caleb wasn't sure he wanted to try it, but ended up loving it. He went down by himself over and over. Ali learned how to say, "Whee!" very quickly. We can't wait for another good snowfall!

Snow Play!

We had a ball playing in the snow and building our first big snowman at this house! Isn't he wonderful?

Alison Loves Her Aunt Sarah

Aren't they sweet?!?

Tornado Ali

Can you believe this sweet pig-tailed girl is the one we call "Tornado Ali?" How can one little girl look so sweet and yet the roller coaster moods...?

Seriously, we love the new pigtails! Don't you?

Ali the Gymnast!

Her newest feat - hanging from the oven bar! Do all kids think of these things? She is such a little tumbler. She's been somersaulting for months and now she's such a climber, always wanting to try something new.

Singing with Grandma

The kids love spending time at Grandma and Grandpa's house. A favorite activity with Grandma is looking through her music teaching books and singing those songs with her - often with hand motions. We are truly blessed to have their involvement in our lives!

Ali's Newest Love!

Sadly, Caleb & Alison have never gotten to sample the famous Zeikle Family Peanut Butter Chocolate Drops! So, Caleb & I made soy-nut butter chocolate drops this year. As you can see, Ali was a HUGE fan!

California Adventure: Part 3 ~ Cars!

Grandpa figured out when & where we could find two of the cast members from Cars. Caleb was thrilled to meet Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. By the end of the day, everyone was worn out, but happy. Ali slept in the stroller and Caleb was all tuckered out on Daddy's shoulders.

California Adventure: Part 2

Another fun day! With just one short day in California Adventure, we tried to hit a bit of everything. The kids just love hanging out and playing, of course. They did some surfing and pretending to be firemen. Michelle was willing to risk the height of the ferris wheel, until we got to the top! Caleb seemed the least phased at being able to see for miles. Mommy & Daddy got to try out the California Screamin roller coaster. Maybe next time for the kids...

California Adventure: Part 1 ~ A Bug's Life

We started our morning at California Adventure with a trip to the Bug's Life area. Perfect for toddlers! We all loved the rides there and the fact that we didn't have to wait in any lines! A great start to our day...

Disneyland: Part 5 ~ Exploring the Park

We spent the rest of the day exploring all the rest of the park. Caleb was excited to ride the train, so we tried two. We went on the train all around the park and also the circus train, where Caleb, Kathleen and Grandma were caged animals! The Jungle Boat cruise is a necessity, with so many animals to spot! Alison had a chance to meet Captain Jack Sparrow, and he gave her a string of prized gold beads.
We ended the day with Autopia, where both kids had a blast taking the wheel. A great first experience of the Happiest Place on Earth!

Disneyland: Part 4 ~ Toon Town Fun!

Definitely our favorite area in Disneyland! We spent most of the morning hangin' out in Toon Town. The kids had a blast with all the hands on play.

Disneyland: Part 3 ~ Ali meets Goofy

Thinking he was a doggy, Ali couldn't wait to meet Goofy. She stared at him in fascination as we waited for her turn to meet him. (Caleb knew he didn't want any part of that. He doesn't like characters in costume.)
But, when her turn finally came, the pictures tell the story of her disappointment and fear.

Disneyland: Part 2 ~ "It's A Small World"

Wide-eyed wonderment! The kids were on optical overload, but it was a definite favorite. A great way to start the day!

Disneyland: Part 1 ~ Getting Started!

Seriously - the tram ride into the park was our first "ride." Kids thought it was great! Ali loves her big cousin, Kathleen. Then, it was on to explore the Magic Kingdom. Through Sleeping Beauty's castle, to search out a "Small World."