The Things She Says...

At dinner one evening, while I was feeding G taco soup...
G: The beans are sad
Me: Why are they sad?
G: Because they miss their daddy
Me: Where is their daddy?
G: In my mouth

Yesterday morning...
G: Tell me a story Mommy!
Me: Once upon a time there was a snowman
G: No! Not a snowman story... they melt!
Me: Once upon a time there was a pink and green lizard named Larry
G: He was brown and white
Me: This is my story and I said he's pink and green
G: Brown and white!
Me: Why don't you tell the story then
G: No, I want you to tell me a story about the brown and white lizard
(I don't know the story about the brown and white lizard because I'm making these stories up as I go...)
Me: Once upon a time there was a princess named....

The Christmas Card You Didn't Receive

 I had the best intentions for sending cards out this year. Life is busier this year than last. This is probably the photo I would have included... although Lady's face says it all "I'm trying, but I just don't want to do this."

 I see my friends' family photos and there seems to be hundreds of fantastic photos where everyone is smiling a happy, natural smile... even looking at the camera, or not (but if they aren't it's in a very artistic way). My kids' experssions are HONEST. Lady is still trying, but Baby would rather be pulling ornaments off the tree...

 After only a few minutes, we have lost their attention.

 "Come here you! You're gonna take a family photo and you're gonna like it!"

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

This is the gingerbread house that we built

 Last year, Aunt M started what is now a Christmas tradition with our girls: the building of the gingerbread house. The raw materials as seen here.

 Head Froster pictured with one of the workers

 The workers (also known as the proletariat)

 Upper Management (the bourgeoisie)

 Upper management pays a visit to middle management (Aunt K)

 The artists begins with a blank canvas and then works her merry magic to create something that pleases the eye and the tummy

The finished product...voila! 

Finally December: Parent Night at Dance Class

 The twins have really enjoyed dance again this year. Lady is in front with Bell following. The girl to the very right is their friend "C" who carpools with us every week. Mommy and C's mom attend yoga class right after dance class.

 Bell strikes a pose

 Leaping Lizards, Lady!

 Someday...

Let me dance!

November: Thanksgiving at Grandma Goldenstar's (and Papa's)

 While Mommy and Daddy were at the beach, Grandma and Papa took care of the four chitlins. They were exhausted. We then enjoyed a delicious Thanksgiving dinner, which kept us so busy... WE DON'T HAVE ANY PICTURES! We ate dinner with Joan and had pie with the Browns. Good times!

 Grandma kept us all well-fed. Here the girls enjoy "fairy tea" and grapes.

 She's always a lady to me...

The shirt says it all!

November: Anniversary Getaway

 EIGHT years ago we honeymooned in Newport. Four states, four kids, and almost three degrees later, we're still smiling and even more in love now.

 Somewhere we have this exact pose taken 8 years ago. Probably better that I can't find it. I'd like to think I haven't aged a bit (ha ha ha)

 My love

 We both love the ocean. In the East it's called "the shore," in California it's called "the beach", in Oregon it's called "the coast." Please notice that no human is in the water.

 We both love lighthouses. We visited this one on our honeymoon.

 Beautiful and green... looks a bit like Ireland.

So relaxing...

It's been a wonderful adventure. I'm so glad I married this man. Life is full of bumps, potholes, detours, etc. I wouldn't want to make the journey without this man by my side. Here's to another 8 years.

November: Daddy's B-day Water Park!

 Next stop on our Northwest roadtrip was to the fabulous Grand Wolf Lodge-- an entire waterpark inside a hotel. Thanks to Grandma and Papa for making Daddy's birthday one he will never forget!

 Bell and G enjoying the kiddy play area

 The twins braved the big waterslides several times. Down the shoot with Papa and

Mommy.

 Brave Lady!

 Grandma Goldenstar didn't want to be shown up... so brave.

 She LOVED it

 

 Daddy, Mommy and the twins... first they're UP

 and then they're DOWN

Thanks Grandma Goldenstar and Papa. We had a GREAT time!

November: Seattle!

 We took a roadtrip to the Northwest for the week of Thanksgiving. Our first stop was to Seattle to visit the awesome Aunt Dana and her fabulous family. We had a wonderful time watching the snow fall, making and eating sushi, visiting the doll museum, playing with kinnect (sp?) and just visiting.

 Bathtime with our cute cousin D.

 Aunt Dana put sponge curlers in our hair. As our friend Fancy Nancy would say, we looked "amazing."

 We also met up with one of Mommy's best friends growing up. They've known each other since second grade.

The next generation of best friends. We had lots of fun playing dress up. The two Princess G's decided right away that they were "best friends." We can't wait to see them again at Christmas time.